Additional analysis for water and the aquifer provided in the Final EIS for Lava Ridge Wind

Water – a crucial resource in Southern Idaho – was the second most commented on topic according to the Bureau of Land Management during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s (EIS) public comment period.

The recently released Final EIS includes additional analysis by independent experts who studied the potential impacts to groundwater quality, quantity, wells, and canals.

Their findings show there will be no significant impacts to water in Southern Idaho.

Water usage will be at its peak for the project during the construction phase. BLM analyzed 460 acre-feet of water over a three-year period – roughly the equivalent to the amount of water used to irrigate a 77-acre farm field.

This volume represents less than 0.001% of the water available in the aquifer.

Magic Valley Energy will not be taking or using this water in a way that is harmful to farmers or businesses. The water required to support construction activities will not add to the cumulative use of water in the region, drawing instead from previously permitted sources already allocated for use. Water rights can be leased from a willing owner near the project area. The owner would pause their water usage during construction, ensuring no additional withdrawals will be taken from the aquifer.

The project’s potential impacts due to blasting were also analyzed with a focus on groundwater wells and canals, groundwater quality, and the aquifer. Licensed contractors frequently utilize blasting to support construction activities in the counties surrounding the project.
The BLM consulted independent geotechnical experts to weigh in on the analysis. The Final EIS found that with the implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, no project effects are expected on groundwater wells, canals, and groundwater quality.

For anyone interested in further details of the analysis, the BLM discusses water-related issues in section 3.17 of the Final EIS.
As a company, we are pleased with the extra steps the BLM took to address local stakeholder questions regarding the project’s potential to affect water resources.

We are committed to minimizing the use of groundwater and protecting the aquifer. We hope the additional analysis brings answers and reassurance to the Magic Valley community as our project moves forward.