M&A’s comprehensive hydrologic model demonstrated that the proposed groundwater use would have an insignificant impact on the more than 15 million AF that is stored in the basin above a depth of 1,200 feet. The model also predicted that water levels would change by less than 1 foot in the surrounding populated areas if HVS pumps for 30 years and uses only groundwater for cooling. Because the project lies outside of an AMA, it is not subject to ADWR’s well-impact restrictions. Nonetheless, the modeling projected that the drawdown in off-site wells would meet ADWR’s stringent drawdown criteria. One notable finding was the fact that HVS’ proposed groundwater use was actually about half of the use planned under a previous residential development scenario for the site. Finally, M&A analyzed all available groundwater quality data to assess compatibility with the facility’s needs. Follow-up work includes siting and constructing four production wells.

The use of groundwater resources by HVS was identified as the highest concern of regulatory agencies and a vocal group of local citizens. M&A presented results of its investigation at hearings of both the Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, where the project received unanimous approval to proceed. We later provided 2 days of testimony to the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee regarding HVS’ application for a Certificate of Environmental Compliance; this body approved the application unanimously. Finally, M&A is working with the BLM and the Western Area Power Administration to prepare the water resources analysis for an EIS that addresses the transmission line route.