Recommended Motion(s):
Are there any additions or corrections to the Minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
6.A.1.a. Off-Site Water Table Concerns Near Sand Creek
6.A.1.b. Ourada Lawsuit
6.A.1.b.1. Lawsuit
Rationale:
On June 12 we received a summons from the district court that Larry and Cynthia Ourada had filed a lawsuit against LPNNRD. As that was the day our our June board meeting copies of the action were attached for board members. A copy attached to the Executive Committee Agenda.
On June 2, 2017 Jeff Jackson from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission preformed a fish survey on the reservoir owned by LPNNRD and Ourada’s. Mitch O’Reilly from the NRD attended and assisted with the fish survey.
Jeff Jackson reported that the bass and bluegill count were lower than what he would normally expect to find.
Significant numbers of green sunfish and bullhead were observed during the shocking. To keep a good fishery you need to keep the bullhead numbers in check. The primary way to keep the bullhead numbers low is by having a high number of bass in the lake to consume the bullhead while they are small.
When originally stocked the fingerling fish count was estimated to be:
100 bass/acre = 4,000
500 bluegill per acre = 20,000
If the goal is to have a good fishery Jackson suggests stocking 4 inch to 6 inch fish. Stocking smaller fish will result in low survival as the existing larger fish eats the small fish. His suggestion is to add 1,000 bass this fall. Whenever bass are added he suggests adding five bluegill for each bass that would mean adding 5,000 bluegill. Jackson stressed that the bass are much more important than the bluegill and if budget is important you should skimp on the bluegill stocking.
Nebraska Lake Management in Valparaiso supplies stocking fish to much of this area of the state. Their fish prices for 4-6 inch fish are:
Bass $175/ 100 $1,650/1,000
Bluegill $150/100 1,350/1,000
6.A.1.b.3. LARM Insurance Coverage
Rationale:
Attached find a letter from our insurance carrier LARM denying coverage for Ourada vs LPNNRD.
Lausterer was present for discussion and informed us that LARM's reasoning for the denial is not correct as we have a specific exemption for the reason given. He will work with LARM to get this resolved.
We have 30 days to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and Lausterer will make sure a proper response is made by LARM or the district.
6.A.2. MEETINGS
6.A.2.a. Pending
6.A.2.b. Reports
6.A.3. MANAGEMENT ITEMS
6.A.3.a. Directors Absence
Rationale:
None
6.A.3.b. Monthly Education Program
6.A.3.c. Water Strategies
Recommended Motion(s):
*To approve the monthly bill from Water Strageties in the amount of $4,800 and bill Papio and LPS NRDs for their portion Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson is conducting meetings with each NRD basin in Nebraska. LPN, LPS and Nemaha NRD managers and assistant managers met with Craig and the District Conservationists on June 14. The meeting was a good opportunity to prioritize what NRCS can do for us and what we can do to better assist them. Likewise we identified tasks that are not valuable to the partnership so that we can both concentrate on what we do best.
Universally the NRDs appreciate the technical leadership NRCS provides and NRCS appreciates NRD cost-share programs that are funded by the districts.
On June 15 Miyoshi traveled to Washington D.C. with LPS and Papio NRD representatives. Water Strageties had arranged key meetings to promote our Corps projects.
Our first meeting was with Gary Waxman from Office of Management and Budget. Updates were give on the Fremont GI Project, Deadman's Run (in Lincoln), Papillon Creek Watershed and the Lower Platte Authority. Waxman shared his thoughts to assist the projects with receiving the needed funding.
We had lunch with Jessica Clowser from Senator Fischer's office and brought her up to date on our projects and the meeting with OMB. Jessica has provided valuable insights for our projects and helped arrange meeting with key staff members.
Our last meeting was held in Congressman Jeff Fortenberry's office with General Ed Jackson, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations. Jackson's main interest was with the broken 404 and 408 permitting process that Fortenberry had approached him with at a previous congressional hearing. Our main points were like a broken record as Jackson shared there are common themes with permitting from the public. We also had the opportunity to review our local project needs with the Deputy Commander and his staff.
It was a long day with a lot of flight miles, but the key meetings will hopefully bear fruit in the near future.
6.A.3.f. NARD Board Minutes
Rationale:
Minutes from the June 12, 2017 NARD Board Meeting are attached.
On June 9 the attached inquiry was received from the Nebraska State Auditor's Office. Included in the attachment is the response letter that was returned to the State Auditor's Office.
The inquiry was sent the day after the Ourada Lawsuit was filed and suggests "... possible waste, mismanagement or fraud within government". We have not received any followup from the Auditor's Office since the response and supporting documents were sent on June 19.
