Amended Groundwater Management Area Rules & Regulations become effective February 22

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) held a public hearing on January 14th to consider proposed amendments to the LENRD’s rules and regulations.  Following the public hearing, the LENRD adopted the proposed amendments to the Groundwater Management Area rules and regulations at their January 28th board meeting.

The amendments have modified the rules to require flow meters on all irrigation wells across the district.  LENRD Water Resources Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “Each irrigation well within the LENRD is required to be equipped with a properly installed and functioning flow meter by January 1, 2018.”

There are currently five flow meters on the approved list:  McCrometer Propeller Flow Meters (All Models);  McCrometer McMag 3000 Magmeter;  Senninger Flo-Wise Ag Rotor Sensor System;  Seametrics AG2000 Series Magmeter;  and the Growsmart by Lindsay IM3000 Magnetic Flow Meter.

The LENRD is developing a policy for flow meter installation and maintenance inspections, and will require any person wishing to install and/or maintain the flow meters to become certified by the LENRD as a Flow Meter Installer or a Flow Meter Maintenance Technician.  The Flow Meter Installation and Maintenance Certification Program will require technicians to report all installation and maintenance activities to the LENRD.

Curt Becker, LENRD Water Resources Specialist, said, "Local dealers are currently being trained to install the meters.  If individual producers are interested in becoming certified installers, please contact the LENRD and we will schedule the training for you."

The effective date of the Order of Designation and the Amended Rules and Regulations is Monday, February 22, 2016.  For more information, contact Rick Wozniak, Curt Becker or Brian Bruckner at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 402-371-7313.

Order of Designation and Amended Rules & Regulations - effective Monday, February 22