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      From: <DAVIDSHANK2@comcast.net> 
      To: <snakevalley@utah.gov> 
      Date: Wednesday - September 30, 2009 7:03 AM 
      Subject: Snake Valley Groundwater Agreement - Comments 




      Subject: Snake Valley Groundwater Agreement - Comments 



      snakevalley@utah.gov 

      To:  UDWR and Governor Gary Herbert: 

      It seems that the proposed agreement will not be something that can ever 
      be revisited once signed.  Given that if implemented, the removal of Snake 
      Valley groundwater will not be reversible, I have several questions and 
      concerns: 

      1)  Have the projections of regional climate change been taken into 
      account in the water balance and aquifer recharge estimates that have been 
      developed? 

      2)  Will the removal of groundwater from the Snake Valley have an adverse 
      impact on the vegetation and wildlife in the area?  I have visited the 
      Owens Valley in California and seen the affects that diversion of that 
      water system have had on the area.  

      3)  Is the groundwater planned for extraction and pumping currently 
      unappropriated or if not, what happens to the water rights of those that 
      currently hold them? 

      4)  I have seen then Ltn. Governor Herbert's presentation on the plans to 
      secure additional water sources to support growth along the Wasatch Front. 
       If the water along the west margin of Utah can be extracted without a 
      major consequence, wouldn't it be better to keep that source for use in 
      here Utah?  

      5)  Do Utah's plans for developing additional water sources for the 
      Wasatch Front account for regional climate change? 

      Regards, 
      David Shank