Eco-Disasters 101: The Salton Sea
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore the history and environmental challenges of California's Salton Sea. From its accidental creation in the early 1900s due to a breached irrigation canal to its heyday as a tourist destination in the 1950s, this 400-square-mile body of water has undergone dramatic changes over the past century.
The episode covers how agricultural runoff and lack of natural outlets have transformed the Salton Sea into an environmental crisis zone, leading to massive wildlife die-offs and health issues in local communities. The hosts discuss current restoration efforts, including a $400 million government plan and proposals for geothermal power generation and lithium mining, as potential solutions to address the sea's ongoing deterioration.
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1-Page Summary
Natural and Geological History of the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea's story begins with a natural cycle of flooding from the Colorado River that created intermittent lakes and seas in the Salton Basin for at least 40,000 years. In the early 1900s, human engineering dramatically altered this pattern when an irrigation project went awry. A breach in the Imperial Canal during an unusually wet season caused the Colorado River to pour into the basin, creating the current 400-square-mile Salton Sea. Unlike its natural predecessors, this body of water has persisted due to continuous agricultural runoff.
Salton Sea's Rise and Fall As a Tourist Spot
During the 1950s, developers transformed the Salton Sea into the "California Riviera," complete with tiki bars, restaurants, and celebrity performances from stars like Elvis and Frank Sinatra. The North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, built in 1960, became a hub for water sports and leisure activities. However, this golden age was short-lived, as environmental issues in the 1970s and 80s drove away both tourists and residents.
Environmental Issues and Ecological Disaster
The Salton Sea has become an ecological disaster area due to agricultural runoff and lack of natural outlets. During the 1990s, massive die-offs occurred, including 150,000 small water birds and millions of fish. The sea is now shrinking, with forecasts predicting a 40% loss by 2030. As the water recedes, it exposes toxic sediments that contribute to respiratory problems in local communities. The Pacific Institute warns that the sea's decline could cost up to $70 billion over 30 years in property value losses, health impacts, and ecological damage.
Attempts to Restore and Manage the Salton Sea
Recent efforts to address the Salton Sea's problems have gained momentum, with California and the federal government committing about $400 million to a 10-year restoration plan. New proposals suggest leveraging the area's unique characteristics for geothermal power generation and lithium mining. While there are concerns about the environmental impact of lithium mining, some argue it could provide necessary revenue for restoration efforts while being less harmful than mining in pristine areas.
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Actionables
- You can support sustainable agriculture by choosing products from farms that use water responsibly, reducing the impact on bodies of water like the Salton Sea. Look for certifications or labels on produce that indicate water conservation practices, and opt for these products when shopping. This small change in purchasing habits contributes to a larger demand for sustainable farming, which can decrease agricultural runoff into natural water bodies.
- You can contribute to ecological restoration by participating in local tree planting events, which help to combat environmental degradation. Trees can improve air quality and provide habitats for wildlife, countering some of the ecological damage seen in areas like the Salton Sea. Find a local organization that hosts tree planting days and volunteer your time to plant native species in your community.
- You can advocate for renewable energy by switching to a green energy provider that sources power from geothermal plants. By doing so, you're financially supporting the development of clean energy, which could encourage further investment in geothermal projects like those proposed for the Salton Sea area. Check if your local utility company offers a green energy option and make the switch to promote the use of renewable resources.
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Natural and Geological History of the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea's history is a fascinating interplay between natural geological processes and unintentional human engineering that led to its current state.
Salton Basin's Cycle of Inland Lakes and Seas From Colorado River Flooding
Salton Basin: Intermittent Freshwater and Saltwater Fills From Colorado River Fluctuations
Over millennia, the Salton Basin experienced a cycle of filling with both freshwater and saltwater due to fluctuations and flooding of the Colorado River. These alternations created inland lakes and seas that have been part of the Salton Basin's natural history for at least 40,000 years. These bodies of water appeared cyclically, existing for several hundred years before drying up or flowing out, only to reappear centuries later. Lake Kahuila, for example, formed about 1,300 years ago and lasted potentially into the 1500s, at times flooding an area about 26 times the size of the current Salton Sea.
Inland Lakes and Seas in Salton Basin for 40,000 Years; Latest Formation Early 1900s
The Colorado River, with its heavy floods influenced by snowmelt and rainfall, frequently diverted large volumes of water into the Salton Basin. This basin was repeatedly filled not just with water but also silt from the river, which eventually led to the sealing of the basin’s natural exit. This process caused the formation and disappearance of lakes, some turning into saltwater seas or evaporating entirely, thus repeating this geological cycle.
