The Salton Sea is an inland body of water located in California’s Imperial Valley. Its birth in 1905 was accidental, created when flood waters from the Colorado River gushed through irrigation canals and poured into a depression that was once a prehistoric lake. Over a short span, the Salton Sea became the Golden State’s largest lake, boasting a surface area of 343 square miles.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, “The Salton Sea is California’s largest lake, extending from the Coachella Valley into Imperial Valley. It is 35 miles long and 15 miles wide. Though saltier than the ocean, the Salton Sea supports an abundance of fish and is a food source for millions of migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. Over the last several decades, water levels at the Salton Sea have declined and salinity concentrations have increased due to climate fluctuations, agricultural conservation measures, cropping practices, and reduced inflows from Mexico. Declining lake levels create more particulate air pollution that threatens important bird habitat and poses public health risks.”
From Thriving Oasis to Environmental Hazard.
For several decades, the Salton Sea was a haven for tourists and anglers. It was a freshwater lake teeming with fish and embraced by a serene landscape. However, climate change, evaporation, and agricultural runoff combined to cast a shadow over this once-thriving oasis. The water started receding, and toxins and hazardous elements such as arsenic and selenium in the lakebed became exposed. Algae blooms and bacteria proliferated in the toxic environment, contributing to the degradation of the lake.
According to State Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego)
Impact on Surrounding Communities.
Padilla says that the Salton Sea’s deterioration
Uniting to Save the Lake: The Salton Sea Conservancy.
In response to the escalating crisis, numerous environmental justice groups have been pushing for remedial action. In February, Sen. Padilla introduced Senate Bill 583 (S.B. 583)
“This is an environmental crisis that not only impacts the ecology of the region, but the people as well. Communities near the Salton Sea are at breaking point,” said Senator Padilla
Gaining Support and Momentum.
“The Salton Sea needs long-term management that is strongly guided by local voices and leadership,” said Frank Ruiz, Audubon California’s Salton Sea Program Director. “Audubon greatly appreciates Senator Padilla’s leadership in authoring SB 583, which will create a conservancy that is governed by a board of locally-selected leaders in partnership with state officials. The new Salton Sea Conservancy will be a conduit for funding projects at the Sea in ways that are responsive to local needs.”
“We are excited to have a new partner in Senator Padilla, reinforcing our Salton Sea restoration efforts,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia
Progress in Legislation.
S.B. 583
The Salton Sea stands at a critical juncture. With unified efforts and the potential formation of the Salton Sea Conservancy, there is hope that this once-flourishing lake can be restored, and the surrounding communities can rebuild a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Top Image: A sign pointing to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area
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