6.A.3.h. Credit Card Payments
Rationale:
We are experiencing problems and downtime with our current credit card provider and plan to switch providers. Poole has investigated our options and it appears that our least expensive and most secure solution is to piggy-back onto the State of Nebraska contract through "Nebraska Interactive." The agreement is attached with service beginning in the next few weeks.
Request for Proposals for a new phone system were due on June 20 with the opening taking place on June 21. Two proposals were received with both offering VoIP phone systems. The new systems are very flexible providing a host of services to keep offices operating efficiently and at less cost.
Diode Technologies is a local phone company based in Diller, Nebraska. The company understands local needs and and is well established in southeast Nebraska. Diode has a technician that lives and operates out of Wahoo. Diode's price is $17,367.62 with an option for a 60 month contract at $364.55/month.
Rise Broadband is a national company operating out of Englewood, Colorado. Rise is a well known firm with employees in each state they service. Rise only offered lease options with a 60 month contract at $603 per month.
Miyoshi and Breunig recommend we accept the proposal from Diode based on price and a local technician.
Copies of the proposals are attached.
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve the new telephone proposal submitted from Diode at a cost of $17,367.62 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
Several directors have asked about a cellphone booster for the office. Poole has researched boosters and has found that a booster for the board room would cost close to $500 while a booster that would cover the entire office would cost close to $1,000.
6.A.5. PERSONNEL
6.A.5.a. General Manager Update
Rationale:
At the June 26 Special Board Meeting a motion was passed to authorize the Board Chair and Executive Committee to negotiate an employment package with Eric Gottschalk for consideration at the July 10 Board Meeting.
6.A.6. FINANCE
6.A.6.a. Approval of Financial Reports
Rationale:
At 10:30 a.m. Cindy Love and Grant Nuttelmann were connected by conference call to the committee meeting to review the May financial report. A few changes will be made to the report prior to board meeting.
The June financials and year end adjustments should be complete by our next executive committee meeting on August 3.
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve the May Financial Reports as attached to the Executive Committee Minutes Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
Colon Rural Water customer Michelle Hendricks house has not been lived in for over three and and one half years. As our policy provides these accounts can be written off by board motion and if any customer ever reconnects to this service line a connection fee will be assessed equal to the installation cost mins the monthly fees collected for the connection.
Recommended Motion(s):
To write off the debt for Colon Rural Water customer Michelle Hendricks and to follow policy and assess a $1,615 connection fee if this service is ever reinstated Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
6.A.6.b. Approval of Managers Time and Expense Sheets
Recommended Motion(s):
*To approve Managers Time and Expense Sheets as attached to the Executive Committee Minutes Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
We need to set the date for the Directors Budget Workshop. The suggested date is Wednesday, August 9 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To set the Directors Budget Workshop for Wednesday, August 9 at 6:00 p.m. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
We need to set the Budget and Levy Hearing dates and times that has in the past been immediately before the August and September Board Meetings.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To conduct the FY2018 Budget Hearing August 14 beginning at 5:00 p.m. conduct the Levy Hearing on September 11 beginning at 5:00 p.m. both at the LPNNRD district office in Wahoo Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
6.B. Education, Operations & Rural Water Systems Committee - Action as Required
6.B.1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.B.2. WILD NE/CREP REPORT
Rationale:
There no CREP contract payments.
Scott Luedtke of G & P has submitted a request for reimbursement to the NRD for work accomplished on the Homestead Grassland renovation in the amount of $8,410.76. This includes our time for seeding and spraying and also the invoices for chemical used on the project and seed costs. The total grassland renovation cost was $11,214.35. The NRD contribution to this phase of the Homestead project was $2,803.59.
6.B.3. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE & OTHER ITEMS
Rationale:
O & M staff have finished going over all watershed dams. We put in one park bench, the disc golf poles for the baskets, two bollards, two trash receptacles and modified the pipe inlet area at the dump station (see picture). Started clearing trees for three camper pads at Czechland Lake, also some miscellaneous spraying of noxious weeds and put a new string of buoys together for Wanahoo.
Rationale:
The Lake Wanahoo Lake Level Committee met at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28th. Find attached the Lake Level Committee agenda and the FYRA Wanahoo Lake Level Policy Contract.
The most current revenue sheet is attached, total to date $48,098.50.
Staff met with Jim Swenson and Regional Superintendent Bill Oligmueller on items dealing with the SRA. Staff will send a letter of request to Game & Parks to use the additional revenue from last season for a retaining wall at the kiosk and to purchase rubber mulch for the playground units. This total comes to approximately $10,079.50. Game & Parks staff is also asking if a portion of their side of the shed could be concrete to make it a better surface for working on equipment, this would be done in the off season.
The NRD Board would like a committee of board members to meet with Game & Parks administration to discuss the Inter-local agreement for the SRA some time in September.
