Utilization of GIS in the Implementation of PM10 Dust Control Measures on Owens Dry Lakebed

Author: Marcia L.K. Carrillo
Organization: CH2M HILL

3 hutton center
Santa Ana, CA
USA

Phone: 714-429-2020 X2
mcarrill@ch2m.com

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has hired CH2M HILL to provide program management services for the implementation of dust control measures on the Owens dry lakebed. Owens Valley is located approximately 230 mile northeast of Los Angeles, California, and lies between the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the west and the Inyo and White mountains on the east. The valley is fed by a system of mountain streams that result in the formation of Owens River, which terminates at Owens Lake. Owens dry lake is a vast alkaline lakebed (playa) with an approximate area of 116 square miles. High winds in the Owens Valley can generate dust storms across the lake that transport and suspend concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter). Several sensitive natural resources occur at Owens dry lake and the design and implementation of the project must balance many factors. These factors vary from the presence of biological and cultural resources and mitigation needs to hydrological and construction feasibility issues.

GIS has been utilized as a means to integrate these factors in the decision making process. This paper addresses the various applications of GIS in the following areas: (1) biological and cultural resource identification and mitigation, (2) on-lake construction feasibility issues, (3) air monitoring design and analysis, and (4) water demand analysis.