This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Re "Task force says Snake Valley water deal 'equitable' for Utah" (Tribune, Oct. 29):
If Gov. Gary Herbert agrees with his so-called independent panel that this is going to be an equitable water deal with Nevada, he is jeopardizing the future of Utah's west desert and everything that inhabits it. Draining the Snake Valley aquifer will turn an already dry desert into a permanently destroyed ecosystem.
If you think the air quality is bad now, imagine what is coming if this agreement is signed. Picture dust clouds blotting out the sun and degrading our air until you feel each breath.
How many times do we have to make the same mistake before we learn? I can't help but think this is history repeating itself. This situation is alarmingly similar to the Dust Bowl disaster of the 1930s.
Austin Burr
Salt Lake City