The largest association of doctors in the state, the UMA, has formally expressed its opposition to the Vegas water grab and associated diversion of water from the Snake Valley. The UMA has expressed opposition since the pumping of water at the proposed levels would prevent west desert vegetation from growing and would thereby destabilize soils causing dust storms across the Wasatch Front and exposing over a million Utahns to carcinogens, radioactive components, and fungi that causes Valley fever. The SL Tribune story on the comments state “Should this agreement move forward in its current form, the residents, farmers and ranchers in West Desert farming communities and on the Goshute Reservation would see their health and livelihoods put at risk,” says the letter, signed by Michelle McOmber, the UMA’s executive vice president and CEO. “Indeed, adverse health and quality of life impacts may be spread throughout the state.” Dust storms could carry toxic substances such as mercury, an asbestos-like chemical called erionite, radioactive particles that remain in the soil from the 900 nuclear tests conducted in Nevada, and fungus spores that cause valley fever. The comments from the UMA criticize the agreement since none of these threats are addressed in the agreement though they constitute a substantial toxic threat to Utahns. The UMA is not a fringe or extremist organization and so this letter could tip the balance, but on the other hand there is no way of knowing if such an authoritative voice will have any positive effect.