Environmental groups are accusing the federal government and the army of lying about how the operation of Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona is affecting the San Pedro River. They have asked a federal judge to take a second look.

The San Pedro River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the desert Southwest, and it’s also home to various endangered and threatened species.

Environmental groups want the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reexamine its acceptance of the military’s findings that the army is doing enough to offset its water use.

Robin Silver with the Center for Biological Diversity spoke with Capitol Media Services.

"They can bring in import water and guarantee to use the imported water for mitigation, which has never happened, even in the areas where they have imported water. Or they'd have to stop the amount of use." Silver said.

But the U.S. Department of Justice defended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision. The DOJ says what the environmental groups claim are science and law is not supported by evidence.