Section 2940 Of Article 2. Salton Sea Restoration From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 13. >> Article 2.
2940
. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The Salton Sea is California's largest inland water body with
beneficial uses that include fisheries and wildlife habitat and
preservation of endangered species, and is a repository for
agricultural drainage.
(b) The Salton Sea ecosystem is a critical link on the
international Pacific Flyway and supports over 400 species of birds.
(c) The Salton Sea is threatened by increasing salinity and
reduced inflows. These changes increasingly threaten the unparalleled
wildlife resources at the sea, as well as air quality in the region.
(d) In cooperation with local governments, nonprofit
organizations, private businesses, and the public, the Salton Sea
Authority can help protect wildlife habitats and endangered species,
improve water and air quality, and enhance recreational opportunities
in the region.
(e) In restoring the Salton Sea, it is the intent of the
Legislature to do all of the following:
(1) Protect and provide long-term conservation of fish and
wildlife that are dependent on the Salton Sea ecosystem.
(2) Restore the long-term stable aquatic and shoreline habitat for
fish and wildlife that depend on the Salton Sea.
(3) Mitigate air quality impacts from restoration projects using
the best available technology or best available control measures, as
determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.
(4) Protect water quality.
(5) Maintain the Salton Sea as a vital link along the Pacific
Flyway.
(6) Preserve local tribal heritage and cultural values associated
with the Salton Sea.
(7) Minimize noxious odors and other water and air quality
problems.
(8) Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies that are
responsible for air quality, endangered species, and other
environmental mitigation implementation requirements of the
Quantification Settlement Agreement.
(9) Enhance economic development opportunities that will provide
sustainable financial improvements benefiting the local environment
and the economic quality of life for communities around the Salton
Sea.