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Data CollectionAt the conclusion of the scoping period, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identifies the significant issues that will be analyzed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This directs the preparation of the Draft EIS. The first step is to identify what data is already available and what data gaps exist. The next step is to begin filling in the data gaps by contacting experts, collecting references and reference material, and conducting field surveys. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) directs BLM and other federal agencies subject to NEPA to allow for accurate scientific analysis, expert agency comments, and public scrutiny (40 C.F.R. 1502.24). This is commonly referred to as "best available science". During this time, data will be collected for the following resources:
In addition, NEPA requires Environmental Impact Statements to include a Cumulative Impacts Section, in which the impacts from the proposed project must be analyzed in the context of other past, present, and reasonable foreseeable future actions. During the data collection period, staff involved with the preparation of the EIS frequently refer to the scoping comments and issues that were brought up during scoping to ensure that the concerns are being addressed and to determine where more data is needed. In some cases, the existing data is incomplete or not available. When this situation occurs, the Council on Environmental Quality directs the agency to obtain the information if the cost to do so is not exorbitant. If collecting the data is not possible, the EIS must disclose what information is not available and identify the relevance of the information. Data Collection ActivitiesHYDROLOGY Baseline Characterization Report: A Hydrology Baseline Characterization Report was finalized in January 2008. The report was written by a hydrology team assembled by BLM, which includes hydrologists from BLM, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State of Utah, SNWA, and ENSR (the EIS contractor). The report consists of a baseline summary and four technical volumes (referred to as Data Volumes in the report): Geology, Streams, Springs, and Water Levels. The draft reports were provided to our cooperating agencies for review and comment, which were used to develop the final report. Although the baseline summary is available for download (see below), the technical volumes are too large to download from the internet. If you would like a CD of the technical volumes, please e-mail your request to nvgwprojects@blm.gov or call Kim Dow at 775-861-6681. Hydrology Baseline Characterization Report
Appendix A (consists of text plus data volumes, water chemistry, and water rights):
Hydrology Model: A three-dimensional numerical groundwater flow model is being developed to estimate the aerial extent, magnitude, and timing of groundwater drawdown and changes to the water balance resulting from pumping alternatives considered for the EIS. Modeling results will be used to identify potential impacts to surface and groundwater resources. SNWA is responsible for preparing the numerical groundwater model, using MODFLOW. After technical reviews by the BLM, USGS, and ENSR, the model will be revised as necessary and approved for use in the EIS. NATURAL RESOURCES A Natural Resources Baseline Summary Report was finalized in August 2008. The report was written by a natural resources team assembled by BLM, which includes biologists from BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), State of Utah, Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), SNWA, and ENSR (EIS contractor). The report provides baseline summary information for vegetation, wildlife, and soils. The draft reports were provided to our cooperating agencies for review and comments, which were used to develop the report. Natural Resources Baseline Summary Report (6,141 KB) SOCIOECONOMICS BLM assembled a team of cooperating agencies from Nevada and Utah counties and Central Nevada Regional Water Authority, as well as specialists from ENSR and BLM, to guide the development of the socioeconomic information for the EIS. The group assisted ENSR (EIS contractor) in identifying local government officials, community leaders and affected parties throughout the project area. The parties were interviewed and provided data to ENSR for use in the EIS. A separate report was not completed for this process, but the information will be included in the Draft EIS. ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES SNWA is performing various activities in Nevada to (a) collect additional data necessary for the EIS analysis, (b) measure and monitor regional environmental conditions, and (c) meet provisions in stipulated agreements. These ancillary activities are conducted on land managed by the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and NDOW. Each ancillary activity on federal or state land requires a permit from the appropriate land manager and the fulfillment of all applicable requirements. For ancillary projects to be approved by BLM, a Right-of-Way application and NEPA document must be prepared and managed. The Nevada Groundwater Projects Office is not involved with the processing of these applications; the applications and associated NEPA documents are processed by the BLM Ely District or Southern Nevada District (Las Vegas) office as appropriate. Current Ancillary Activities include (view map):
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