Owens Lake: Difference between revisions

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imported>Mary Ash
(Adding 2010 nonattainment info)
imported>Milton Beychok
m (Changed occurrences of PM 10 or PM-10 to PM<sub>10</sub> which is the usual symbol.)
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== Air pollution ==
== Air pollution ==
The lake emitted an estimated 79,200 tons per year of PM-10 ([[particulate matter]] 10 microns or less<ref name=PM10>[http://gbuapcd.org/pm10.htm Particulate Air Pollution: A Threat To Our Health] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref>) according to a [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) study done between July 2000 through June 2001.<ref name=EPA-Conference>[http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei12/fugdust/present/ono.pdf Quantifying Particulate Matter Emissions from Wind Blown Dust Using Real-time Sand Flux Measurements] Duane Ono and Scott Weaver of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, and Ken Richmond of MFG, Inc., U.S. EPA Emission Inventory Conference, San Diego, California, April 2003. From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> That is equivalent to an average of  217 tons per day. During that test period, a peak value of 7,200 tons per day was encountered.  
The lake emitted an estimated 79,200 tons per year of PM<sub>10</sub> ([[particulate matter]] 10 microns or less<ref name=PM10>[http://gbuapcd.org/pm10.htm Particulate Air Pollution: A Threat To Our Health] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref>) according to a [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) study done between July 2000 through June 2001.<ref name=EPA-Conference>[http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei12/fugdust/present/ono.pdf Quantifying Particulate Matter Emissions from Wind Blown Dust Using Real-time Sand Flux Measurements] Duane Ono and Scott Weaver of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, and Ken Richmond of MFG, Inc., U.S. EPA Emission Inventory Conference, San Diego, California, April 2003. From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> That is equivalent to an average of  217 tons per day. During that test period, a peak value of 7,200 tons per day was encountered.  


“Owens Lake is the largest single source of PM-10 in the United States,” states the [[Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District]].<ref name=PM-HealthEffects>[http://www.gbuapcd.org/Information/OwensLakeParticulateMatterHealthEffects.htm Survey of Reported Health Effects of Owens Lake Particulate Matter] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the [[United States Federal Register]] state that Owens Lake is in noncompliance with established air quality standards.<ref name=EPA-FedRegister>[http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/2007/June/Day-06/a10857.htm Findings of Failure To Attain; State of Arizona, Phoenix Nonattainment Area; State of California, Owens Valley Nonattainment Area; Particulate Matter of 10 Microns or Less] From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref><ref name=USGS>[http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/geology/owens/ Owens (Dry) Lake, California: A Human-Induced Dust Problem] From website of the [[U.S. Geological Survey]]. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref>
“Owens Lake is the largest single source of PM<sub>10</sub> in the United States,” states the [[Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District]].<ref name=PM-HealthEffects>[http://www.gbuapcd.org/Information/OwensLakeParticulateMatterHealthEffects.htm Survey of Reported Health Effects of Owens Lake Particulate Matter] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the [[United States Federal Register]] state that Owens Lake is in noncompliance with established air quality standards.<ref name=EPA-FedRegister>[http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/2007/June/Day-06/a10857.htm Findings of Failure To Attain; State of Arizona, Phoenix Nonattainment Area; State of California, Owens Valley Nonattainment Area; Particulate Matter of 10 Microns or Less] From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref><ref name=USGS>[http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/geology/owens/ Owens (Dry) Lake, California: A Human-Induced Dust Problem] From website of the [[U.S. Geological Survey]]. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref>


