Lower Big Blue NRD officials consider moratorium extension on new wells

BEATRICE - The board of the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District is considering extending a temporary moratorium on construction of new wells or increases in irrigated acres.

The NRD Board will conduct a public hearing, May 18th, 7 p.m., on the issue....at the DeWitt, Nebraska Community Building.

The temporary district-wide moratorium was put in place by the Board of Directors last December 8th.  The moratorium was originally enacted because of concerns about the sustainability of groundwater supplies in the area and the well permitting process allowing for new high-capacity wells in areas of greatest decline amid ongoing drought conditions.

District officials say the need for more time to discuss management options, review rules and regulations and evaluate the geology and aquifer characteristics of the district are also reasons for considering an extension.

While annual spring groundwater levels remain in decline, NRD staff and directors are working with an engineering firm....Olsson, Inc.....to better understand the hydrogeology of the district and evaluate effective, area-specific groundwater management options. 

Test log and adjacent existing well evaluations for new well permits, flow meters on all new and replacement high-capacity wells, and certification of groundwater use acres have been required since 2014.  NRD officials ask that producers contact the office at (402) 228-3402 to make sure their certified irrigated acres are accurate and up to date.

The current U.S. Drought Monitor Map shows the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District experiencing moderate drought, or abnormally dry conditions...the lowest of five classifications.  Areas of east central and northeast Nebraska remain in exceptional or extreme drought….the two highest categories.