Nowlin, USGS’ chief in Nevada, retires

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Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 10:05 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Jon O. Nowlin, district chief for the U.S. Geological Survey in Nevada, has retired after 35 years with the federal agency.

The veteran of 25 years in Nevada was appointed district chief in 1991, surpervising more than 100 scientists and other staff in offices in Carson City, Las Vegas and Elko.

The agency measures the flow of streams and rivers, assesses the quantity and quality of ground and surface water, estimates well production and looks for sources of contamination. The findings are used by government officials to evaluate the best way to protect Nevada's water resources.

Associate District Chief Terry F. Rees will succeed Nowlin.

Nowlin said there has been a substantial increase in staff in Las Vegas to keep up with requests by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and other cooperating agencies for information about the quality and quantity of water available to Clark County.

He said the National Park Service is also concerned about the quality of water flowing into Lake Mead and about ecosystems in and around Death Valley National Park.