Font ResizeThanks to the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah and some members of Congress, it appears that Utahns are safe from the threat of the disposal of additional barrels of depleted uranium at Clive.
Alas, we are still not safe! According to measurements by the U.S. Geological Survey, Utah's natural disposal site, the Great Salt Lake, contains not only mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, selenium and antimony, but about 300,000 kilograms of uranium, which, unlike depleted uranium, contains very hazardous, high-energy alpha-emitting decay products. Although the uranium in the Great Salt Lake is less than that at Clive, this uranium is mobile and is not licensed, controlled, monitored or safely sequestered in a dry desert disposal environment with a protective earthen cover.
Furthermore, radon, the gaseous daughter of uranium decay, which is absent in depleted uranium, is now at maximum concentration and percolates from the lake into the atmosphere and is dispersed over residents of the Wasatch Front.
Only two solutions for this overriding risk exist.
Empty the lake's water into the west desert near Clive so it can seep safely below ground or relocate all residents along the Wasatch Front.
What do environmental protectors suggest?
Gary Sandquist
Salt Lake City
