The SEMA Action Network (SAN) recently sent us an alert regarding the preservation of the Bonneville Salt Flats, and it’s one we wanted to alert our readers to immediately. For decades, the Salt Flats have decreased in size, strength and thickness because salt has been removed by an adjoining potash mining operation and not adequately replaced. Preservation of the Salt Flats has been under the authority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since 1946 when the racing area’s salt depth was at least 5 feet.  It is now only a few inches thick.

The BLM has issued an “Environmental Assessment” of the current mining operation that addresses future salt removal and replenishment. The assessment provides three options, including a voluntary approach (Alternative A) and taking no action at all (Alternative C).

The SAN is urging the BLM to adopt “Alternative B,” which requires a mandatory salt replenishment program. Salt removed from Bonneville to obtain potash will be replaced in the same amount or more.  The current mine owner, Intrepid Potash – Wendover, LLC, has also recommended adoption of Alternative B.

SEMA Urges You to Contact the BLM Immediately in Support of Alternative B immediately as all comments are due by November 7, 2011. Contact details for the BLM re below, and we encourage you to e-mail a copy of your comments to Stuart Gosswein at [email protected] as well.

Bureau of Land Management
Salt Lake Field Office
Attn: Cindy Ledbetter
E-mail:  [email protected]
Fax:   801-977-4397