Salton Sea Formed In 1900s From Human Engineering
In the 1900s, the Imperial Canal Diverted Colorado River Water For Irrigation, but a Silt-Related Breach Flooded the Salton Basin
The complexion of the Salton Sea changed drastically in the early 1900s due to human action. The rich soil of the area, primed by millennia of silt deposits from the Colorado River, needed only water to be agriculturally viable. It was in this period that the Imperial Canal was constructed to divert water from the Colorado River for agricultural irrigation. At first, the canal was successful in providing water to the fertile land; however, silt soon became an issue, clogging the canal. A temporary bypass, created to circumvent the "Clog Canal," lacked proper head gates to regula ...
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Natural and Geological History of the Salton Sea
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Actionables
- You can explore the impact of water management on local ecosystems by visiting the Salton Sea area and observing the current environmental conditions. This firsthand experience will give you a deeper understanding of how human actions can drastically alter landscapes. Take notes or photographs to document your observations and reflect on the changes over time compared to historical accounts.
- Start a small-scale hydroponic garden to understand the principles of water usage and conservation in agriculture. By managing water efficiently in your garden, you'll gain insights into the challenges and techniques of irrigation that can lead to events like the accidental creation of the Salton Sea. Share your experiences and what you've learned with friends or on social media to raise awareness about sustainable water use.
- Engage in citizen science by monitoring local water bodies in your area for changes in water levels, quality, and biodiversity. Us ...
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Salton Sea's Rise and Fall As a Tourist Spot
The Salton Sea experienced a period as a glamorous "California Riviera" before its decline due to environmental issues, which drove away both tourists and residents.
Salton Sea: Mid-20th Century "California Riviera"
Vacation Homes, Restaurants, and Facilities Built Around the Salton Sea Attracted Visitors and Celebrities
In the 1950s, developers maximized the Salton Sea's appeal by transforming the area with tiki bars, restaurants, and a Palm Springs vibe, revamping it into "the California Riviera." Not only did this development attract visitors from all around, but it also became a hotspot for celebrities, with notable figures like Elvis and Frank Sinatra gracing the stage with their performances. People were enticed to invest in vacation homes, creating a social scene reminiscent of high-profile party towns analogous to spring break celebrations.
Salton Sea: Hub For Water Sports and Leisure Activities at North Shore Beach and Yacht Club
Further enriching the area's appeal, developers poured $2 million in 1960 into the creation of the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club. This move sparked the Salton Sea's status as an ideal place for a getaway, with postcards featuring its leisurely charm, signifying its allure. As a hub for water sports, the club was the crown jewel of the Salton Sea, renowned for water skiing, yachting, swimming, and a host of other recreational activities. The area became not just a standard vacation spot but a flourishing locale synonymous with luxury and leisure.
Salton Sea's Appeal Declined In the 1970s ...
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Salton Sea's Rise and Fall As a Tourist Spot
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Actionables
- You can explore the concept of transformation by visiting local areas that have undergone significant change, documenting your observations, and reflecting on the factors that led to their current state. For example, find a neighborhood in your city that has been gentrified or an old industrial area that's now a park, take photos, and write down your thoughts on what drove these changes and how they mirror the transformation of the Salton Sea.
- Create a personal project that captures the essence of a bygone era by collecting vintage items or recreating styles from a specific decade. Start with the 1950s Palm Springs vibe by thrifting for mid-century modern decor or clothing, and use these items to decorate a room in your home or put together a themed outfit, drawing inspiration from the Salton Sea's heyday.
- Engage with environmental conservation efforts by ...
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Environmental Issues and Ecological Disaster at Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, described in stark terms on pamphlets that advise "don't come here," embodies a real ecological disaster area caused by high salinity and pollution, leading to tremendous fish and bird die-offs and health risks to local communities.
Agricultural Runoff and Lack of Outlet Caused Salton Sea to Become Saline and Polluted, Leading To Algae Blooms, Fish Die-offs, and Bird Deaths
Salton Sea's High Salinity and Pollution Cause Toxic Conditions, Resulting In Die-offs of Fish and Birds
Starting in the 70s and 80s, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, coupled with a lack of natural outlet, led to increasing levels of salinity and pollution in the Salton Sea. This worsened conditions for fish and bird populations. Over a span of several years during the 1990s, significant wildlife die-offs were recorded, including 150,000 small water birds known as eared grebes and thousands of fish-eating birds. Events such as the loss of 1,000 endangered brown pelicans marked the largest single die-off of an endangered species ever recorded.
1990s: 150,000 Small Water Birds, Thousands of Fish-Eating Birds Died In Salton Sea
In December 1991 to April 1992 alone, a staggering 150,000 eared grebes died, followed by additional mass deaths in the ensuing years. For example, in August 1999, eight million tilapia succumbed in one day, while the previous summer had seen half a million tilapia perish, signifying a trend of declining conditions at the Salton Sea.
Fish die-offs had become a distressingly regular event, especially in the summer months when high temperatures lead to oxygen-depleted, briny waters that suffocate fish. Dead fish carcasses contributed to overwhelming odors, prompting incinerators in nearby towns to run continuously.