Eagle Scout Project - Josh Varner is requesting to do an Eagle Scout Project constructing as many as 10 monofilament recycling bins at Lake Wanahoo (picture attached). The bins would be located near the jetties, boat ramp, break water and the face of the dam. We'll wait for his proposal.
Rationale:
We are currently advertising for the haying of Wanahoo and Czechland property. Bids are due July 7th at 2:00 pm. Bids will be presented at the July Board meeting.
The non-federal partners met on Wednesday, June 21st to discuss the options with the GI study. The COE has received $50,000 for this study and need the non-federal partners to contribute $50,000. To close out the study and package it for future use would cost approximately $85,000, fifty percent ($42,500) local share. To continue the study for non-structural purposes would cost the non-federal partners $230,000. The partners would like to know from the Corps if we could target a couple areas for non-structural for a lesser amount than the $230,000, the answer is no.
FYRA Engineering has proposed a 3 Phase Platte River Hydrology and Flood Plain Mapping. Phases 1 and 2 would cost $877,110 then the plan would be ready for FEMA review. After review Phase 3 would have an additional cost. We need to obtain interest from communities up and down the river to help fund this study and possibly use property valuation as an instrument to gauge the contributions from communities for the study. We have now found out that the Nebraska Silver Jackets organization will do this Hydrology and Flood Plain Study using FEMA funding. The Silver Jackets are affiliated organization with in the Corps of Engineers. The Silver Jackets would do the first two phases FYRA proposed and present it to FEMA for review. The Silver Jackets may also fund the Fremont Community non-structural public meeting.
We would also like from the Dept. of Natural Resources examples of communities that have used non-structural practices. Our partners would like a sample motion for each board in moving forward with this project.
The COE wants to know our direction ASAP.
Recommended Motion(s):
To pay the Corps of Engineers $50,000 as match for the Fremont GI Study and to invoice our partners for their share ($25,000) Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
We have not heard or received a final invoice from Kay Poppe for work on Skull Creek.
6.B.5. EROSION & SEDIMENT RULES & REGULATIONS
6.B.6. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
6.B.6.a. Information
6.B.6.a.1. Radio & eAds
Rationale:
The Wahoo Newspaper eAd and KTIC radio ad for July will promote the recreation areas.
6.B.6.a.2. County Fairs
Rationale:
The Lower Platte North NRD will have an exhibit booth at the Platte County Fair (July 5th-9th), Butler County Fair (July 20th-23rd), Saunders County Fair (July 24th-30th), and the Dodge County Fair (August 4th-6th).
6.B.6.b. Education
6.B.6.b.1. June Education Programs
Rationale:
Bret Schomer led a wildlife activity, Wildlife CSI, with 15 youth during the 4-H Wildlife Workshop on June 13th at the ARDC near Mead.
On June 14th, 15 teachers visited Lake Wanahoo SRA. The teachers were attending a two-week workshop through UNL for integrating STEM in the classrooms. The purpose of the visit to Wanahoo was to encourage teachers to integrate environmental education in their classrooms and the potential for programs/field trips/etc. at Lake Wanahoo. Teachers were from various schools, including Wahoo Elementary and North Bend Elementary. Nebraska Game & Parks led a fishing activity for the group. Bret Schomer led a disc golf activity and spoke to the group about the upcoming Nature Education Trail/Disc Golf Course. Desirae TePoel spoke about LPNNRD education opportunities, including Test Your Well Nights, and the teachers tested nitrate levels of private well water samples. Schomer, Gottschalk, and TePoel also spoke to the group about NRDs and efforts in natural resources conservation.
Desirae TePoel led a wildlife activity, Wildlife CSI, with 5 youth during the Dwight Library Summer Program on June 20th at Dwight Library.
6.B.6.b.2. FY2017 Education Programs
Rationale:
During FY2017, Lower Platte North NRD staff have directly interacted with over 1,100 youth throughout the district. Attached is a list of all activities, sessions, presentations, and involvement.
I have met with Neil (Phoenix Group) several times this past month and they are making good progress on developing a new remote water meter reading system. They have determined the frequencies our meters use and conducted initial test readings last week. This new system will have the ability to read all residential meters from a desktop as well as read individual meters at any time during the month as needed.
I am encouraged with our progress and look forward to these upcoming weeks as we get closer to the finished product.
State reporting has been completed for the fiscal year and is being submitted for both districts.
6.B.7.a. Colon System
Rationale:
Water samples are being taken Wednesday morning (6-28) and will be delivered to the State Lab.
Meters will be read and bills sent out this week.
6.B.7.b. Bruno System
Rationale:
Water samples are being taken Wednesday morning (6-28) and will be delivered to the State Lab.
