The land transfer is part of a settlement agreement between Kennecott and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as compensation for contamination of the North Zone Wetlands near Interstate 80 in Tooele County, according to a statement from the federal government. The Wildlife Service contends the North Zone Wetlands were contaminated by groundwater flowing from Kennecott's smelter.

Although Kennecott has admitted no guilt, the company has stopped contaminated water from flowing to the North Zone Wetlands and has dredged contaminated soil, said Chris Cline, spokeswoman for the Wildlife Service. As part of the draft agreement, Kennecott would construct a pipeline and canal system to improve water flow to the Lakepoint Wetlands and provide funding for the costs of ownership and management.

The draft restoration plan can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/nrda/lakepointwetlands/index.html. Comments also can be sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2369 West Orton Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, 84119. - Christopher Smart