BLM Wants Feedback on Waterpower Plant

But Only If You Can Decipher Their Survey

Ah, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is at it again, offering the fine folks of Nevada the opportunity to weigh in on their latest grand idea: a proposed waterpower plant in Steptoe Valley. They’ve put together a preliminary environmental assessment, and they’re eager to know what you think—if you can figure out what exactly they’re talking about.

For those who have always dreamed of knowing how groundwater behaves when you pump it, the BLM has your chance to get in on the action. White Pine Waterpower, LLC, will set about drilling two test wells and three monitoring wells if given the green light. The wells will track the groundwater’s response to pumping and estimate such riveting details as discharge rates, hydrogeologic parameters, hydraulic boundaries, and the approximate conditions for future production wells.

In other words, they’re just going to pump some water, poke around in the earth for a bit, and hope it all adds up to something useful for future power generation. And don’t worry—they’ll take great care in restoring the drill pads to their natural, pristine state once done. Nine days of testing at each site should give them enough data to decide whether it’s worth drilling more holes in the ground—or if they’d be better off trying something less ambitious, like selling snow cones.

Now, if you have an opinion on the matter, and who doesn’t when it involves potential water manipulation, the BLM is offering a chance to participate in their survey. It’s available online at the BLM National NEPA Register, which is a website where bureaucratic dreams come true.

You have till February 24 to voice your concerns, hopes, or general confusion about the project. Submit your comments via the ever-convenient “Participate Now” button, or you can write your thoughts on paper the old-fashioned way and mail them to the BLM Bristlecone Field Office in Ely.

So, go ahead—get involved. The future of waterpower might depend on your two cents. Or maybe it won’t–who’s to say?