The truth is that waterfowl, migrating birds and other wildlife are attracted to any large, open expanse of water, including evaporation ponds. However, most evaporation ponds are not the best environment for any species. Ponds employed for the oil and gas industry are designed to process both production water and flowback water, and such water may contain oils that can coat bird wings, or other pollutants that can sicken fowl and other wildlife. It is a problem for which no viable solution has yet been found, even though environmental groups and government regulators are vigilant and attempts are underway to address the situation and develop appropriate remedies.
Drainage ponds used by other industries face a similar dilemma. Evaporation ponds serve a definite purpose and are a boon to the collection and ultimate disposal of potential contaminants, in addition to the benefits of reclaiming or harvesting usable metals and substances, but they can pose a threat in varying degree to other forms of life. While there are no easy answers, the issue is the subject of intense study. Aquatic plants can often be found in evaporation ponds, and the transpiration of plants with dense foliage, such as hyacinths and cattails, can actually exceed the evaporation rate of a free water surface. A single layer of leaves, often found with duckweed that grows readily, can depress surface water evaporation.