Meters will be read and bills sent out this week.
6.B.7.c. Other
6.C. Water Committee - Action as Required
6.C.1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Rationale:
At the May 8, 2017, Board Meeting, the following motion to table was passed by all present:
A motion by Dave Saalfeld and second by Jim McDermott to table until budgeting time, budgeting $20,000 for the development of an aquifer risk map for FY17-18 and continue discussion on development of the interactive mapping tool, with cost estimates presented in the budget for committee review
6.C.2. REGULATORY
6.C.2.a. ITEMS FOR WATER COMMMITTEE
6.C.2.b. GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT AREA
6.C.2.b.1. Irrigated Acres for 2017 in the HCA and NHCA
Rationale:
Deadlines are approaching.
6.C.2.b.2. Variance Requests in the Hydrologically Connected Area (Limited Development Area)
Rationale:
The District received one new application for 85 acres in the Morse Bluff Subarea. This brings the total number of acres applied for to 4439.2. The deadline for variances to expand irrigated acres is September 15.
6.C.2.b.3. Variance Requests in the Non-Hydrologically Connected Area (Normal Development Area)
Rationale:
The deadline for variances to expand irrigated acres is August 15.
6.C.2.b.4. Variance Requests in the Restricted Development Areas
Rationale:
Normal deadline for variances to expand irrigated acres is August 15.
6.C.2.b.5. Well Permit Program
6.C.2.b.5.A. Well Permits Approved
Rationale:
Wells Permits Approved: 3
Landowner
Number of Wells
Number of New Irrigated Acres
Type of Well
County
Subarea
Lakeview Community Schools
1
0
PWS
Platte
Lower Shell Creek
Duane & Pauline Siffring
1
0
Irrigation (Replacement)
Butler
Bellwood
Richard Dawson
1
0
Irrigation (Replacement)
Butler
Schuyler
The total number of approved permits for 2017 is 15
Location of Approved Well Permits for 2017: Correct as of 6/28/2017
County
Irrigation - New
Irrigation - Replacement
Stock
Commercial
Municipal
Other
Total
Butler
2
3
0
0
0
0
5
Colfax
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
Dodge
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
Boone
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Madison
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Platte
2
0
0
0
1
0
3
Saunders
5
0
0
0
0
0
5
Total
9
1
0
0
0
1
15
6.C.2.b.5.B. Martin Erickson Well Permit Update
Rationale:
Staff conducted a 4 hour pump test on Martin Erickson irrigation well on June 23, 2017. Water measurements were taken every 4 hours along with setting the Brazda Monitoring Well Data Logger to record every 10 minutes. A water quality sample was taken after the 4 hour test, which the NRD is still waiting for results. Staff talked to Martin about getting soil moisture sensors installed and drilling the required monitoring well in the NW part of the field. The soil moisture sensors were installed by Aaron Nygren on 6/27/2017. A couple of graphs are attached showing the pump test results. The Brazda well dropped 3.44 feet during the 4 hour pump with a recovery in about 24 hours. A complete report is attached on Martin Erickson Pump Test.
Staff recommends that the Committee amends the variance agreement that the Monitoring Well in the NW¼ NE¼ 20-14N-07E be installed before pumping of the irrigation well can commence. Attached is the original variance agreement for the drilling of the Martin Erickson well.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To amend the variance that the Monitoring Well in the NW¼ NE¼ 20-14N-07E needs to be installed before pumping of the irrigation well can commence. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
6.C.2.b.8. Potential Violation of Expanded Irrigation
Rationale:
No activity
6.C.2.b.9. Special Quantity Subareas
Rationale:
Continue to work with livestock producers on installing flow meters with high capacity wells.
6.C.2.b.10. Lower Platte River Basin Water Management Plan Coalition (LPRBC)
Rationale:
No new information to report.
6.C.2.b.11. Voluntary Integrated Water Management Plan - LENRD and LPNNRD
Rationale:
Jennifer Schellpepper - DNR wants to wait on approval of LPN IMP until the Lower Platte River Basin Water Plan is complete and the Water Banking/Transfer portion of LPN plan is included.
6.C.2.b.12. Cost Share Programs
6.C.2.b.12.A. Irrigation Well Sample Kits
6.C.2.b.12.B. Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network (NAWMN)
Rationale:
This year we had 2 new producers for watermarks moisture sensors and one new one with an ET gage. Total producers signed up over the years of the program is 132.
Here is a comment from Aaron Nygren: Of those 132 what we don’t know is how many of those are still actively using the equipment, some I know are ordering new sensors, others I know have switched to Servi-Tech or capacitance probes, and a few have quit using anything… The area with the best long term retention and expansion of users is the Humphrey/Lindsay area, otherwise it is a scattering of users here and there.
