 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Response to Public Comment
Listed below are summaries of comments by Rose Strickland for the Sierra Club, followed by a response from USGS. The summary of each comment is linked to the original document submitted by Rose Strickland.
Comments from Rose Strickland for the Sierra Club
Complete letter from Rose Strickland (pdf)
Unfortunately, information on the hydrology of the carbonate aquifer is greatly limited by the high levels of uncertainty inherent in using methodology which may not be appropriate to the Great Basin study area, non-calibrated models, and the short-time frame and resources available for completing this study. Recommendations by the GBWN would help the USGS address some of the problems identified in the draft BARCASS.
RESPONSE
The agreed upon objectives of the study, which were presented, debated, and scoped during numerous public meetings held in White Pine County, Nevada (Ely and Baker), and Utah are (1) describing the extent, thickness, and hydrologic properties of aquifers, (2) assessing the subsurface geologic structures controlling ground-water flow, (3) mapping the ground-water flow directions and evaluating the gradients, (4) estimating the volume of water stored in aquifers, and (5) providing the distribution of estimated recharge and discharge.
RESPONSE
It is beyond the scope of the BARCAS study to assess impacts from proposed pumping scenarios. Additionally volumes and locations of future ground-water withdrawals are unknown. The mission of the USGS does not allow for the lobbying of future work through recommendations in the summary report. Data limitations have been described in the report under various section headings.
RESPONSE
The authors recognize that springs are important ecosystems and deserve a thorough analysis; however, a detailed evaluation of each spring, including flow volumes and chemical characteristics, was not an objective of the BARCAS study. Spring flow is only one part of the larger ground-water discharge component. No new spring specific data were collected during the BARCAS study.
RS4. Where do regional springs occur in the study area?
What are there flow rates and other characteristics? How do the flow rates vary over the season and over the years, and why? What are the sources of their flows—both proximate and general? What is interconnectivity of the springs with each other? Which springs have mixed water sources (having both a carbonate and alluvial source)?
RESPONSE
USGS Data Series Report 272 (DS272) by Pavelko (2007) describes the springs database compiled for the BARCAS study and contains figures and spreadsheets that include much of the desired spring information. For example, figure 2 show the spring locations, and the appendices contain flow, sources, and chemical characteristics where available.
