Comment on FR Doc # 2012-19829

The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District (the “District”) has jurisdiction to regulate aquifer levels and springflow within Pecos County, Texas. The District has been in communication with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is vetting possible impacts to the Diamond Y springs species proposed to be listed that could stem from reduced aquifer levels, resulting in reduced springflow. It is the District’s assessment that the scientific information relied upon by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the Diamond Y springs species can be improved upon. The District intends to evaluate the impacts to the Diamond Y springs species through its regulatory tools that are designed to protect water levels and springflow in Pecos County, including the Desired Future Conditions process set forth in Section 36.108 of the Texas Water Code, the District’s Management Plan, the District’s rules, its authority to minimize the reduction of artesian pressure under Section 36.116 of the Texas Water Code, and other authority set forth in Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and the District’s enabling legislation. The District intends to continue the dialogue with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is committed to responsibly addressing the impacts to the Diamond Y springs species in Pecos County.