Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project

Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project Final EIS

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was made available on August 3, 2012.  The Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project Right-of-Way Final EIS Notice of Availability (NOA) was published in the Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html) by the Environmental Protection Agency on August 3, 2012.  The NOA is an official legal notice that a federal agency has completed the Final EIS and it is available to the public.  Information about the availability of the Final EIS was also provided to local media in an official BLM news release.  The availability period began in Friday, August 3, 2012 and will extend to October 1, 2012.  Any public submission received during this time will be considered in the Record of Decision; however, only submissions on new information (that was not submitted on the Draft EIS) will be considerd. 

Due to the size of the Final EIS files, we have divided the document into several smaller sections (below) to allow for quicker downloading from our website. Reducing the file sizes required providing some figures in separate files from the text.  If you would like to view the document on one file, please contact Kim Dow (775-861-6681 or kddow@blm.gov) to request a hard copy of the Executive Summary accompanied with a CD of the entire document or a hard copy of the entire document.

 Errata: BLM issued an errata correcting portions of the abstract and soils sections

 

  Book 1 of 2: Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Chapters 1 through 3.5

Front Matter

Cover, Executive Summary, Table of Contents (6854 Kb)

Figure ES-4: ROW and Facilities, Agency-preferred Alternative (1561 Kb)

Figure ES-13: Localized Alignment Options for the Main Pipeline and Transmission Line (1293 Kb)

Figure ES-15: Perennial Streams and Springs in the Region of Study (1323 Kb)

 

 

Chapter 1: Purpose and Need for this Federal Action (283 Kb)

Figure 1.1-1: Proposed Development (1605 Kb)

Chapter 2: Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives (3343 Kb)

Figure 2.2-1: Existing Water Rights (No Action Alternative) (1530 Kb)

Figure 2.5-1: Pipeline Alignment - Proposed Action and Alternatives A through C (1412 Kb)

Figure 2.5-3: Power Line Alignment - Proposed Action and Alternatives A through C (1348 Kb)

Figure 2.5-4: Power Line Configurations (262 Kb)

Figure 2.5-5: Access Roads - Proposed Action and Alternatives A through C (1361 Kb)

Figure 2.5-9: Groundwater Development Areas - Proposed Action and Alternatives A and C (1561 Kb)

Figure 2.6-2: Groundwater Development Areas - Alternative B (1519 Kb)

Figure 2.6-5: Pipeline Alignment - Alternative D (1361 Kb)

Figure 2.6-6: Power Line Alignment - Alternative D (1319 Kb)

Figure 2.6-7: Access Roads - Alternative D (1321 Kb)

Figure 2.6-10: Groundwater Development Areas - Alternative D (1537 Kb)

Figure 2.6-11: Pipeline Alignment - Alternatives E and F (1382 Kb)

Figure 2.6-12: Power Line Alignment - Alternatives E and F (1337 Kb)

Figure 2.6-13: Access Roads - Alternatives E and F (1340 Kb)

Figure 2.6-16: Groundwater Development Areas - Alternatives E and F (1555 Kb)

Figure 2.6-18: Alignment Options (1428 Kb)

Figure 2.9-1: PPAs, RFFAs, GWD Project (1626 Kb)

Figure 2.9-2: RFFA Projects in the Apex Area Clark County, Nevada (1392 Kb)

Chapter 3.0: Introduction (660 Kb)

Figure 3.0-1: Rights-of-Way and Groundwater Development Areas (1631 Kb)

Figure 3.0-3: Water Resources and Natural Resources, Region of Study (1716 Kb)

Chapter 3.1: Air Resources (1108 Kb)

 

 

 

Chapter 3.2: Geologic Resources (756 Kb)

Figure 3.2-1: Regional Seismicity (531 Kb)

Figure 3.2-2: Potentially Active Faults (1735 Kb)

Figure 3.2-3: Landslide Susceptibility (1313 Kb)

Figure 3.2-4: Karsts (1515 Kb)

Figure 3.2-5: Areas for Potential Paleontological Resources (1412 Kb)

Chapter 3.3: Water Resources (1827 Kb)