An invoice from Klein Sales for $699 for purchase of equipment for Martin Erickson and John Hannah is attached.
Rationale:
An invoice is attached from Tri City Meters, Inc for replacement batteries and other flow meter parts. LPNNRD staff will be replacing batteries on electronic flow meters this fall.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To pay the invoiced amount of $1654.02 from Tri City Meters for water meter replacement batteries and other flow meter parts Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
A reimbursement request was sent to the Water Sustainability Fund on June 14, 2017 for $24,227.
John Miyoshi attended the Commission meeting on June 20, 2017 to ask the Commission for approval to allow the District to expand cost-share for flow meters to 2 miles beyond the SQS #2 Boundary. The request also asked for allowing cost-share for changing out Gallons registers to Acre Inch on existing flow meters. The Commission approved the request for both items.
Cost-share rates will be the same as approved by the Board initially with 8 inch meters - $770 and 6 inch meters - $577. GWEL wells would have cost-share as follows: $1,000 per 8 inch meters ($770 from WSF and $230 from LPNNRD = $1,000) and at $749 per 6 inch meters ($577 from WSF and $172 from LPNNRD = $749).
Cost-share on existing flow meter that have gallons reading registers to convert to Acre-Inch would be $225 with producer paying the labor cost.
All cost-share invoices will need to be at the LPN office by March 1, 2018 with the NRD closing out the grant by May 1, 2018.
The Water Sustainability Fund is a 60-40 cost-share. Staff recommends to participate in the WSF cost-share grant.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To (1) offer cost-share for flow meters to producers within 2 miles of the SQS #2 Boundary with-in LPNNRD and (2)to offer cost-share within the SQS #2 area to convert gallons reading registers to acre-inches. Cost-share rate 8 inch meters - $770 and 6 inch meters - $577. GWEL wells would have cost-share as follows: $1,000 per 8 inch meters ($770 from WSF and $230 from LPNNRD = $1,000) and at $749 per 6 inch meters ($577 from WSF and $172 from LPNNRD = $749). Cost-share for registers conversion will be $225 with producer paying the labor cost. Deadline for invoices will be by March 1 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
The LPNNRD has received no flow meter cost-share applications since the last Water Committee meeting.
At the November 30, 2016 Water Committee, a motion was made to fund GWEL cooperator wells at $1,000 per 8 inch meters ($770 from WSF and $230 from LPNNRD = $1,000) and at $749 per 6 inch meters ($577 from WSF and $172 from LPNNRD = $749)
As of June 15, 2017 we have received a total of 176 applications. All meters have inspected to insure that the meter is installed properly.
Water Sustainability Fund (WSF)
8 inch meters
0 x 8" meters or 0 x $770 = $0
6 inch meters
0 x 6" meters or 0 x $577 = $0
WSF Total
$0
So Running Total = $132,432
So Running Total WSF Grant = $79,459 of $200,000 grant
So Remaining Total of WSF Grant = $120,541
So LPN 40% Share = $52,973
LPNNRD For GWEL Cooperators
8 inch meter
0 x 8" meters or 1 x $230 = $0
6 inch meter
0 x 6" meters or 0 x $172 = $0
Carry over (8 inch meter)
0 x 8" meter or 0 x $230= $0
LPNNRD Total
$0
Total For Flow Meter Cost Share Program
WSF & LPNNRD
For approval at July 10, 2017 Board Meeting = $0
6.C.2.b.13. Flow Meter Update
Rationale:
McCrometer has introduced the Dura Mag Electromagnetic Flowmeter to their lineup of irrigation
flowmeters. They would like the District to consider adding it to the irrigation approved flowmeter
listing. The flowmeter meets all the Districts criteria for inclusion. It would also fit into the District’s
electronic meter maintenance program.
Attached are three PDFs with information on the DURA MAG flow meter.
A few quick points from Ken Quandt on the McCrometer Dura Mag:
+/- 1 % accuracy with 2D upstream and 1D downstream
Sizes available include: 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12”
The standard warranty on the meter is 2 years. Battery life is expected to be 5 years and the battery has a warranty of 3 years. DC power also available.
Standard outputs include 4-20 mA, pulse output, and telemetry-ready output options.
On-board datalogger included with 5 years of data storage.
Staff feels this meter meets all the criteria to put it on the list.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To add the McCrometer Dura Mag to the LPNNRD "Approved" Flow Meter List Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
2016 is the fourteenth year for this Phase 2 Area. Phase 2 information packets with order were mailed to producers in June, before the start of irrigation.
This area was reduced from 32 sections to 21 sections in 2015.
