Temporary moratorium on new wells in Lower Big Blue Natural Resource District in southeast Nebraska
4/24/2023 11:03:38 AM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Gage County, NE
Jefferson County, NE
Pawnee County, NE
Saline County, NE
Start Date: 12/8/2022
- End Date: 5/18/2023
The Lower Big Blue Natural Resources board intends to meet in May 2023 and discuss the possibility of extending a temporary moratorium on the construction of new wells or increases in irrigated acres. More time is needed to consider management options, review rules and regulations and to assess the geology and aquifer characteristics of the district.
The Board of Directors enacted the temporary district-wide moratorium on Dec. 8, 2022, due to 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 continuing drought.
News Channel Nebraska (Grand Island, Neb.), April 24, 2023
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