LADWP Deep Aquifer Plans Paused!
The basics: deep aquifer groundwater pumping attempted
In September 2024, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) initiated a project to install new wells that would pump solely from our deepest aquifers in Payahuunadü (the Owens Valley) without any environmental review. Our environmental community groups came together to coordinate, talked with Inyo County officials, and eventually met with LADWP officials themselves. Then in October, LADWP paused these plans!
The specifics: how LADWP planned its new pumping
On September 10, 2024, LADWP filed a Notice of Exemption and Notice of Determination (NOE/NOD) for these new wells. They planned to install two new groundwater-pumping wells: one in the Laws wellfield near Well 247 and one in the Big Pine wellfield near Well 379.
LADWP prepared an addendum to the 1991 Environmental Impact Report (EIR). They argued that this addendum could take the place of environmental review through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). We vehemently disagree with skipping environmental review. CEQA requires a detailed assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the deep aquifer pumping project, including its effects on groundwater characteristics, springs and seeps, valley recharge, vegetation, wildlife habitat, and other ecological values and resources. Further, CEQA provides for public transparency, allowing critical analysis of the project.
Both new wells would be drilled to a depth of approximately 700 feet, which is significantly deeper than either Well 247 or Well 379. LADWP would also seal the new well shafts to block off the unconfined, shallower aquifer. This meant that the wells would only pull water from the deep, confined aquifers. Therefore, while LADWP calls these new wells “replacements,” they are clearly new wells. New wells are not allowed under the Long Term Water Agreement.
Pumping from deeper aquifers risks a host of cumulative impacts to our valley’s ecosystems. It also attempts to side-step the existing monitoring system to evaluate environmental impacts in the 1991 EIR.
The specifics: how we organized successfully against these plans
Following LADWP’s filing of the NOE/NOD, our environmental community in Payahuunadü (Owens Valley) jumped into action. We developed a detailed comment letter about the dangers of pumping solely from our deeper aquifers without environmental review. We coordinated with Inyo County officials, and held several discussions with LADWP leaders in the Eastern Sierra as well. We emphasized the potential negative impacts of these new wells on Payahuunadü’s ecosystems, such as groundwater levels, vegetation, and future water availability in Payahuunadü.
On Oct. 8. 2024, LADWP agreed to retract its NOE/NOD. LADWP’s Aqueduct Manager Adam Perez stated that “any forthcoming proposed work would be subject to CEQA.” This is a huge success! We are delighted that Mr. Perez agreed that any new wells or similar hydrological work must be subject to CEQA environmental review.
“We’re relieved that LADWP has decided not to proceed without fully evaluating the potential impacts of their project and so appreciative of all those who came together collectively to protect Payahuunadü,” said Teri Red Owl, Executive Director of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission.
“After we raised concerns about the introduction of an entirely new system and method of pumping that would undergo no formal environmental analysis of its impacts, LADWP agreed to retract, for now, its plan to drill these wells which would pump exclusively from the deep aquifer,” said Wendy Schneider, Executive Director of Friends of the Inyo.