NEW IRRIGATION RULES APPROVED BY LOWER LOUP BOARD

Up to 2,500 new acres of groundwater irrigation can be granted annually, this year and the next three years, under modifications to the Lower Loup NRD’s Groundwater Management rules and regulations approved June 25 by the District’s Board of Directors. The decision came after a public hearing attended by about 70 people at the Valley County Ag Complex in Ord.

The modifications to the groundwater rules will allow for the creation of a sign-up period and ranking system to prioritize where new groundwater irrigation can take place. The ranking process will be based on numerous factors, including stream depletion factors, the status of groundwater and surface water, irrigation concentration, the soil classification, and others. The NRD’s Water Resources Committee is working with District staff to develop the ranking criteria.

Lower Loup Assistant Manager Russ Callan said that an application form is being developed by the District and will be available to potential applicants in August. The application period for new irrigation development will be September 1-20, 2009, and landowners will be notified of their application’s outcome by December 1.

NRD General Manager Leon “Butch” Koehlmoos said a non-refundable fee will be required with each application. Those seeking 25 acres of less will be charged $75. Applicants who seek more than 25 acres will be charged $75 and an additional $3 per acre for each acre over 25.

Other changes to the groundwater management rules include requirements that land be irrigated two out of the ten years prior to January 1, 2008 in order to be certified as irrigated and the proof of that irrigation would be the responsibility of the landowner. An exception will be made for land that was previously irrigated and was now enrolled in government conservation program. That land could be certified as irrigated when the enrollment ends.

Transfers of irrigated acres are also affected by the new groundwater rules. Land must be certified as irrigated in order for irrigation to be transferred to another parcel. Transfers will be based on stream depletion factors and can not create an increase in stream depletion. Title searches and approval from lien holders will also be required in the transfer process. Transfers will not be allowed into areas with potential water management problems that have been designated by the NRD Board as areas of water concern.

To view the Order of Designation regarding the new rules, click here.

This page last modified on 6/26/09.