Permit ProcessLeases for activities on the lake are granted by the Utah Department of Natural Resources. However, construction requiring the placement of fill material into the Great Salt Lake is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, since the lake is "a water of the United States." The Environmental Impact Study process thoroughly assesses the potential project impacts. It begins with an analysis of the project scope, followed by preparation of a draft EIS and then a final EIS. The EIS considers public comment received during public hearings as well as written comments. To ensure full public participation, all documents are available to the public and there are public hearings and comment periods on the scope of the project and on the draft and final EIS reports. An EIS report typically contains a description of:
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Before granting GSL a permit, the Corps of Engineers is conducting an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the project as specified by the National Environmental Policy Act. The study assesses potential impacts of GSL’s proposed expansion project on air and water quality, the economy, wildlife, and other issues. 