§390g–1 Phase I of Groundwater Recharge Demonstration Program

Summary

The Bureau must make a detailed Phase I plan to test groundwater recharge methods in the High Plains and other Reclamation Act States. It must work with those states and with federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey. The Bureau should use state and local data and technical help as much as possible; that help can count as in-kind contributions but will not be paid. The plan must pick at least 12 demonstration sites in the High Plains and at least 9 in other Reclamation Act States. Sites must have a falling water table, a surface water supply, and a strong chance of working physically, chemically, and economically. The plan must say which recharge methods and water sources to try, what construction and replacement systems are needed, how to monitor results, and what economic, legal, intergovernmental, and environmental issues or planning problems exist. The Bureau must recommend which projects should be built and run in Phase II. Within six months after funding is approved for Phase I, the Secretary must make a preliminary project selection and start further planning.