State water officials to give update on Salton Sea restoration efforts

State officials will be at the Salton Sea Tuesday morning to give an update on the many issues facing the troubled lake to stakeholders.

Some stakeholders such as the Audubon Society are calling on state officials and the Imperial Irrigation District to come to an agreement on habitat restoration and dust mitigation at the lake.

A point of urgency all comes as the lake continues to shrink exposing the lakebed and potentially creating health issues with dust, and losing the habitat for more than 300 species of migratory birds.

The shrinking became more rapid as runoff from the colorado river was diverted from replenishing the lake in 2003, and water to partially compensate for this loss ended in 2017.

The state is committing $280 million has part of those efforts and Governor Gavin Newsom have previously made commitments to resolve any issues that have delayed the state’s response. One major sticking point is the disagreements over easements with the IID.

The state water board will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, 99155 Sea View Drive, North Shore. The public is invited to attend and comment.