Year
Nitrate-Nitrogen Range
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
0 To 8.0 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
8.01 To 10.00 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Greater Than 10 Ppm
2015
0 to 32.3 ppm
43% (31 of 72)
8% (6 of 72)
49% (35 of 72)
2016
0 to 35.1 ppm
37% (25 of 68)
12% (8 of 68)
51% (35 of 68)
Hough Farms water sample of G-065461 collected in August had a 93.6 ppm result for G-065461. After talking with Tommy Hough it was determined that this sample was collected while they were chemigating at this well. Oaklund arranged with Tommy Hough to re-sample this well. The result of the second sample was 13.6 ppm, which is within the range of previous sample results (3.70 to 18.5 ppm). [Note: The 93.6 result was removed from the above table.]
2016 is the fourteenth year for this Phase 2 Area. Phase 2 information packets with order were mailed to producers in June, before the start of irrigation.
This area was reduced from 32 sections to 21 sections in 2015.
Year
Nitrate-Nitrogen Range
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
0 To 8.0 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
8.01 To 10.00 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Greater Than 10 Ppm
2015
0 to 32.3 ppm
43% (31 of 72)
8% (6 of 72)
49% (35 of 72)
2016
0 to 35.1 ppm
37% (25 of 68)
12% (8 of 68)
51% (35 of 68)
Hough Farms water sample of G-065461 collected in August had a 93.6 ppm result for G-065461. After talking with Tommy Hough it was determined that this sample was collected while they were chemigating at this well. Oaklund arranged with Tommy Hough to re-sample this well. The result of the second sample was 13.6 ppm, which is within the range of previous sample results (3.70 to 18.5 ppm). [Note: The 93.6 result was removed from the above table.]
No recent activity since last Committee Meeting.
This area was reduced from 32 sections to 21 sections in 2015.
Year
Nitrate-Nitrogen Range
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
0 To 8.0 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
8.01 To 10.00 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Greater Than 10 Ppm
6.C.2.b.15. Richland - Schuyler Phase 2 Area
Rationale:
No recent activity since last Committee Meeting.
2016 is the first year of this Phase 2 Area. There are 45 registered active irrigation wells in the ten sections of this new area.
Year
Nitrate-Nitrogen Range
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
0 To 8.0 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
8.01 To 10.00 Ppm
Percent
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Greater Than 10 Ppm
6.C.2.b.16. Richland - Schuyler Phase 3 Area
Rationale:
No recent activity since last Committee Meeting.
2016 is the first year of this Phase 3 Area. This Phase 3 area went into effect September 1, 2015. The 55 sections of this area first went into a Phase 2 Area in 2004.
6.C.2.b.18. Certifying Acres in Saunders and Dodge Counties
6.C.2.c. CHEMIGATION
Rationale:
For 2017 we have 537 renewals and 80 new permit applications for a current total of 617. Inspections for 80 renewal permits have been completed. In 2016 the NRD had 98 new permits for a total of 573.
The breakdown by County for the Total Number of Renewals within the LPNNRD.
County
Number of Renewals
Boone
49
Butler
67
Colfax
34
Dodge
87
Madison
6
Platte
87
Saunders
207
The breakdown by county of the number of renewal inspections completed.
County
Number of Renewal Inspections Completed
Boone
20
Butler
14
Colfax
2
Dodge
8
Madison
0
Platte
7
Saunders
28
The breakdown, by county for the ## new chemigation permit applications, are listed below:
County
New Chemigation Applications
Boone
7
Butler
12
Colfax
2
Dodge
6
Madison
1
Platte
10
Saunders
25
6.C.2.d. LIVESTOCK WASTE PERMITS
Rationale:
The LPNNRD has received # 0 livestock permit applications from DEQ since the last Water Committee meeting.
Name
Livestock
Type of Permit
Legal Description
County
Description of permit application
6.C.2.e. GW RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rationale:
At the May Committee Meeting, staff was asked to present for discussion the variance scoring sheet and a draft Phase IV for Water Quality.
> Variance scoring sheet is attached that was used in 2016. Some questions at last Committee Meeting were:
1. Types of Irrigation Systems
2. Soil Types and Classes
3. Minimum pumping requirement like 200 - 300 GPM
4. Longer pump tests like 12 or 24 hours compare to 4 hours.
> Adding another Phase rule. Attached is some information on bordering NRDs and a draft on what Phase IV might look like in Lower Platte North.
Part of the Rules and Regulations is utilizing an Advisory Board. This Board has not met for awhile, so this list might need to be updated.