Figures for Section 3.3.1

Figure 3.3.1-1: Water Resources Region of Study and Groundwater Flow Systems (2444 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-3: Perennial Streams and Springs (1503 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-4: Spring Valley Perennial Streams and Springs (1240 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-5: Snake Valley Perennial Streams and Springs (1224 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-6: Great Basin National Park Streams and Springs (2223 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-7: Cave Valley Perennial Streams and Springs (971 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-8: Dry Lake Valley Perennial Streams and Springs (916 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-9: Delamar Valley Streams and Springs (927 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-10: Hydro-Geologic Formations (1499 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-11: Structural Features (1439 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-12: Carbonate-Rock Aquifer System Water-level Map (1468 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-13: Spring Valley - Basin Fill Aquifer Water-Level Elevation Map (1078 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-14: Spring Valley - Basin Fill Aquifer Depth-to-Water Map (1028 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-15: Snake Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Water-Level Elevation Map (1084 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-16: Snake Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Depth-to-Water Map (1024 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-17: Cave Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Water-Level Elevation Map (1019 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-18: Cave Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Depth-to-Water Map (943 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-19: Dry Lake Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Water-Level Elevation Map (986 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-20: Delamar Valley - Basin Fill and Volcanic Aquifers Water-Level Elevation Map (917 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-21: Surface Water Rights (1536 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-22: Groundwater Rights (1451 Kb)

Figure 3.3.1-23: Federal Agency Water Rights within the Region of Study (1428 Kb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.3 continued...

Figures for Section 3.3.2

Figure 3.3.2-1: Surface Water Susceptibility Zones Great Basin National Park (2421 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-2: Pumping Distribution Proposed Action (1322 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-3: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Proposed Action Full Build Out (1568 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-4: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Proposed Action + 75 Years (1608 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-5: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Proposed Action + 200 Years (1619 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-6: Representative Water-Level Hydrograph Locations (1272 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-7: Representative Water-Level Hydrograph Locations for Spring and Snake Valleys (601 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-8: Representative Water-Level Hydrograph Locations for Cave, Dry Lake, and Delamar Valleys (690 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-9: Spring and Well Monitoring Sites, Spring Valley Stipulated Agreement (1343 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-10: Spring and Well Monitoring Sites, Delamar, Dry Lake, and Cave Valley Stipulated Agreement (1297 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-11: Pumping Distribution Alt. A - (Distributed Pumping/Reduced Quantities) and Alt. C - (Intermittent Pumping) (1324 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-12: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. A - (Distributed Pumping/Reduced Quantities) Full Build Out (1535 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-13: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. A - (Distributed Pumping/Reduced Quantities) + 75 Years (1569 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-14: Predicted Changes in Groundwater Levels Alt. A (Distributed Pumping/Reduced Quantities) + 200 Years (1588 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-15: Pumping Distribution Alternative B - (Points of Diversion) (1285 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-16: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative B - (Points of Diversion) Full Build Out (1555 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-17: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative B - (Points of Diversion) + 75 Years (1585 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-18: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative B - (Points of Diversion) + 200 Years (1588 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-19:Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative C - (Intermittent Pumping) Full Build Out (1532 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-20: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative C - (Intermittent Pumping) + 75 Years (1562 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-21:Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative C - (Intermittent Pumping) + 200 Years (1563 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-22: Pumping Distribution Alternative D - (LCCRDA Distributed Pumping) (1301 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-23: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative D - (LCCRDA Distributed Pumping) Full Build Out (1531 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-24: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative D - (LCCRDA Distributed Pumping) + 75 Years (1560 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-25: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alternative D - (LCCRDA Distributed Pumping) + 200 Years (1579 Kb)

 Chapter 3.3 continued...

Figures for Section 3.3.2 continued...

Figure 3.3.2-26: Pumping Distribution Alt. E - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) (1312 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-27: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. E - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) Full Build Out (1537 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-28: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. E - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) + 75 Years (1561 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-29: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. E - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) + 200 Years (1579 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-30: Pumping Distribution Alt. F - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) (1274 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-31: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. F - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) Full Build Out (1501 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-32: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. F - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) + 75 Years (1542 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-33: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Alt. F - (Spring, Delamar, Dry Lake and Cave Valleys) + 200 Years (1557 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-34: Pumping Distribution No Action (1262 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-35: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels No Action Full Build Out (1485 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-36: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels No Action + 75 Years (1500 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-37: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels No Action + 200 Years (1512 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-38: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative A vs. Proposed Action (1326 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-39: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative B vs. Proposed Action (1329 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-40: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative C vs. Proposed Action (1329 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-41: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative D vs. Proposed Action (1330 Kb)

Figure 3.3.2-42: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative E vs. Proposed Action (1326 kB)

Figure 3.3.2-43: Drawdown Area Comparison Alternative F vs. Proposed Action (1321 kB)

Figure 3.3.2-44: Drawdown Area Comparison No Action vs. Proposed Action (1337 kB)

Figures for Section 3.3.3

Figure 3.3.3-1: Pumping Distribution No Action Cumulative Scenario (1364 kB)

