Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project meeting recording now available

A virtual public meeting was recently held for the Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA).  The meeting was facilitated by FYRA Engineering to discuss the project development with the public and receive comments and ideas.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the work plan.

USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so that they may work together to develop solutions for watershed issues such as erosion, floodwater and sediment damage, water quality and habitat improvements, and others.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a watershed plan for the Maple Creek watershed.  The Plan-EA is scheduled to be finalized in late-2022 by FYRA Engineering.

Please visit the project website below to learn more and to access the recording of the virtual meeting held on March 2nd.  Written comments or requests should be submitted to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager at cbecker@lenrd.org, or dropped off at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.

The Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

Bids requested for Willow Creek Project

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is requesting bids for the construction of the Willow Creek Dam Pore Pressure Mitigation - Phase 1.  Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the offices of LENRD located at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk until Monday, March 22, 2021, at 10:00 AM. At that time the bids received will be publicly opened and read.  The Project includes the following Work:  Drilling, sampling and testing on 4 test holes ranging in depths from 60 feet to 140 feet to determine geological information to inform the installation and pump testing of 2 gravel packed production wells consisting of drilling each well 140 feet, PVC casing and steel well screen and installation of approximately 170 LF of 8-inch diameter PVC pipe and 140 LF of 18-inch diameter PVC pipe and appurtenances; and the installation of 10 piezometers along the downstream face of Willow Creek Dam. See the full bid summary below or contact the LENRD for details at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org

Managing groundwater with local control and local solutions is key

There is a serious issue plaguing northeast Nebraska.  The problem is nitrates in our groundwater.  What can we do to rectify it?

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) works with the citizens across their 15-county district to effectively conserve, develop, and manage natural resources with local control and local solutions.  One of their 12 responsibilities is the development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater. 

The locally-led board of directors work continually to address the public’s concerns about the contamination of our groundwater.  The NRDs were created along watershed boundaries to allow the public to work with the local boards to better address these issues.  How much do we value our local control?  Are we willing to work together to provide solutions to this problem?  These are questions we must ask ourselves as we meet these challenges head on.

With 70% of Nebraskans relying on groundwater for their drinking water, sharing and sustaining the resource for future generations is paramount.  The elevated levels of nitrates in our groundwater are spurring increased awareness and concern for the health of our citizens.

According to a recent study, birth defects, on a national scale, occur in 3.3 percent of all live births.  Nebraska exceeds the national average with 5.8 percent.  In Dodge and Pierce Counties, however, the rate of birth defects is reaching as high as 14 percent.  The counties with higher birth defects also have a greater prevalence of agrichemicals in the water, according to the study.

Health researchers are also gaining additional insight on the potential link between nitrate contamination in drinking water and Nebraska’s high rate of pediatric cancer.  The high concentration of agrichemicals in drinking water have also been linked to additional adverse health risks, such as:  colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, stomach and kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s Disease.

During their February meeting, the LENRD board continued to discuss the proposed Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties, due to the rising levels of nitrates.

Nitrate is found naturally in the environment; however, evidence shows that excess nitrate comes primarily from the use of commercial fertilizers (both organic and manufactured). Nitrate dissolves readily in water and can easily transport beyond the root zone if unused by a growing crop to contaminate groundwater.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “If you have ideas to help us slow down this train, please give us a call.  This is about protecting our health and the health of our children and grandchildren.  This is your water.  The water that you drink.  We are here to help you protect it.”

He added, “By working together at the local level, we can make changes today to protect the resources for tomorrow.  It’s a matter of keeping our local control and moving in a direction that benefits everyone involved.  No one wants the state or federal government to start making these local decisions for us.”

An Open House Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, March 25th in West Point at the Nielsen Center.  This hearing will give the public a chance to stop by from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. to learn more about the rising nitrate levels in the tri-county area.  Groundwater users are encouraged to attend this public hearing to share their ideas about the proposed regulations for the Phase 2 Area and get their questions answered by the LENRD board and staff.

In other action the board instructed staff to advertise the construction bid documents for the Phase 1 – Willow Creek Dam Pore Pressure Mitigation Project, and to hold the bid opening on March 22nd.

The board also made a motion to advertise the request for proposals to develop a Floodplain Management Plan for the Willow Creek Dam, which is a requirement of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s grant process.

The board authorized the general manager to sign a Cooperative Agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to renew the long-standing commitment between the LENRD and NRCS to protect and conserve our natural resources.

The board ended their February meeting with the election of officers.  The officers for 2021 are:  Chairman – Mark Hall, Norfolk;  Vice-Chairman – Roger Gustafson, Emerson;  Secretary – Jerry Allemann, Wayne;  Treasurer – Dennis Schultz, Wisner;  Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Delegate – Joel Hansen, Wayne; and NARD Alternate – Scott McHenry, Norfolk.

