7/10/2001 1007

SUIT TO PROTECT ARIZONA'S SAN PEDRO RIVER

On 7-2-01, the Center for Biological Diversity served notice against the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and others to prevent the issuance of development permits and insurance without consideration of the overall effect of groundwater pumping on the San Pedro River. Nearly all of the San Pedro's stream flow during the driest times of the year is already intercepted by the groundwater pumping. The local groundwater deficit was 7,000 acre-feet per year in 2000. It is expected to increase to 13,000 acre-feet per year by 2020.

The San Pedro River riparian area is internationally renowned for its biological diversity. Nearly 45% of the 900 total species of birds in North America utilize the San Pedro River at some point in their lives. The river is essential for long term survival of many species including Southwestern willow flycatcher, loach minnow, spikedace, Huachuca water umbel and western yellow-billed cuckoo.