Comment period extended for Walker River rights

The amount of time to comment on the acquisition of Walker River water rights has been extended until Oct. 5, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Comment is being sought on a draft environmental impact statement, which will analyze the impact of the University of Nevada's program to purchase water and land from willing sellers in the basin.

According to the bureau, diversions from Walker River since 1882, 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, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The goal of the university's acquisition program is to purchase water rights along the river to increase the long-term average annual inflow to Walker Lake to improve the lake's ecology.  

Public hearings were held to receive comments on the draft statement in August in Reno, Yerington, Wellington and Hawthorne. 

The statement may be viewed at www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=2810. 

Those who encounter problems getting the documents online may call (916) 978-5100 or e-mail lwirth@usbr.gov. 

The draft statement 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 statement should be sent by close of business Oct. 5 to 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 statement, contact Huntt DeCarlo at 884-8352 or e-mail chunttdecarlo@usbr.gov.