Bulletin Board

April 5, 2000

Salt Lake City Water Reclamation Plant Wetlands is located north of the treatment plant at 1635 West 2300 North, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wetlands were once viewed as useless wastelands, full of dangerous creatures and disease. For centuries, landowners drained and filled-in wetlands. Today wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act, Section 404 and administered by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Under Section 404, it is necessary to secure a dredge and fill permit from the Corps of Engineers, or authorized state agency, for discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States.

There is a growing appreciation for wetlands. A wetland acts like a filter, removing sediment and toxic chemicals contaminating water. During times of storms and high water, wetlands reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing and holding water, which is slowly released during periods when water is scarce. Wetlands also provide recreational activities, such as bird watching.  Wetlands are a very important part of our ecosystem, which must be protected. They provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation.

The official planning of the “Wetlands Project” at the Salt Lake City Water Reclamation Plant began in October of 1987. Organizations involved in its creation included Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Army Corp of Engineers, Division of Environmental Quality, Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Audubon Society. Construction began in 1989 and was completed in 1990, at an investment of around $200,000.

Golden Eagle

The project covers an approximate forty-acre plot of land and consists of about a mile and a quarter of free flowing channel, with water depths at some places in excess of three feet. The water surface area is roughly one third of the total plot, with average daily flow of around three million gallons of treated reclamation plant effluent traversing the site.

The site includes a dedicated discharge point by “UPDES permit” issued by the State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The water from the wetland is held to the same water quality standard as the reclamation plant effluent.

The abundance of bulrush, cattail, reed and other grass species provide habitat for many forms of life, ranging from the smallest meadow vole, and deer mouse, to muskrat, weasel, skunk, raccoon, and red fox. According to Jon Adams, Reclamation Manager, the wetlands management plan provides balance between the various predators and other wildlife. “Except, we do trap and humanely remove feral cats which, because of their numbers unbalance nature’s way,” explains Adams. “Otherwise we let nature prevail.” The only exception is during the nesting period, when Reclamation Plant personnel are careful in the way they maintain the wetlands with equipment and flow changes. “The operators are careful not to disturb the nesting waterfowl,” Adams joking exclaims,  “Our maternal instincts kick in during this period and it’s with great satisfaction when the eggs hatch and there is new life in the wetlands.”  

The bird and waterfowl population varies greatly throughout the seasons. Many are just passing through in a migratory flight pattern, but others settle in to nest. Depending upon the time of year, you will encounter Canada Geese families, many types of long-legged waders; such as the magnificent Great Blue Heron, or boisterous and comical American Avocet. Soaring above are various hawks, and the occasional Golden Eagle. Numerous species of blackbird cling to cattail and giant reeds, while many

Bull Thistle

types of ducks and sandpiper-like bird stick close to the water. So far 89 species of birds, 11 species of mammals, 9 species of insects, 4 species of trees and shrubs and 38 species of vegetation have been identified at the site.

To accommodate the public, there is a large parking area outside of the facilities’ north fence line. During the day, a handicap access observation deck is located just off the Administration building parking lot. “The public is invited to the wetlands to enjoy this community amenity,” says Adams. He notes, “Many from the adjoining neighborhood take their daily walk through the wetlands to enjoy its environmental ambiance.”

In addition to providing needed wetlands for bird migration and habitation, the site provides a research area for diverse fields of study, including but not limited to horticultural, biological, ornithological, and environmental protection. The area has added a pleasing quality to Salt Lake City’s Reclamation facility.

Questions regarding this article can be directed to: jon.adams@ci.slc.ut.us or dale.christensen@ci.slc.ut.us