News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft EIS for Walker River Basin Acquisition Program; Public Hearings Scheduled

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: July 22, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation has made available for public review and comment the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Walker River Basin Acquisition Program.  Reclamation is directed in Public Law 109-103 Section 208 (a) to provide funding to the University of Nevada, Reno, to acquire from willing sellers, land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests in the Walker River Basin in Nevada to provide water to Walker Lake. 

Since 1882, diversions from Walker River, primarily for upstream irrigated agriculture, have resulted in an approximate 150-foot drop in Walker Lake's surface elevation.  The declining lake level has degraded the water quality and caused environmental impacts to the lake's fish and wildlife.  The goal of the University's Acquisition Program is to acquire water rights to increase the long-term average annual inflow to Walker Lake to improve the lake's ecology.  The Draft EIS evaluates the environmental impacts of the Acquisition Program.

Public hearings will be held to receive verbal and written comments on the Draft EIS.  The hearing format includes a presentation followed by a formal public comment session:                                                                

Reno:  Monday, August 17, 6-8 p.m., Rancho San Rafael County Park, Main Ranch House, 1595 N. Sierra Street

Yerington:  Tuesday, August 18, 6-8 p.m., Casino West Convention Center, 11 North Main Street

Wellington:  Wednesday, August 19, 6-8 p.m., Smith Valley Community Center, 2783 Highway 208

Hawthorne:  Thursday, August 20, 6-8 p.m., Mineral County Public Library, First & A Street 

The Draft EIS may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=2810.  If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail lwirth@usbr.gov.  The Draft EIS may also be viewed at Reclamation's Lahontan Basin Area Office, 705 N Plaza Room 320, Carson City; the Lyon County Main Office, 27 S. Main Street, Yerington; and the county libraries in Smith, Hawthorne, and Yerington.   

Written comments on the Draft EIS should be sent by close of business Monday, September 14, 2009, to Mrs. Caryn Huntt DeCarlo, Bureau of Reclamation, 705 N Plaza, Room 320, Carson City, NV 89701 or e-mailed to chunttdecarlo@usbr.gov.  For additional information or copies of the Draft EIS, please contact Mrs. Huntt DeCarlo at 775-884-8352 or e-mail chunttdecarlo@usbr.gov. 

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

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