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Assessment of Hydrologic Resources and the Potential Effects from Oil and Gas Development in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Tri-County Planning Area, Sierra, Doña Ana, and Otero Counties, New Mexico Active

By New Mexico Water Science Center May 24, 2017

The Tri-County Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) “decision area” (the public lands and resources that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Sierra, Doña Ana, and Otero Counties) is a large (4,375 square miles) and varied landscape. The decision area contains both connected and closed surface-water and groundwater basins, some of which cross state and international boundaries, with competing water demands and both remote and populated areas. Some portions of the decision area are multiple-use lands, while others have varying levels of resource protections, including areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs) and wilderness study areas (WSAs).

Tri-County Study Map, NMWSC
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Tri-County Study Map, NMWSC(Public domain.)

Approach:

  • Summarize the current understanding of the hydrologic resources of the Tri-County area, and identify critical data gaps in evaluating those resources.
  • Assess the vulnerability of hydrologic resources to potential effects of oil and gas development within the Tri-County area.
  • Develop a plan of study to identify specific areas needing additional assessment and monitoring.

 

Objectives:

  • Improve the existing characterization of surface-water and groundwater resources across the Tri-County area.
  • Provide hydrologic information related to potential future oil and gas development.

 

Study results can be used to guide the sustainable preservation and management of water resources.

  • Overview

    The Tri-County Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) “decision area” (the public lands and resources that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Sierra, Doña Ana, and Otero Counties) is a large (4,375 square miles) and varied landscape. The decision area contains both connected and closed surface-water and groundwater basins, some of which cross state and international boundaries, with competing water demands and both remote and populated areas. Some portions of the decision area are multiple-use lands, while others have varying levels of resource protections, including areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs) and wilderness study areas (WSAs).

    Tri-County Study Map, NMWSC
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
    Tri-County Study Map, NMWSC(Public domain.)

    Approach:

    • Summarize the current understanding of the hydrologic resources of the Tri-County area, and identify critical data gaps in evaluating those resources.
    • Assess the vulnerability of hydrologic resources to potential effects of oil and gas development within the Tri-County area.
    • Develop a plan of study to identify specific areas needing additional assessment and monitoring.

     

    Objectives:

    • Improve the existing characterization of surface-water and groundwater resources across the Tri-County area.
    • Provide hydrologic information related to potential future oil and gas development.

     

    Study results can be used to guide the sustainable preservation and management of water resources.