Lake Powell Is Safe And Cleaner

Sun., Sept. 7, 1997

Craig Hansell Salt Lake Tribune

The 2.5 million people who visit this red rock-lined reservoir each year can expect a safer and cleaner experience, thanks to cooperation between Utah State Parks and Recreation, the National Park Service, Arizona authorities and Lake Powell concessionaire ARAMARK.

Two new patrol boats, two full-time rangers and two seasonal rangers have been added to the Utah Parks fleet - doubling the existing craft and personnel to enhance safety and provide assistance on the huge lake. Additional restroom and sanitary facilities have also been added.

More than 500,000 boats float Lake Powell each year, and 60 percent of Utah’s boating accidents occur on the lake. Utah rangers write between 400 and 600 citations annually.

The two new $120,000, 27-foot Boston Whaler patrol boats are powered by twin 250 HP outboards that allow them to cruise at 30 mph for nine hours on the 210 gallons of fuel capacity. The boats are equipped with a global positioning system, depth finder, position plotter, marine-band and law-enforcement radios, first aid supplies, de-watering pump as well as a sound-level meter and breath-test equipment for enforcing noise and boating-while-intoxicated laws.

Half the cost of each new boat came from a U.S. Coast Guard Federal Boating Safety Grant.

Boaters also will notice new restroom, sewage pumpout and dump facilities at Halls Crossing, Stateline, Rock Creek and Padre Bay. The improvements are part of an effort to keep the lake clean and offer convenience to users who don’t like traveling long distances to dump Porta Pottis or holding tanks.

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