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DEQ flags 8,966 lb/year phosphorus limit; board to pursue options for Great Salt Lake discharge
Summary
District staff reported DEQ’s response that a technology‑based phosphorus loading limit of 8,966 pounds per year applies to proposed discharges to the Great Salt Lake; staff said chemical phosphorus treatment may still make that option viable and will pursue further analysis.
Staff reported receiving a response from the state environmental regulator (DEQ) noting a technology‑based phosphorus loading limit of 8,966 pounds per year that would apply to a future outfall to the Great Salt Lake. The DEQ note asked the district to inform the agency by July 31 whether it wanted staff to proceed with a pre‑waste‑load analysis.
In response, staff said the district’s proposed permit change would likely exceed the phosphorus loading threshold unless the district implements treatment. A presenter described lower‑cost chemical phosphorus treatment (using a flocculant and a baffle wall arrangement in one cell) as substantially cheaper than high‑rate LPR/ammonia removal systems (which the presenter said could require far more equipment, enclosure and expense). The consultant observed that even if DEQ enforces the phosphorus limit, chemical treatment might still make the Great Salt Lake option worthwhile.
Staff said they would consult with technical contacts and pursue the next round of DEQ engagement and noted they had already met with the Great Salt Lake commissioner, Sovereign Lands and other regulatory stakeholders about pipeline routing and permitting. The board tasked staff to continue analysis and return with refinements to the financial and technical work-up.
