California accidentally created its largest lake in 1905. A century later, it’s an environmental crisis

The Salton Sink, a geological depression in southern California, has been home to large seas throughout history, naturally filling up with water from the Colorado River when flood waters would pour in. With time though, seepage into the ground and evaporation would consume the lake leaving a dry bed once again.

However, its most recent reappearance was the result of an accident due to manmade intervention in the area. In 1905, when the river flooded once again, it broke through an irrigation canal filling the basin anew over the next two years creating the Salton Sea and the largest lake in California.

This body of water became a refuge for migratory birds on their journey along the Pacific Flyway, which goes from Alaska to Patagonia, as other habitat they used was claimed by human development. It also turned into a recreational area for the residents of the Golden State, providing a space for boating and fishing.

An oasis turns into an ecological disaster

Unlike in the past though, the surrounding desert had been turned into a major agricultural area. Runoff from excess irrigation water continued to fill the basin and replenish the Salton Sea.

But this water was filled with pesticides and other chemicals. Furthermore, with no outlet to the ocean, the salinity of the water kept increasing. So much so that it became about twice as salty as the Pacific Ocean, killing off the fish.

This effect was accelerated by reduced access to water from the Colorado River, which meant that there was less runoff from agricultural irrigation, resulting in the level of the Salton Sea retreating. This in turn, combined with reduced recreational opportunities, turned the once bustling vacation destinations into ghost towns.

On top of that, the retreating water also exposed the sea floor that had been contaminated with chemicals and pesticides which turned into clouds of harmful dust that blew in the air. The oasis in the desert was becoming an ecological disaster.

Restoration efforts to save bird sanctuary and suppress harmful dust

Last year, the State of California began filling the first expansion pond as part of the Species Conservation Habitat Project, a flagship multi-year restoration effort. The project envisions restoring roughly 14 square miles of vital habitat for wildlife as well as providing recreational opportunities for people and benefits to nearby communities while suppressing dust at the same time.

The Species Conservation Habitat Project “will create a network of ponds, berms, nesting and loafing islands, and water delivery systems engineered to sustain fish and bird populations — restoring ecosystem function and protecting air quality by reducing dust at a key area of previously exposed lakebed at the Salton Sea,” the state explained in a press release.

“This 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. “Thanks to the support of our local and federal partners, we’re making real the first major restoration project the Salton Sea has ever seen.”

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