Figure 3.3.3-2: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels No Action Cumulative Effects + 75 Years (1560 kB)

Figure 3.3.3-3: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels No Action Cumulative Effects + 200 Years (1571 kB)

Figure 3.3.3-4: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Proposed Action Cumulative Effects + 75 Years (1631 kB)

Figure 3.3.3-5: Predicted Change in Groundwater Levels Proposed Action Cumulative Effects + 200 Years (1635 kB)

 

 

Chapter 3.4: Soils (1238 Kb)

Figure 3.4-1: Major Land Resource Areas (1530 Kb)

Figure 3.4-2: SSURGO Soil Survey Areas (1659 Kb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.5: Vegetation Resources (2906 Kb)

Figure 3.5-1: Vegetation Land Cover (SWReGAP reclassified) (1416 Kb)

Figure 3.5-3: Phreatophytes and Springs of Biological Interest (North) (1539 Kb)

Figure 3.5-4: Phreatophytes and Springs of Biological Interest (South) (1559 Kb)

Figure 3.5-5: ET Unit Cross-sections Ground Surface and Groundwater Elevations (1116 Kb)

Figure 3.5-6: Proposed Action Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1323 Kb)

Figure 3.5-7: Alternative A Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1323 Kb)

Figure 3.5-8: Alternative B Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1315 Kb)

Figure 3.5-9: Alternative C Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1342 Kb)

Figure 3.5-10: Alternative D Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1319 Kb)

Figure 3.5-11: Alternative E Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1336 Kb)

Figure 3.5-12: Alternative F Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1331 Kb)

Figure 3.5-13: No Action Projected Drawdown Greater than 10' Phreatophytes, Springs, and Streams (1335 Kb)

 

 

 Book 2 of 2: Chapter 3.6 through Chapter 6, References, Glossary, Index

 

Book 2 Cover, Chapter 3.6: Terrestrial Wildlife (2114Kb)

Figure 3.6-1: Pronghorn Habitat (1715 Kb)

Figure 3.6-2: Rocky Mountain Elk Habitat (1727 Kb)

Figure 3.6-3: Mule Deer Habitat (1654 Kb)

Figure 3.6-4: Desert Bighorn Sheep Habitat (1735 Kb)

Figure 3.6-5: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Habitat (1725 Kb)

Figure 3.6-6: Desert Tortoise Habitat and Critical Habitat (1725 Kb)

Figure 3.6-7: Four Mile Buffers of Sage-grouse Leks (1417 Kb)

Figure 3.6-8: Greater Sage-grouse Preliminary Priority and Preliminary General Habitat (1649 Kb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.7: Aquatic Biological Resources (962 Kb)

Figure 3.7-1: Natural Resources Region of Study (1724 KB)

Figure 3.7-2: Proposed Pipeline/Power Line Crossings for Snake Creek and Big Wash (1432 Kb)

Figure 3.7-3: Perennial Streams with Aquatic Biological Resources in the GWD Areas (1436 Kb)

Figure 3.7-4: Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (North) (1650 Kb)

Figure 3.7-5: Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (South) (1588 Kb)

Figure 3.7-6: Shoshone Ponds Area, Spring Valley, Nevada (1420 Kb)

Figure 3.7-7: Proposed Action Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1444 Kb)

Figure 3.7-8: Proposed Action Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1462 Kb)

Figure 3.7-9: Alternative A Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1425 Kb)

Figure 3.7-10: Alternative A Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1449 Kb)

Figure 3.7-11: Alternative B Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1435 Kb)

Figure 3.7-12: Alternative B Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1455 Kb)

Figure 3.7-13: Alternative C Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1421 Kb)

Figure 3.7-14: Alternative C Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1445 Kb)

 

 

 

Chapter 3.7 continued...

Figure 3.7-15: Alternative D Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1410 Kb)

Figure 3.7-16: Alternative D Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1443 kB)

Figure 3.7-17: Alternative E Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1422 kB)

Figure 3.7-18: Alternative E Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1449 kB)

Figure 3.7-19: Alternative F Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1431 kB)

Figure 3.7-20: Alternative F Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1449 Kb)

Figure 3.7-21: No Action Drawdown and Streams/Waterbodies with Aquatic Biological Resources (1410 Kb)

Figure 3.7-22: No Action Drawdown and Springs with Aquatic Biological Resources (1455 Kb)

Figure 3.7-23: Comparison of Aquatic Biological Resource Pumping Impact Parameters (363 Kb)

Figure 3.7-24: Cumulative Analysis with the Proposed Action and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (370 Kb)

Figure 3.7-25: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative A and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (363 Kb)

