Taking water from a group of small springs for use in a gravel pit operation and more in north Storey County could seriously affect wildlife and the area surrounding the Lagomarsino Canyon petroglyphs, Storey County officials said.
In a letter this month, the county took its objections to Hugh Ricci, state engineer for Nevada's Water Resources Division.
"Transporting the water several miles away as contemplated by the pending applications will have the effect of turning this area of Storey County into a dust bowl," said the letter signed by Bob Kershaw, Storey County commissioner.
Alanah Woody, executive director of Nevada's Rock Art Foundation, said loss of water from nearby springs will significantly affect the Lagomarsino site, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 30 years.
"It won't affect the rock art, but it will affect the esthetics of the area, in addition to the wild horses and other wildlife," she said. "I would definitely hate to see it go."
Storey County Properties LLC submitted an application in September for rights to the water for an existing quarry operation. The water will allegedly be piped a considerable distance from its source.
Water from the springs totals about 322,560 gallons a day and Storey officials question the efficiency of transporting the water away from its source.
"Water in this part of Storey County is an extremely scarce resource. It percolates from these springs intermittently and for most of the year, not at all," Storey officials said. "One could not expect to obtain more than a few acre feet annually from this source."
The application includes three springs numbered 1, 2 and 4. Spring No. 3 is closest to the petroglyphs and Storey officials contend that the springs are so closely connected, it will be affected if the water is pumped from the other sources.
"Spring No. 3 should be maintained for the benefit of the public and Storey County at the petroglyph site," Kershaw said. "Storey County has historically used water from these springs for fire suppression and water should be made available for the free-roaming wild horses inhabiting this area."
The state will take into consideration a number of factors, including conflicts with existing domestic wells and whether the proposed use is detrimental to the public interest, Water Resources Division officials said.
The application's status at the division is "ready for action," meaning the next step is thorough evaluation by an engineer. If the evaluation is successfully completed, the water rights could be granted by Ricci.
Although the formal comment period has passed, any government, organization or resident can file a letter of informal protest.
Comments may be sent to the Water Resources Division, 123 W. Nye Lane, Suite 246 in Carson City or by e-mail to: hricci@water.nv.gov.
Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.