The blowing sand and PM 10 air pollution has affected approximately 40,000 residents living near Owens Lake. Regionally the blowing dust and sand has affected United States Forest service employees and the navy base located at[[ China Lake]].<ref name=EPA-Region9>[http://epa.gov/region9/air/owens/history.html Owens Valley, CA Particulate Matter Plan: History] From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> Nearby residents in [[Keeler, California]] reportedly are exposed to 25 unhealthful days a year while residents in the town of [[Ridgecrest, California]] experience 10 unhealthful days per year due to the PM 10 air pollution.  Dr. Bruce Parker  of Ridgecrest has been quoted as saying "When we see the white cloud headed down through the pass, the ER and doctors' offices fill up with people who suddenly got worse. It's a pretty straightforward cause and effect.”<ref name=PM-HealthEffects/>
The blowing sand and PM<sub>10</sub> air pollution has affected approximately 40,000 residents living near Owens Lake. Regionally the blowing dust and sand has affected United States Forest service employees and the navy base located at[[ China Lake]].<ref name=EPA-Region9>[http://epa.gov/region9/air/owens/history.html Owens Valley, CA Particulate Matter Plan: History] From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> Nearby residents in [[Keeler, California]] reportedly are exposed to 25 unhealthful days a year while residents in the town of [[Ridgecrest, California]] experience 10 unhealthful days per year due to the PM<sub>10</sub> air pollution.  Dr. Bruce Parker  of Ridgecrest has been quoted as saying "When we see the white cloud headed down through the pass, the ER and doctors' offices fill up with people who suddenly got worse. It's a pretty straightforward cause and effect.”<ref name=PM-HealthEffects/>


As of 2006, PM 10 emissions and blowing dust were somewhat quelled after the[[ Los Angeles Department of Water and Power]] allowed water to return to small sections of the lake and tributaries. [[Irrigation]] pipes and[[ bubblers]] will help water 13 1/2 miles of lake bed. [[Saltgrass]] will also be planted to help alleviate the blowing dust and associated air pollution.<ref name=LATimes>[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/nov/18/local/me-5642 New Era for Old Foes in Water Wars] From website of the [[Los Angeles Times]]. Retrieved 2011-01-31</ref> As of 2008, the Owens Valley Planning Area, did not attain the 24-hour [[National Ambient Air Quality Standards]] (NAAQS) for particulate matter of 10 microns or less (PM10) by December 31, 2006, as mandated by the United States [[Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990]] (CAAA).<ref name=(GBUAPCD)>[http://www.gbuapcd.org/airqualityplans.htm Overview Of Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District  Air Quality Plans] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> In 2009, 3.5 square miles of saltgrass have been planted. Drip irrigation is used to water the saltgrass. Ponded water or sheeting water is used to help keep the dust down. The area covered by water is 27 miles. The total amount of area covered by either grass or water is 30 miles out of the 100 mile lake bed. An additional 9 square miles of ponds or sheeting is planned as part of the Long-Term Habitat Management Plan. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is responsible for applying these mitigation measures which are scheduled for completion in 2010.<ref name=OVCweb>[http://www.ovcweb.org/docs/Rainshadow1208.pdf  President's Message] From website of the Owens Valley Committee. Retrieved on 2011-02-02.</ref>
As of 2006, PM<sub>10</sub> emissions and blowing dust were somewhat reduced after the[[ Los Angeles Department of Water and Power]] allowed water to return to small sections of the lake and tributaries. [[Irrigation]] pipes and[[ bubblers]] will help water 13 1/2 miles of lake bed. [[Saltgrass]] will also be planted to help alleviate the blowing dust and associated air pollution.<ref name=LATimes>[http://articles.latimes.com/2001/nov/18/local/me-5642 New Era for Old Foes in Water Wars] From website of the [[Los Angeles Times]]. Retrieved 2011-01-31</ref> As of 2008, the Owens Valley Planning Area, did not attain the 24-hour [[National Ambient Air Quality Standards]] (NAAQS) for particulate matter of 10 microns or less (PM<sub>10</sub>) by December 31, 2006, as mandated by the United States [[Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990]] (CAAA).<ref name=(GBUAPCD)>[http://www.gbuapcd.org/airqualityplans.htm Overview Of Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District  Air Quality Plans] From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.</ref> In 2009, 3.5 square miles of saltgrass have been planted. Drip irrigation is used to water the saltgrass. Ponded water or sheeting water is used to help keep the dust down. The area covered by water is 27 miles. The total amount of area covered by either grass or water is 30 miles out of the 100 mile lake bed. An additional 9 square miles of ponds or sheeting is planned as part of the Long-Term Habitat Management Plan. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is responsible for applying these mitigation measures which was scheduled for completion in 2010.<ref name=OVCweb>[http://www.ovcweb.org/docs/Rainshadow1208.pdf  President's Message] From website of the Owens Valley Committee. Retrieved on 2011-02-02.</ref>