Figure 3.7-26: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative B and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (378 Kb)

Figure 3.7-27: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative C and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (362 Kb)

Figure 3.7-28: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative D and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (354 Kb)

Figure 3.7-29: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative E and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (352 Kb)

Figure 3.7-30: Cumulative Analysis with Alternative F and No Action Using Aquatic Biological Resource Impact Parameters (358 Kb)

Chapter 3.8: Land Use (334 Kb)

Figure 3.8-1: Land Ownership (1532 Kb)

Figure 3.8-2: Lands Available for Disposal (1629 Kb)

Figure 3.8-3: Generalized Zoning (845 Kb)

Figure 3.8-4: Private Agricultural Lands (1652 Kb)

Figure 3.8-5: Designated Utility Corridors (1417 Kb)

Chapter 3.9: Recreation (502 Kb)

Figure 3.9-1: Recreation (1720 Kb)

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.10: Transportation Resources (380 Kb)

Figure 3.10-1: Transportation Network (2362 Kb)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.11: Mineral Resources (305 Kb)

Figure 3.11-1: Active Mining Claims (1521 Kb)

Figure 3.11-2: Fluid Mineral Leases (1455 Kb)

Chapter 3.12: Rangelands and Grazing (703 Kb)

Figure 3.12-1: Grazing Allotments (1670 Kb)

Chapter 3.13: Wild Horse and Burro Herd Management Areas (438 Kb)

Figure 3.13-1: Wild Horse Herd Management Areas (1601 Kb)

Chapter 3.14: Special Designations and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (443 Kb)

Figure 3.14-1: Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (1660 Kb)

Figure 3.14-2: Wilderness, WSAs, NWRs, and Other Special Management Areas (1675 Kb)

Figure 3.14-3: Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (1528 Kb)

Chapter 3.15: Visual Resources (1192 Kb)

Figure 3.15-1: BLM and U.S. Forest Service Visual Resource Objectives (North) (1471 Kb)

Figure 3.15-2: BLM and U.S. Forest Service Visual Resource Objectives (South) (1476 Kb)

Figure 3.15-3: BLM Visual Resource Inventory (North) (1499 Kb)

Figure 3.15-4: BLM Visual Resource Inventory (South) (1536 Kb)

Chapter 3.16: Cultural Resources (370 Kb)

 

 

Chapter 3.17: Native American Traditional Values (438 Kb)

Figure 3.17-1: Native American Traditional Values Analysis Area (1426 Kb)

Figure 3.17-2: Judicially Established Indian Land Areas in the Project Vicinity (969 Kb)

Figure 3.17-3: Tribal Reservations (1574 Kb)

Chapter 3.18: Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice (1354 Kb)

Figure 3.18-1: Socioeconomic Region of Study (1510 Kb)

Chapter 3.19: Public Safety and Health (294 Kb)

Figure 3.19-1: Noise Sensitive Areas (1433 Kb)

Chapter 3.20: Monitoring and Mitigation Summary (716 Kb)

Chapters 4, 5 and 6 (449 Kb)

Chapter 4: Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

Chapter 5: Consultation and Coordination

Chapter 6: List of Preparers and Reviewers

References, Glossary, and Index (616 Kb)

 

Appendices

Appendix A: SNWA Water Plan (8024 Kb)Appendix B: Snake Valley Information (62 Kb)Appendix C: Stipulated Agreements (12,681 Kb)
Appendix D: BLM Best Management Practices (99 Kb)Appendix E: SNWA Conceptual Plan of Development (8821 Kb)Appendix F3.1: Air and Atmospheric Values (4154 Kb)
Appendix F3.2: Geologic Resources (5419 Kb)

Appendix F3.3: Water Resources

Appendix F3.5: Vegetation Resources (16,985 Kb)
Appendix F3.6: Terrestrial Wildlife (23,557 Kb)Appendix F3.7: Aquatic Biological Resources (1528 Kb)Appendix F3.12: Rangeland and Grazing (3164 Kb)
Appendix F3.13: Wild Horse and Burro Management Area (43 Kb)Appendix F3.14: Special Designations and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (5767 Kb)Appendix F3.15: Visual Resources (63,351 Kb)
Appendix F3.16: Cultural Resources (2049 Kb)Appendix F3.17: Native American Traditional Values (1134 Kb)Appendix F 3.18: Socioeconomics (254 Kb)
Appendix F3.19: Public Safety and Health (25 Kb)Appendix G: BLM Interaction with the Public on Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project (462 Kb)

Appendix H: Comments and Reponses (due to the large number of files, this link will take you to a new page)