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July 18, 2002
Honorable Jeff Bingaman
Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC
Dear Senator Bingaman:
I am writing on behalf of the geological surveys of the eight High Plains
states to endorse your proposed legislation, "High Plains Aquifer Hydrogeologic
Characterization, Mapping, Modeling, and Monitoring Act."
This act will authorize scientific and technical analyses critical to
extending and conserving the life of the nationŐs single largest groundwater
resource. It is particularly noteworthy that the act is written to facilitate
and ensure cooperation and collaboration among all of the affected the
geological surveys, state water agencies, and the local water user communities.
The High Plains aquifer is a complex system of geologic materials that
vary vertically and across the region in its thickness, water storage
and transport capacity, and ability to be recharged. Eight state geological
surveys and the U.S. Geological Survey formed the High Plains Aquifer
Coalition two years ago to advance the understanding of the subsurface
distribution, character, and nature of the High Plains Aquifer that comprises
the geologic deposits in the eight-state Mid-continent region. The distribution,
withdrawal, and recharge of groundwater, and the interaction with surface
waters are profoundly affected by the geology and the natural environment
of the High Plains Aquifer in all eight states--New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma,
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The geological
surveys, in consultation with state and local water agencies and groups,
have agreed on the need for comprehensive understanding of the subsurface
configuration and hydrogeology of the High Plains Aquifer. This information
is needed to provide state, regional, and national policymakers with the
earth-science information required to make informed decisions regarding
urban and agricultural land use, the protection of aquifers and surface
waters, and the environmental well being of the citizens of this geologically
unique region.
Water contained in the High Plains Aquifer must be considered a finite
resource and thus warrants a different management approach than that used
for more robust or readily recharged aquifers. Your proposed legislation
addresses this issue in an effective and logical manner, and we believe
it will receive broad support. The "High Plains Aquifer Characterization,
Mapping, Modeling, and Monitoring Act" is a necessary first step in a
comprehensive program to adequately address issues of conservation, education,
and agricultural economics in the High Plains Aquifer. We applaud your
vision and leadership in introducing this legislation.
Sincerely,
M. Lee Allison
State Geologist and Director
Kansas Geological Survey
Coordinator, High Plains Aquifer Coalition
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