June 30, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Water Committee Meeting

Rationale:  Bruce Staub/James Penne are asking the Committee/Board to reconsider allowing irrigation for the whole quarter.  A variance in 2019 was approved with the condition that the east pie shape (shown on attached map) could not be irrigated because land class 6 and slope. Staff did a site visit on June 18 and took some pictures (attached). The slope and land class 6 was the limiting factor on not approving this site for irrigating the complete quarter with a pivot.  They have applied for a variance with an allocation, and the well has a PVC tube for access to conduct in-season water measurements.  Water level from SC-01, just to the west, Spring 2021 was 159.01 feet.  New depletion is 1.1664 acre feet.

James Penne and Bruce Staub were present at the meeting.  They explained that they have been doing no-till on this field and the residue left has limited the erosion off this field.  The Committee asked about their cropping rotation, and they answered normally corn-corn-beans.  They were also asked about utilizing cover crops after soybeans.   It was requested by the producers to consider reviewing Lower Elkhorn scoring system, which staff will contact LENRD.  An updated soil map is attached with correct location since the Committee Meeting.  

Rationale:  Staff explained that a well driller called about a well permit for a replacement well that was drilled in Section 9-16-3E.  There were 2 wells in the quarter, but only 1 well permit was received and approved.  Staff plan on treating this as a late permit.  

Rationale:  Nebraska Dept of Natural Resources along with LPN staff gave a joint presentation for the required annual update to Committee or Board.  Pages 16-21 has Goals 1 through 5 and the Long Term Study idea.  These items were discussed during the presentation along with how 10/50 is interpreted, and it's meaning.  The V-IMP plan, that was approved in 2018, is attached for reference that shows these pages.   

Jennifer Schellpeper explained the V-IMP; discussion with the Committee revolved around the modeling process, water levels and data collection.  (Presentation is attached)

Rationale: 

For 2020 we have xxx renewals and xx new permit applications for a current total of xxx.  So far there have been 102 Inspections completed as of 6/28/21.
 

Rationale:  UNL/CSD invoice is attached for $6,823.76.  This invoice is from 2019 and was overlooked at UNL until recently when they reviewed what had been paid.  This equipment was purchased for the Dakota Monitoring wells in SQS #2 management area.  The equipment has already been installed in these wells.  Katie Cameron was available to answer all question and explain what happen on the delay of the invoice.  

Katie explained that the UNL accounting sent her the invoice, so she assumed that they were sending it out.  Katie apologized for the mixed up.  Staff explained this amount was budgeted in 2019.  

Rationale: 

1 new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

 

Rationale: 

1 wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County
Lynn Wondercheck	Stock	$618.68	Boone

 

Rationale:  The grant proposal is attached that was discussed at last month's Committee Meeting.  Other discussion?

Article attached on wheat rotation.  

Rationale:  Platte River Graph showing some information that was provided to the group.  This graph was produced on June 17 before the recent rains.  The group is still working on procedures and protocols if a drought occurs.  

Rationale:  The numbers have not changed from last month review.  As the Committee recommended paying the UNL/CSD invoice for $6,823.76, the GW budget will be changed to reflect this.  

Rationale:  Thursday, July 1 Fremont lakes in LPN was listed with higher levels of bacteria.