Great Salt Lake, Utah

Preservation

(Updated July 8, 2009)

Last week, Dia learned of an application filed by Great Salt Lake Minerals (GSLM) to dramatically increase the number of solar evaporation ponds which they use to extract potassium sulfate for fertilizer. Some 80,000 acres are proposed in the North Arm of the Great Salt Lake where Spiral Jetty is located.

To read about GSLM’s application and see maps detailing the proposed areas of expansion, visit: http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/pub/outgoing/co/reg/pn/200700121-09-pn-scope.pdf

In response, Dia issued public comments to the governing agencies (Utah Department of Water Quality and US Army Corps of Engineers) expressing our apprehension about the scope of the application, and our sincere concern about the depletion of lake level that would result from the evaporation ponds. Lower water levels could dramatically change the shoreline and expose mudflats, thereby creating a larger area of lake bed, in turn increasing the potential for dangerous dust storms.

All of these factors could negatively impact Spiral Jetty and its natural surrounds. Not only would a permanent "draught" environment be potentially problematic to the original conception of the artwork, but the possibility of actual degradation to the sculpture from the buildup of natural materials, and potential increase of off-road vehicles at the site, could permanently irreparably damage the artwork given the sculpture’s inextricable relation to the surrounding landscape. Of additional concern to Dia are the destruction of waterfowl and shorebird habitats; the deterioration of wetlands preserves; and the overall potential negative ecological impacts of GSLM’s proposal to the unique and fragile Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

The Army Corps of Engineers is working on an Environmental Impact Study for the project which is anticipated to be complete in early 2010. Over the course of the coming months, Dia will continue its advocacy efforts for Spiral Jetty to ensure that the long-term preservation of the artwork is considered within the Army Corps’ larger project evaluation.

Dia remains wholly committed to preventing development that will negatively affect Spiral Jetty, and continues to work with its partners in Utah, including State officials, Friends of the Great Salt Lake, the Fine Arts Museum of Utah, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, among others, on a long-term plan for the protection of Spiral Jetty as an essential American cultural resource. Dia sincerely appreciates the public support for these efforts, and will keep its website current with the latest relevant information.

Previous Efforts:
2008, Oil drilling application near Spiral Jetty
(Updated February 6, 2009)

In early 2008, Dia learned of an application filed by the Canadian oil and gas company Pearl Montana Exploration and Production for exploratory drilling in the Great Salt Lake, to be undertaken 3.5-5 miles from Robert Smithson's iconic Spiral Jetty of 1970. The drilling itself, as well as any subsequent oil extraction, could disrupt the artwork's viewshed, compromise the physical integrity of Smithson's extraordinary sculpture, upset the area's isolated character, and degrade the natural environment of the Lake.

In response, Dia and other interested parties, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sent emails to their constituents explaining this situation and asking them to contact the State of Utah to express their concern about the proposed drilling. As a result, during the public comment period for Pearl Montana's application, which ended on February 13, 2008, the State of Utah received more than 3,100 emails and letters, as well as 300 phone calls, from concerned parties in the United States and abroad.

Subsequently, Dia met with Utah officials to discuss the long-term preservation of Spiral Jetty. Together, Dia and the State decided to pursue the creation of a buffer zone around the sculpture that would both help protect the artwork for future generations and fit within the Lake's multiple-use resource plan.

In August 2008, Dia learned that the State had denied Pearl Montana's application, thereby preventing any immediate drilling at the site. Moreover, Dia was pleased that Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., had convened the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, requesting recommendations for ensuring that planning for the future of the Lake includes preservation of its fragile ecosystem as well as the utilization of resources and enhancement of recreational opportunities. In late October 2008, Dia made a presentation to the Advisory Council about the history of Spiral Jetty and the significance of Robert Smithson. Additionally, in early November 2008 Dia met with executives from Pearl Montana to discuss the company's plan to re-file its permit request in early 2009. In January 2009, Dia learned that while Pearl anticipates resubmitting its application, current plans have been put on hold due to a reorganization of the company and falling oil prices.