Water Reclamation Plant Wetlands

August 12, 1998
Built in 1989-1990, the Water Reclamation Plant Wetlands project has been a favorite of both plant personnel and the public.  The 30-acre water feature utilizes treated wastewater from the Salt Lake City owned treatment facility.  Up to 5 million gallons a day of treated effluent flows through the site, and is habitat for numerous bird species and wildlife.  Public viewing is made possible from a parking area on the north side of the wetlands off of 2300 North.  Just completed in an observation facility accessible from the main office building on the south end of the wetlands.

The purpose of the project is to enhance the urban wetlands in this portion of the Great Basin desert as a statement of the community’s sensitivity to environmental values.  A committee was form representing the following agencies to consult on the project:

  • Utah Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife division
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Water Pollution Control
  • Salt Lake City County Health Department

The amenities of the project are as follows:

  • Provide needed wetlands for bird migration and habitation.
  • Provide needed urban wetlands for public enjoyment
  • Provide new use of treated wastewater.
  • Provide a research facility wetlands treatment of stormwater.
  • Improve the appearance of the Water Reclamation facility.

Jon Adams plant manager notes that “It’s a nice addition to the plant. There is a lot of public interest in the wetlands, many folks take their lunch hour at the site to observe the wide variety of birds and wildlife.” According to Mr. Adams, “There are nearly 100 different bird species identified that inhabit the wetlands, and diverse wildlife, such as muskrat, raccoons, skunks, foxes and small rodents.” The wetlands is “doing good” says Mr. Adams. The ecosystem had matured to include a number of predators.  Mr. Adams has observed hawks and eagles in the area.  The University of Utah and the State Division of Natural Resources have sent study teams to observe the wetlands and life using the habitat.
The wetlands really came about as a result of a wet cycle from 1982-1988, when the elevation of the Great Salt Lake rose to record levels, forcing the water in the Sewage Canal to back-up to the City’s Water Reclamation facility property. Water ponded in the area, and ducks began habituating the area for a number of years, until the lake began receding and ponds dried up.  LeRoy W. Hooton, Jr. said that everyone got accustomed to the water and the water fowl, so when he saw a picture of a Los Angles wastewater treatment facility with a water feature, the idea of developing a man-made water feature at the Salt Lake City Reclamation facility took hold.  Everyone though it was a great addition to the facility and with the aid of a technical committee headed by Bill Farmer, then Plant Manager, the wetlands project was developed. It was necessary to acquire approvals from various agencies, included the Army Corp of Engineers, Utah Bureau of Water Pollution Control to revise the plant’s NPDES permit and the Salt Lake City Planning and Zoning Commission.

Questions can be directed to Jon Adams: john.adams@ci.slc.ut.us