As of December 17, 2010, the Owens Valley is classified as Serious by the EPA concerning PM 10 air pollution.<ref name="urlCriteria Pollutant Area Summary Report | Green Book | US EPA">{{cite web | url = http://www.epa.gov/airquality/greenbk/ancl2.html | title = Criteria Pollutant Area Summary Report &#124; Green Book &#124; US EPA | format = | work = | accessdate = 2011-02-02}}</ref>
As of December 17, 2010, the Owens Valley is classified as Serious by the EPA concerning PM 10 air pollution.<ref name="urlCriteria Pollutant Area Summary Report | Green Book | US EPA">{{cite web | url = http://www.epa.gov/airquality/greenbk/ancl2.html | title = Criteria Pollutant Area Summary Report &#124; Green Book &#124; US EPA | format = | work = | accessdate = 2011-02-02}}</ref>

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(CC) Image: Richard Ellis
Blowing dust at Owens Lake, California.

Owens Lake (located in Inyo County, California, USA) once was almost as large as Lake Tahoe in surface area. Charcoal kilns, steamers, a flyway for migratory birds, and local agriculture were once located at this desert lake. Today, Owens Lake is mostly a dry lake bed with small patches of water. This drastic change happened in 1913, after the lower Owens River was diverted into an aqueduct serving as a water supply for Los Angeles and created one of the largest man-made sources of air pollution by dust (particulate matter).

History

The Owens Valley, where Owens Lake is located, is part of the westernmost graben[1] of the Basin and Range province where two almost vertical faults. To the west is the Sierra Nevada range while the Inyo-White mountains are located to the east. Formation of the valley began approximately 3 million years ago during the Pliocene period.

The area is seismically active and an estimated 8.0 earthquake in 1872 inLone Pine, California killed 23 people. Most of the buildings in Lone Pine were also destroyed. Volcanic activity is also reported in the area as the Owens Valley is part of the Long Valley Caldera. Volcanic eruptions of the Inyo Chain were reported as early as 600 years ago.[2]

John C. Fremont explored the area and named the lake after his associate Richard Owens. Native Americans who lived in the area included the Paiute, Mojave and Shoshone tribes. By the 1860s settlers moved into the Owens Lake area. Silver miners moved to the area when silver was discovered at Cerro Gordo located in mountains east of Owens Lake. Cerro Gordo is considered a ghost town and is open to tourists.

Farming soon followed after the early settlers arrived in the area. Wheat, potatoes, apples, corn andgrapes were being grown in the area in 1910. 43,000 sheep were also raised by local farmers.[3] Logging and a sawmill was built by Colonel Sherman Stevens in the 1870s. Lumber was used to build Stevens Wharf at Owens Lake. The wharf was built on the west side of the lake where the lumber was loaded onto steamers. The lumber was then ferried across the lake where it was unloaded onto adock.It was then loaded onto freight wagons, then taken to local mines.

Stevens also built a pair of adobe ovens that produced charcoal for the Cerro Gordo mines. The steamers Molly Stevens and Bessie Brady were used to carry ore from the mines to waiting freight wagons. The ore was shipped down to Los Angeles.[3][4]

Water for Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles buys up water rights between 1905 and 1907. Congressional funding was appropriated to pay for the proposed aqueduct project. Between 1910 and 1913 the Los Angeles aqueduct is built. On November 5, 1913, in the San Fernando Valley at the “Cascades” 30,000 Los Angeles residents gathered to celebrate the opening of the Los Angeles aqueduct. Bottles of Owens Valley water were distributed, speeches were made, and the aqueduct gates were opened. Water trickled forth.[5]

By 1970 a second aqueduct was completed after theU.S. Supreme Court allocated more Colorado River rights to Arizona leaving Los Angeles searching for more water sources. The newly built aqueduct ran from the Haiwee, California reservoir just south of the Owens Lake dry river bed. After the construction of the second aqueduct, 70 percent of Los Angeles' water came from the Owens Valley area.[6]

Air pollution

The lake emitted an estimated 79,200 tons per year of PM10 (particulate matter 10 microns or less[7]) according to a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study done between July 2000 through June 2001.[8] That is equivalent to an average of 217 tons per day. During that test period, a peak value of 7,200 tons per day was encountered.

