EL CENTRO  (AP) — A recent state audit calls for a more thorough estimate of how much it will cost to alleviate expected clouds of dust and other hazards along the receding shores of the Salton Sea.

The Desert Sun reports Monday that carrying out restoration projects could help California decrease its future mitigation costs. Under a 2003 deal, the state will be responsible for those costs after three local water agencies pay about $388 million.

The 376-square-mile Salton Sea has no outlet to the ocean and 90 percent of its water comes from agricultural runoff. The body of water has been growing saltier, plagued by algae blooms.

Experts warn that more dust will blow from the exposed lake bed as the water retreats.