So the explanation for lack of long term production bore pumping...

So the explanation for lack of long term production bore pumping data is the flooding and lake access.

Regarding the ponds it appears that ponds have been built, rebuilt, tested, re-tested etc. The flooding occurred before the latest iteration could be completed. This has delayed results and will delay the final decision on capital and the PFS.

However it looks like unlined, on lake ponds using in-situ materials compacted for the lateral walls is a distinct possibility. There is some good analysis within a KLL presentation outlining the pros and cons of pond construction. Some of the cons outlined in that discussion do not apply to RWD because they do not plan on pumping brine over long distances, minor seepage is less of an issue.
Basically seepage increases operating costs, lining increases capital costs.

RWD looks like it is the only company that has secured processing water thus far. AMN in their latest presentation are about to start drilling. Not sure what the status is at KLL or SO4.

The stuff on environmental issues was interesting particularly the aspect of drawdown and impact on flora & fauna for both the processing water and brine pumping.

I think the PFS won't leave much to be done to produce the DFS. It is going to be late but hopefully before 2018. We need some good long term bore flows.