Advisory Board
The District shall establish an Advisory Board composed of individuals representing different groups that will be affected by the District’s Management Area. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide recommendations to the staff and Board in developing the rules and regulations for the District’s Management Area. The Advisory Board is composed of 15 members representing the following groups:
Farmer/Irrigator - 4
Farmer/Dryland - 1
Fertilizer Dealer - 2
Turf Grass Production - 1
Crop Consultant - 1
Cattle Feedlot - 1
Hog Confinement - 1
Poultry Operation - 1
Packing Plant - 1
Golf Course Manager - 1
Municipality - 1
Here is the list from 2008
Buck
Wehrbein
Mead Cattle Co.
Ernie
Pence
Cargill Meat Solutions
Larry
Andreasen
Dept of Utilities
Duane
Siffring
Randy
Benson
Farmers COOP
Randy
Luebbe
Bob
Moravec
Dave
Rosendahl
Larry
Feala
Wayne
Thorson
Todd Valley Farms
Carl
Sousek
Dan
Bauer
Andrew
Klug
6.C.3. GROUND WATER PROGRAMS
6.C.3.a. DECOMMISSIONED WELL PROGRAM
6.C.3.a.1. Well Estimates
Rationale:
No new wells has been reviewed and approved by Gottschalk for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.
Well Owner
Type of Well
Cost Share Estimate
County
6.C.3.a.2. Plugged Wells
Rationale:
No wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.
Well Owner
Type of Well
Cost Share Estimate
County
6.C.3.b. LOWER PLATTE NORTH NRD GROUND WATER STUDIES
6.C.3.b.1. Elkhorn Loup Model (ELM)
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.3.b.2. Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA)
Rationale:
These are the proposed numbers that Katie Cameron is looking at for the Water Sustainability Fund
Large Project Cost Breakdown all in one
Flight Line Breakdowns:
FY18 (30% by March 1, 2018)
FY19 (Next 50% just before or just after July 1, 2018)
FY19 or FY20 (Last 20% around one year after end of flights)
Total
$500/km
$804.672/mi
40% Local Match
km
mi
Lewis and Clark NRD ($500k)
$60,000.00
$100,000.00
$40,000.00
$200,000.00
1,000.00
621.3711922
Papio-Missouri R. NRD ($230k)
$27,600.00
$46,000.00
$18,400.00
$92,000.00
460.00
285.8307484
Nemaha NRD ($300k)
$36,000.00
$60,000.00
$24,000.00
$120,000.00
600.00
372.8227153
Lower Elkhorn NRD ($650k)
$78,000.00
$130,000.00
$52,000.00
$260,000.00
1,300.00
807.7825499
Lower Platte North NRD ($750k)
$90,000.00
$150,000.00
$60,000.00
$300,000.00
1,500.00
932.0567884
Lower Platte South NRD ($850k)
$102,000.00
$170,000.00
$68,000.00
$340,000.00
1,700.00
1056.331027
Local Match Subtotal
$393,600.00
$656,000.00
$262,400.00
$1,312,000.00
6,560.00
4,076.20
WSF reimbursements (60%)
$590,400.00
$984,000.00
$393,600.00
$1,968,000.00
Total Project Cost
$984,000.00
$1,640,000.00
$656,000.00
$3,280,000.00
$ 3,280,000.00
$ 3,280,000.00
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve for budgeting purposes $100,000 in the GW Projects (AEM) Sinking Fund for the purpose that the WSF grant is approved in FY18 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
6.C.3.b.3. Platte and Elkhorn River Valley Integrated Water Monitoring
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.3.b.4. Lower Platte River Consortium
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.3.c. GROUND WATER ENERGY LEVELS
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.3.d. GROUND WATER QUALITY SAMPLING
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.3.e. FORMER ORDNANCE PLANT NEAR MEAD
Rationale:
No new information to report since last Committee Meeting.
6.C.4. SURFACE WATER PROGRAMS
6.C.4.a. STATE LAKES, FOR THE WEEK OF
Rationale:
Here is the Updated Information, at this time no Lakes in Lower Platte North are on the list.
Week of June 19th , 2017
This week's beach Bacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom results are now posted on the NDEQ web page (http://deq.ne.gov).
Unfortunately we have hit that time of year. We have our first beaches for the year going onto the Health Alert List. The hot temperatures mixed with a high level of available nutrients in the water have caused some Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in a couple of southeastern Nebraska lakes.
While swimming, wading, and skiing should be avoided. These lakes are still great places to camp, fish, and enjoy the beautiful Nebraska scenery.
For further information about HABs and the microcystin toxin please visit the links on our BeachWatch website. (http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/Beaches2017.xsp)
Harmful Algal Blooms
TWO Lakes will be on “Health Alert” this week. NDEQ in conjunction with numerous collaborators monitor public beaches and sample for microcystin, a toxin produced as a result of a Harmful Algal Bloom. A lake that exceeds 20 ppb of microcystin will be placed on “Health Alert”. That lake will remain under “Health Alert” Status until such time that it has tested below 20 ppb for two continuous weeks.
