Las Vegas Thirsty For Largest Wildlife Refuge In Lower 48

[hatrack]

DESERT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Nev. — "Water is not what comes to mind in this sun-bleached landscape of crumpled mountains and creosote-coated basins. But that's what Las Vegas thinks of when it glances across its northern border at this sprawling bighorn sheep refuge, the largest federal wildlife sanctuary in the lower 48 states.

The city of water-themed casinos and ever-expanding subdivisions is looking here to begin a massive pumping project that would reach deep into rural Nevada to tap an ancient aquifer running from western Utah to Death Valley National Park in eastern California.

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Federal hydrologists worry that the first round of pumping, which if approved by the state engineer could be in operation by 2007, could starve springs on public lands. They are concerned not just for this place but for several other national wildlife refuges in southern Nevada that provide havens for endangered species found nowhere else in the world. In Death Valley and surrounding Inyo County, Calif., officials believe the pumping could jeopardize water supplies. "There's no doubt the aquifer will be drawn down. It's a question of magnitude and where it will occur," said Death Valley hydrologist Terry Fisk. "In our view, the withdrawal of water … could potentially harm our senior water rights."

The Southern Nevada Water Authority, the agency that manages the region's water supplies, insists the pumping will have minimal, if any, effect. If they're wrong, authority officials say, they'll turn off the offending pumps. "We've made a commitment if one of our wells causes environmental degradation, we'll shut it off," said Pat Mulroy, the agency's general manager."

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Yeah, right, Pat, sure you will.

[Hoping4Change]

1. Why can't there be a faucet to turn off the endless bullsh*t?

Repukes seem to have the biggest pile of manure from which to draw.

Gadzooks, will this insanity not end?