Restoring the Salton Sea
Join Olivia Sandusky for a two-part special exploring the history, challenges, and ongoing efforts to revive this unique and endangered ecosystem.
Watch the SpecialThe Salton Sea: A Unique Ecosystem
The Salton Sea is a saline lake located in Southern California, formed in 1905 when the Colorado River breached a dike and flooded the Salton Sink. Over the decades, it has become a vital habitat for migratory birds and a recreational destination for the local community.
Ecological Importance
The Salton Sea is a critical stopover for over 400 species of migratory birds, including many endangered and threatened species. It provides a vital source of food and rest for these birds during their long journeys. The Salton Sea is also home to the Desert Pupfish, an endangered species native to Southern California.
Environmental Challenges
The Salton Sea faces numerous environmental challenges, including high salinity, declining water levels, and pollution from agricultural runoff. These issues have consequences for all of Southern California, as the air quality is impacted as far north as Los Angeles County.
Public Health Concerns
Per a University of Southern California study by Dr. Shohreh Farzan, the childhood asthma rate for communities around the Salton Sea is 22% compared to an 8% national average. The negative impacts from the exposed seabed as well as hydrogen sulfide gas can even be felt over 150 miles away in Los Angeles.
A Bright Future
The future for the Salton Sea looks bright - Experts estimate that the region contains enough lithium to create nearly 400 million electric vehicle batteries, and the emerging industry could create thousands of new jobs.
The Lithium Geothermal Energy Process
Hear From The Community
Efforts are underway to restore the Salton Sea and address the environmental challenges it faces. This includes initiatives to improve water quality, create new habitats, reduce the impact of agricultural runoff and improve the economic prospects of the region.
"One of the biggest environmental challenges in the Coachella Valley is the Salton Sea - It presents a number of pollution and public safety concerns, and also creates a lot of longterm uncertainty."
- Dr. Ryan Sinclair, Microbiologist and Coachella Valley Native
"There is a phenomenom happening around the Salton Sea as decreased runoff is created new wetlands. The Audubon was able to quantify over 6,000 acres of new, emerging wetlands."
- Frank Ruiz, Audubon California
"There is hope that the procjets being developed are going to create a habitat that will persist into the future."
- Jonathan Shore, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
"We share the area with these wonderful animals and birds - just to be here with them and watch them is very peaceful."
- Paulette Donnellon, Wildlife Photographer
Watch the Two-Part Special with Emmy Award Winning Anchor Olivia Sandusky
Watch our two-part special on the Salton Sea, where we explore the history, challenges, and ongoing restoration efforts. Join Olivia as she goes beyond the headlines and shares the stories of people who deal with the negative impacts of the Salton Sea every day.
Lithium, Wetlands and the 10-Year Plan
Communities, Quakes and Preservation