United States v. 4.105 ACRES OF LAND, ETC.

These two actions, filed successively, and consolidated for trial, are to condemn the fee of two separate parcels of land situated in the Livermore Valley near the town of Pleasanton, California. The lands overlie a subterranean basin of water-bearing strata referred to as the Pleasanton Gravels, in which is stored a vast quantity of percolating waters. The actions were instituted under the provisions of the Second War Powers Act, March 27, 1942, 56 Stat. 177 , 50 U.S.C.A.Appendix, § 632, for the purpose of gaining access to this underground water supply — by’ the sinking of wells on the condemned parcels — in order to provide water facilities for the Navy Replacement and Recuperation Centers located on other nearby lands, and known as Camp Parks and Camp Shoemaker.

The earlier action (No. 22466) involving 4.105 acres of land was filed February 3, 1943. The later action (No. 22803) involving approximately 100 acres of land was filed October 14, 1943, when it became necessary to expand the water facilities to meet the increased needs of the two camps. After the actions were filed, the United States entered into possession of the lands pursuant to an order granting immediate…