BLM Seeks Public Input On Groundwater Development Project EIS

Contact: Chris Hanefeld (775) 289-1842

Ely, Nevada—April 8, 2005—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is scheduled in late April 2005 to begin the 60-day public scoping process for the Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The BLM in August 2004 received a Rights-of-Way application from Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). SNWA wants to develop groundwater resources in Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties and export the water to meet anticipated future water needs in the Las Vegas Valley. The project would include groundwater production wells, water pipelines capable of transporting 125,000 to 200,000 acre feet of water each year, pumping stations, water treatment, power and other facilities. The BLM is required to complete the EIS before SNWA can proceed with the project. The BLM has scheduled nine public scoping meetings, to be held in Nevada and Utah, as follows:

5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth Street, Ely, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, Baker School gymnasium, 120 Main Street, Baker, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday, April 28, Caliente Youth Center, U.S. Highway 93 North, Caliente, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, Ambulance Barn, No. 10 Airport Road, Alamo, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, Alexis Park, 375 East Harmon, Las Vegas, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday, May 5, Airport Plaza, 1281 Terminal Way, Reno, Nev.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Monday, May 9, Plaza Hotel, 122 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, Crystal Inn Hotel, 1575 W. 1200 North, Cedar City, Utah.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, Fair Building, 187 South Manzanita, Delta, Utah.

The Draft EIS is scheduled to be made available to the public in summer 2006. The final EIS is expected to be completed in mid-2007.

Learn more about the Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine Counties Groundwater Development Project EIS at www.nv.blm.gov/ely or call Marilyn Chapman, BLM Ely Field Office administrative support assistant, at (775) 289-1919, to be placed on the project’s mailing list.