To the Board of the Utah Inland Port Authority:

We have many concerns about the two proposed Inland Port Project Areas in Weber County between the Harold S. Crane Waterfowl Management Area and the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area, and on the Weber River. We ask that you oppose creating these project areas.

Great Salt Lake is in dire straits, thus the west Weber County area requires a new approach to conservation and development. We should not incentivize massive industrial development on the shores of Great Salt Lake, in an area containing some of the last remaining wetlands in northern Utah. 

The perceived economic benefit pales in comparison to the public harm that will be caused from:

Increased air pollution
Industrial development and inland ports create significant amounts of truck and rail traffic, increasing emissions. In some areas of the country, they are called “diesel death zones.” Northern Utah is not in attainment of federal air quality standards and this proposed industrial development will make that worse. For comparison, developers of a 1,300 acre project area in Tooele County estimate over 50,000 additional vehicle trips per day (even with a “rail” component), the proposed Weber County project areas are 8,993 acres, or almost 7 times bigger.  Rail also contributes to air pollution, with switcher engines being a significant factor. Enabling development of an inland port that will increase air pollution is not in the public’s interest.  Based on a study by BYU, the total annual health costs from air pollution in Utah have been estimated from $1.8 billion to $820 billion.

Before this proposal moves forward and public resources are given to it, a traffic study must be completed. Northern Utahns need to know how many trips will be generated by the Weber County location and what the consequences of that traffic will be.

Destruction of Wetlands and harm to the Great Salt Lake ecosystem: 

Wetlands help reduce water and air pollution and are vital to a healthy ecosystem. Great Salt wetlands support millions of migratory birds, from hundreds of species. Industrial development destroys wetlands and the surrounding environment, creating a cascading series of environmental harm, such as water pollution, water depletion and habitat loss.  The Great Salt Lake ecosystem, including the areas slated for development in Weber County, provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.  Numerous species of birds are facing threats which could warrant Endangered Species Act listings, and if the proposed Weber County inland port locations are developed, the threats these birds face will increase.

Before any public resources are expended on this proposed development a comprehensive independent wetlands study needs to be conducted to fully assess the impact to the ecosystem, along with a Human Health Risk Assessment.

Respectfully,