Opinion ID: 776160
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Impacts on Groundwater Resources

Text: 87 Plaintiffs argue that the WEIS failed to address adequately the impacts that the acquisitions would have on groundwater resources. They contend that the Service relied on studies that either established existing conditions without analyzing the possible impacts or called for additional studies due to incomplete understanding of the hydrologic system. In response to comments on the draft WEIS regarding this analytical deficiency, the Service acknowledged this fact ([t]he Service concurs that the existing groundwater reports do identify a need for further study of the groundwater resources) and encouraged local interests to support funding the studies that the U.S. Geological Service proposed. WEIS at 6-105. 88 As the Service notes, the studies on which it relied were not definitive, but it never represented that they were. The studies were sufficient, however, to permit the Service to make a reasoned decision as to which action alternative to select. Notably, the Service reviewed existing studies regarding groundwater aquifers in Churchill County and sponsored new studies of the groundwater in the area. One of these studies (Seiler & Allander) used existing and newly drilled observation wells to locate the principal recharge areas for the shallow groundwater aquifer in Churchill County. As the Service explains, this study enabled it to analyze the acquisitions potential groundwater impacts from different locations in the Carson Division. 89 The second study, the Maurer Report, developed a conceptual model of the entire groundwater system in the Carson Division and surrounding area. According to the report, the three factors that affected groundwater recharge were the area from which the Service acquires the water rights, seepage from the Newlands Project distribution system, and consumptive use by crops. The Service used Maurer's model to analyze the potential impacts of each of the action alternatives. Recognizing the limits of the study, the Service was nevertheless able to make an informed decision. 90 Additional studies undoubtedly would fill in relevant details regarding groundwater resources under each of the action alternatives. Nonetheless, the Service relied on current information, not outdated studies or technology. We conclude that the WEIS provides a reasoned analysis of the impacts on groundwater consistent with the requirements under NEPA. 91