“Owens Lake is the largest single source of PM10 in the United States,” states the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District.[9] The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Federal Register state that Owens Lake is in noncompliance with established air quality standards.[10][11]

The blowing sand and PM10 air pollution has affected approximately 40,000 residents living near Owens Lake. Regionally the blowing dust and sand has affected United States Forest service employees and the navy base located atChina Lake.[12] Nearby residents in Keeler, California reportedly are exposed to 25 unhealthful days a year while residents in the town of Ridgecrest, California experience 10 unhealthful days per year due to the PM10 air pollution. Dr. Bruce Parker of Ridgecrest has been quoted as saying "When we see the white cloud headed down through the pass, the ER and doctors' offices fill up with people who suddenly got worse. It's a pretty straightforward cause and effect.”[9]

As of 2006, PM10 emissions and blowing dust were somewhat reduced after theLos Angeles Department of Water and Power allowed water to return to small sections of the lake and tributaries. Irrigation pipes andbubblers will help water 13 1/2 miles of lake bed. Saltgrass will also be planted to help alleviate the blowing dust and associated air pollution.[6] As of 2008, the Owens Valley Planning Area, did not attain the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter of 10 microns or less (PM10) by December 31, 2006, as mandated by the United States Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA).[13] In 2009, 3.5 square miles of saltgrass have been planted. Drip irrigation is used to water the saltgrass. Ponded water or sheeting water is used to help keep the dust down. The area covered by water is 27 miles. The total amount of area covered by either grass or water is 30 miles out of the 100 mile lake bed. An additional 9 square miles of ponds or sheeting is planned as part of the Long-Term Habitat Management Plan. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is responsible for applying these mitigation measures which was scheduled for completion in 2010.[14]

As of December 17, 2010, the Owens Valley is classified as Serious by the EPA concerning PM 10 air pollution.[15]


References

  1. Note: A graben is an elongated depression between geologic faults.
  2. Manzanar National Historic Site Geological Resources Management Issues Scoping Summary From National Park Service website. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Chronological History of Owens Valley Retrieved on 2011-01-3.
  4. Finding reminders of Owens Lake’s rich history From website of the Lahontan Valley News. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  5. This Rude Platform is an Altar From website of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
  6. 6.0 6.1 New Era for Old Foes in Water Wars From website of the Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2011-01-31. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "LATimes" defined multiple times with different content
  7. Particulate Air Pollution: A Threat To Our Health From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  8. Quantifying Particulate Matter Emissions from Wind Blown Dust Using Real-time Sand Flux Measurements Duane Ono and Scott Weaver of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, and Ken Richmond of MFG, Inc., U.S. EPA Emission Inventory Conference, San Diego, California, April 2003. From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Survey of Reported Health Effects of Owens Lake Particulate Matter From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD). Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  10. Findings of Failure To Attain; State of Arizona, Phoenix Nonattainment Area; State of California, Owens Valley Nonattainment Area; Particulate Matter of 10 Microns or Less From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  11. Owens (Dry) Lake, California: A Human-Induced Dust Problem From website of the U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  12. Owens Valley, CA Particulate Matter Plan: History From website of the U.S. EPA. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  13. Overview Of Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Plans From website of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. Retrieved on 2011-01-31.
  14. President's Message From website of the Owens Valley Committee. Retrieved on 2011-02-02.
  15. Criteria Pollutant Area Summary Report | Green Book | US EPA. Retrieved on 2011-02-02.