]the ultimate decision to build Glen Canyon dam was based on consideration of alternatives[ ]"(Perkins 13). .
Different groups have said that building the dam was not environmentally friendly to begin with. They say it was devastating to ancient Indian ruins and petroglyphs. It is sad that we don't have these Indian artifacts any longer but draining Lake Powell isn't the solution. There is no guarantee these artifacts will still be there and intact. Therefore it is not a valid reason for wanting to drain the lake. .
Two other major arguments that people use for wanting to drain the lake are the sedimentation and pollution problems. Lake Powell is being filled with a great amount of sediment that may contain traces of mercury and selenium. Nobody knows when the reservoir will be completely filled with sediment, but it will happen. Because the nearest estimate of when this phenomenon will occur is two hundred years away, it should not be considered an immediate concern (DiLeo 32). However, one major concern that is a problem now is that boats and personal watercraft produce both water and air pollution. On the other hand, three million tons of coal is being saved each year the lake is there, which prevents a huge amount of air pollution. So, in actuality, draining the lake would most likely add to the air pollution problem instead of contributing to the prevention of it (Ostapuk). .
If saving Lake Powell to lower pollution is not a good enough reason, think of the thousands of people whose lives would be devastated by its removal. A town called Page, Arizona could become extinct by the removal of this reservoir. This town was built in 1957 as engineers came together to develop the plans for Glen Canyon Dam. It continued to grow as more employees were hired to construct the dam and services appeared to accommodate the workers. Today, the town still prospers because of tourism and the Navajo Generating Station.