New strategy under way to measure the health of the Great Salt Lake

"Having gone through that process, I recognize that this water quality strategy is a big idea, a big effort and will take a long time. … It will take years and lots and lots of manpower."

Such efforts, with standards in place, will help shape interaction with the lake for decades to come and should involve robust public involvement, he added.

The division is hosting an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to share information with the public about its strategy, an event that includes an informational video, posters and employees who will be available to answer questions. The event will be in the boardroom of the state Department of Environmental Quality, 195 N. 1950 West.

Comments on the strategy are being accepted through July 15, and Baker said ideally, the strategy will be presented to the Water Quality Board for adoption by sometime in late fall.

Those comments may be submitted electronically via email to jgardberg@utah.gov, or faxed to 801-536-4301. They may also be mailed to: PO Box 144870, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, or hand delivered to 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

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