Shrinking Salton Sea Raises Salinity, Exposing Toxic Sediments and Harmful Particles, Causing Respiratory Issues For Residents
Salton Sea Drying Exposes Toxic Dust, Increasing Local Respiratory Problems
The Salton Sea is receding, having lost about 10% of its water recently, with forecasts of a 40% loss by 2030. As the water level drops, the shorelines draw back, leaving houses once at the waterfront now far inland. The drying of the lakebed releases gusts of toxic dust, including dangerous chemicals like DDT, contr ...
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Environmental Issues and Ecological Disaster at Salton Sea
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Actionables
- You can reduce your contribution to agricultural runoff by starting a small organic garden using non-toxic pesticides and fertilizers. By doing this, you're minimizing the use of harmful chemicals that can contribute to water pollution. For example, you could grow herbs and vegetables in your backyard or on a balcony using compost as a natural fertilizer, which is a simple way to support a healthier ecosystem.
- You can improve air quality in your home to counteract external pollution by investing in air-purifying plants and a high-quality air purifier. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of toxic particles that may come from environmental issues like those at Salton Sea. Consider plants like spider plants or peace lilies, which have been shown to absorb pollutants, and look for air purifiers with HEPA filters that can capture fine particles.
- You can support local and national conse ...
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Attempts to Restore and Manage the Salton Sea
California faces ongoing challenges to restore and manage the Salton Sea, despite restoration plans and commitments of funding.
Slow Progress Despite Restoration Plans and Funding
Efforts to address environmental issues at the Salton Sea have seen slow progress due to complicated water agreements and insufficient funding.
Quantification Settlement Agreement Redirected Runoff, Reducing Salton Sea Levels and Accelerating Decline
The Quantification Settlement Agreement was an initiative to repurpose water from the Colorado River, originally used for irrigation in the Coachella Valley and San Diego areas. As a result, farmers received financial incentives to use more efficient irrigation methods that produced less wastewater runoff. This reduction in runoff meant less water flowing into the Salton Sea, contributing to its shrinkage.
For 15 years, water that was previously used by Imperial Valley farmers was redirected to support the Salton Sea. Initially, allowing land to lie fallow for water redirection was seen as wasteful. However, it later proved to be a valuable effort to maintain the sea's water levels.
Efforts For Restoration Largely Unfunded or Abandoned
Despite various initiatives for restoration, the Salton Sea has seen projects hindered by financial obstacles. In 2003, the Salton Sea Restoration Act and the associated Restoration Fund did not receive the necessary funding. Even after the Army Corps of Engineers was authorized in 2007 to allocate up to $30 million for projects, only $200,000 was appropriated in 2015 by the Obama administration for further study.
However, recent funding efforts have been more promising. Under Governor Gavin Newsom, approximately $200 million was designated for restoration, and the federal government added $245 million, totaling almost half a billion dollars. This amount surpasses the estimated $383 million that was initially projected for a 10-year restoration plan.
Plan to Restore Wetlands and Explore Alternatives For Salton Sea's Environmental Issues
Current plans include restoring wetlands and seeking alternative solutions for the environmental problems faced by the Salton Sea.
California, Feds Commit $400m to 10-year Plan For Salton Sea Restoration and Mitigation
California and the federal government have committed about $400 million to a 10-year plan aimed at the Salton Sea's restoration and mitigation efforts. These funds will be directed toward ...
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Attempts to Restore and Manage the Salton Sea
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Counterarguments
- The slow progress in restoration efforts could be attributed to bureaucratic inefficiencies or a lack of political will, rather than just complicated water agreements and insufficient funding.
- The Quantification Settlement Agreement's impact on the Salton Sea might be seen as a necessary trade-off for broader water conservation efforts in the region, which could benefit the environment in other ways.
- The view that redirecting water to support the Salton Sea was initially seen as wasteful might be challenged by arguing that the long-term ecological importance of the sea was always recognized by some stakeholders.
- The financial obstacles hindering restoration projects could be critiqued as a reflection of misplaced priorities, suggesting that more aggressive funding could be allocated if the political and public support were galvanized.
- The recent funding efforts, while substantial, might still be criticized as insufficient when considering the scale and urgency of the Salton Sea's environmental crisis.
- The commitment of $400 million to a 10-year plan could be seen as lacking ambition, given the severity of the public health issues and the ecological collapse at the Salton Sea.
- Utilizing the Salton Sea for geothermal power and lithium min ...
Actionables
- You can support local restoration efforts by purchasing products from companies that invest in environmental projects. Look for brands that specifically mention contributing to habitat restoration or environmental clean-up initiatives, and choose these products when shopping. For example, if a coffee brand invests in wetland conservation, buying their coffee can indirectly support similar efforts to those at the Salton Sea.
- You can reduce your water footprint to help alleviate water scarcity issues. Start by installing low-flow fixtures in your home, reducing outdoor water use, and only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. This helps conserve water, which is a critical issue in regions like the Salton Sea that suffer from water diversion and agreements impacting water level ...
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