Govind Tekale
Karmactive Staff
California’s first major habitat restoration project at the shrinking Salton Sea reached a key milestone with water now flowing into the East Pond Expansion. This progress marks a turning point in long-running efforts to address both environmental and public health challenges in the region.
The newly filled East Pond Expansion, combined with the original East Pond filled in early April, brings about 2,000 acres of restored habitat online. This achievement is part of the larger Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, which has grown from an initial 4,100 acres to a planned 9,000 acres of restored habitat and dust suppression areas.
“Today marks a major step in California’s environmental leadership – breathing life into critical ecosystems while creating cleaner air for communities around the Salton Sea,” said Governor Gavin Newsom at the inauguration ceremony.
Why It Matters
California’s largest lake has been shrinking for years, exposing more lakebed, which releases harmful dust particles into the air. The Imperial Valley already suffers from high rates of asthma and respiratory illnesses, making this dust a serious health concern for nearby communities.
The project creates shallow water ponds that serve two critical purposes: they cover exposed lakebed to prevent dust from blowing into communities, and they provide vital habitat for birds and fish, including the endangered desert pupfish and hundreds of migratory birds that use the Pacific Flyway.
Joan Taylor, Chair of Sierra Club’s California/Nevada Desert Committee, highlighted the project’s significance: “This should spark new hope in surrounding communities that it really is possible to avoid the impending human health and ecosystem disaster at the Salton Sea.”
Growing Support and Funding
The project’s expansion became possible through unprecedented financial commitments. California has allocated more than $500 million in state funding, while the federal government committed $250 million through the Inflation Reduction Act, with $70 million already awarded specifically for Salton Sea projects.
This collaboration involves multiple agencies working together, including:
- California Natural Resources Agency
- California Department of Water Resources
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Imperial Irrigation District
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
“Leadership matters,” said Secretary Wade Crowfoot of the California Natural Resources Agency, acknowledging the improved partnerships that made this progress possible.
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Engineering a Solution
The project uses a carefully engineered approach to water management. It blends water from the New River with Salton Sea water to achieve salt levels (20 to 40 parts per thousand) that can support fish and bird populations.
The restoration creates a network of ponds, berms, nesting and loafing islands, and water delivery systems designed to sustain wildlife while covering exposed lakebed that would otherwise contribute to poor air quality.
Looking Forward
With initial ponds now filled, attention turns to the next phases of the project. The Center and West Ponds are currently in the design phase, which will further expand the restoration footprint.
The 10-year Salton Sea Management Program envisions potential expansion to up to 29,800 acres of habitat and dust suppression projects by 2028. A draft Long-Range Plan has also been released for public review to guide efforts beyond the current program.
Senate Bill 583 recently established the Salton Sea Conservancy, the first regionally based conservancy in California in 10 years, to give local communities more voice in restoration decisions.
Community Impact
For many residents, the restoration represents hope for both environmental recovery and potential economic revival.
“I grew up coming to the Salton Sea with family and neighbors, and we would have fun. And I would love to see that happen again,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, who represents the area. “The air is horrible, but this singular step that’s taking place today is a win for the community.”
Beyond habitat restoration, the region is emerging as a potential “Lithium Valley” with vast lithium reserves in geothermal brine beneath the sea. This could create new economic opportunities aligned with clean energy goals, though this aspect wasn’t highlighted during the milestone celebration.
Andrea Jones, Audubon California’s director of conservation, summed up the sentiment: “Water is the essential ingredient that provides life for this community—and the fact that it is flowing into this project should give everyone hope that better days are coming.”