If a lake is under a Health Alert, signs will be posted recommending people avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc.
Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing, and camping are OK.
Lakes that tested high for E. coli bacteria this week are listed below. E. coli bacteria levels measured above 235 colonies/100 ml of sample are considered a higher risk for illness when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels although we want people to be aware and use their own judgment on their use.
This information is updated weekly on our web site, http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/Beaches2017.xsp . We hope you find this interesting and useful.
6.C.4.a.1. Bacteria Sampling
6.C.4.a.2. Toxic Algae
6.C.5. OTHER
Rationale:
Travis Turgeon and Bryce Wright passed the Natural Resource Ground Water Tech Exam. They will be helping with Chemigation, Water Sampling and Water Levels in July. Congratulation Guys!
Will Brueggemann accepted the position for Water Technician and plans on starting July 10. Will was an summer intern for LPN in 2016 and has passed the Ground Water Tech Exam. Staff will be working with Will and DHHS on getting his license reinstated. Welcome to the LPN Water Department!
6.C.5.a. LPNNRD WATER PROGRAMS BUDGET FY17-18
Rationale:
At June's Board Meeting it was voted to add CMAT and the Phoenix Database Field App Proposal to FY17-18 Budget. Attached is FY17-18 Proposed Water Budget.
Water Department Staff Priority List:
1. Mobile Application and Field Data Collection (Master Database)
Attached is the drought map for June 20. 2017, which depicts part the LPN District abnormally dry. This information is provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
At the June 12, 2017, Board Meeting, the board approved increasing Mike Chvatal's small dam approval from a maximum of $16,742.31 to $22,000. This increase represents approximately 50% of the total contractor estimate of $43,758.75. Mr. Chvatal commented that the maximum amount that he could personally provide toward the dam would be around $10,000, which would represent about 23% of the total contractor's estimate.
A question came up if we can add funds from our newly approved grants for Wahoo Creek Phase II to make the project feasible for the landowner. Mountford contacted NDEQ who indicated that while the new approved funding was to be focused on three lower Wahoo Creek sub-areas, NDEQ would allow there funds to go into Cottonwood Creek Watershed sub-areas if the Board desires. If a maximum of 75% cost share was approved, LPNNRD total assistance would be $32,819.06 ($22,000 LPNNRD local funds and $10,819.06 Wahoo Phase II grant funds. Committee discussion and possible recommendation is requested.
Recommended Motion(s):
*To approve 75% assistance toward the Mike Chvatal Dam up to a maximum of $32,819.06 total assistance ($22,000 LPNNRD funds & $10,819.06 Wahoo Creek grant funds) Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Rationale:
After LPNNRD voted to no longer be part of the LPRCA, the next step will be for LPNNRD, LPSNRD and PMRNRD to review our existing Interlocal Agreement and follow the outlined process for our departure.
6.D.5. OTHER
6.D.5.a. Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: 9:00 a.m.
Rationale:
As discussed last month, LPNNRD has been involving with leading a District-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for our communities and three of our counties for several years. While we are a year away from needing to start the plan update process, JEO has learned that while there is upcoming grant money available to update plans this next fiscal year, there may not be in a year from now. What JEO is suggesting is that we apply for 75% assistance now to begin our HMP update process in Fiscal year 2019.
As part of our application, there is an opportunity to also apply for non-structural flood protection measures plan for interested communities at the same time (i.e. Fremont, Schuyler). JEO has discussed this with with Fremont and Schuyler and both are interested to be part of our application for assistance to complete a non-structural flood prevention planning approach. As of now, our application would request 75% ($150,000) of of a total project cost of $200,000.
Several city representatives from Schuyler and Fremont were present to show their support in being part of our HMP application.
Recommended Motion(s):
To apply for Hazard Mitigation funding from FEMA for 75% assistance on a $200,000 effort for updating LPNNRD's Hazard Mitigation Plan ($75,000) and for Flood Risk Reduction Plans for Fremont, Schuyler or other communities ($125,000) Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
The attached is a final draft of the Trip Report we prepared for the 20 April site visit to the reported erosion area next to the Clear Creek Levee at Thomas Lakes.
7.A. Potential Purchase of Used Playground Equipment for Czechland Lake
7.B. Advertising To Fill Staff Vacancy
Rationale:
With Eric Gottschalk changing positions we will need to fill his vacancy. We would like to have the position approved at the September Board Meeting that means advertising would need to begin in late July.
Recommended Motion(s):
To approve advertising to fill the staff position created by the promotion of Eric Gottschalk Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
8. Approval of Bills Pending
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve bills pending as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