Their next board meeting will be held Thursday, March 25th in West Point at the Nielsen Center.  The meeting will he held immediately following the Open House Public Hearing on the proposed groundwater regulations.  More information and maps of the Phase 2 Area can be found on the LENRD’s website or by contacting the LENRD office in Norfolk – http://www.lenrd.org/groundwater-management

Officers for 2021: Back row (left to right) - Treasurer - Dennis Schultz of Wisner, NARD Delegate - Joel Hanson of Wayne, NARD Alternate - Scott McHenry or Norfolk. Seated (left to right) - Chairman - Mark Hall of Norfolk, and Vice-Chairman - Roger Gustafson of Emerson. Not pictured - Secretary - Jerry Allemann of Wayne.

Time is running out to order your conservation trees for spring planting

Trees help soften the harsh climate of the Great Plains, but extreme weather events are leaving areas of Nebraska at-risk of losing their tree canopy and the innumerable benefits trees provide.

According to the Nebraska Forest Service, communities lost an average of 18 percent of their tree canopy in the last two decades due to extreme weather events, diseases, and invasive insects.

“We have a proud history of planting trees in northeast Nebraska, but along with the planting of trees we must continue with annual care and maintenance and continue to renovate the areas that are falling behind,” said Todd Stewart, Natural Resources Technician, for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Stewart added, “Time is running out to order for this spring.  If you can have your orders submitted by March 8th, you’ll have the best chance of getting the species you’re looking for.  If you’re interested in a windbreak design or assistance with planning your renovation project, give us a call.”

Each year, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) help communities and landowners plant more than 700,000 trees throughout the state.  Conservation trees benefit both people and animals. They shade and shelter homes, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, provide food and cover for wildlife, buffer noise, provide valuable products, and add beauty to the landscape.

For more information or to place an order, contact the LENRD or your local Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Orders must be received by March 8th to guarantee arrival in April.   Visit the link below for more details.

Virtual meeting to be held March 2nd for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

FYRA Engineering will facilitate a virtual public meeting regarding the Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA).  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the work plan.  The public meeting will be held virtually through Zoom on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the meeting to discuss the project development.  Personnel from the project team will be available to answer questions and receive comments.  The Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so that they may work together to develop solutions for watershed issues such as erosion, floodwater and sediment damage, water quality and habitat improvements, and others.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a watershed plan for the Maple Creek watershed.  The Plan-EA is scheduled to be finalized in late-2022 by FYRA Engineering.

Please visit the project website below to learn about the project and access the Virtual Public Open House on March 2nd, 2021. Written comments or requests should be submitted to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager at cbecker@lenrd.org.  For those without internet access, information may be obtained at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.

National Poster Contest winners announced

Each year the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) sponsors a Conservation Poster Contest to engage students in learning more about our precious natural resources and how we can protect the environment we live in. The 2020 theme was “Where would we BEE without pollinators?” The winning posters from the LENRD are sent on to the State contest in Lincoln. The winning State posters are then forwarded on to the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for the National Competition. Nebraska had a winner in the NACD National Poster Contest this week! Congratulations to Emerson Ortmeier, from Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point, who won first place in the 7-9 grade category!

Great job Emerson! Way to represent Nebraska!

 News Article: 02-09-21 NACD ANNOUNCES 2020 PHOTO, POSTER CONTEST WINNERS – BARN OnAir & OnLine 24/7/365 (barnmedia.net)

 Emerson’s Photo:

Local Working Group meeting planned for February 11th

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be holding a Local Working Group meeting with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) on February 11, 2021 from 5:30pm to 7pm via Zoom.

The Local Working Group provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally. 

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland, NRCS District Conservationist, whose agency guides the Local Working Group. 

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost-share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Sutherland.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.

Typically, Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs.  These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife.  This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, contact your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Meeting link for the Feb. 11th meeting: ZOOM LINK

For audio only, dial:  +1 301 715 8592

Meeting ID: 853 9713 8634

Passcode: 561184

Maskenthine Lake and Maple Creek campgrounds to move to online reservations this spring

No matter where you live in Nebraska, you’re never far from a public outdoor recreation area.  Many of these recreational opportunities, such as trails, lakes, parks, and wildlife areas, are built and maintained by Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).  One of the 12 responsibilities of the NRDs is the development and management of recreational park facilities.

Many NRD projects are developed for multiple purposes.  Recreational trails are built atop flood-control levees or along abandoned railroad lines.  Habitat areas and wetlands may be available to hunters and are often preserved for interpretive nature study.  Dams built for flood-control (another responsibility of the NRDs) often develop into recreational areas.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has built three dams across their 15-counties for flood protection:  the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce; Maskenthine Lake, north of Stanton; and the Maple Creek Recreation Area, northwest of Leigh.

At their January meeting, the LENRD board of directors voted to approve a contract with Reserve America to begin accepting online reservations for a portion of the camping sites at Maskenthine Lake and the Maple Creek recreation areas.  LENRD Recreation Area Superintendent, Leonard Boryca, said, “By implementing the online service, we can establish a fair playing field and give everyone an opportunity to either reserve a spot or take advantage of the first-come, first-served option.  We’ve had a number of requests for this service, and we’re excited to give it a try.”  The board also approved the updated rules and regulations for the recreation areas, including the new reservation and cancellation policy.  The new reservation website will be available later this spring.

In other action, the board instructed staff to send non-compliance notification letters to well owners who have not submitted their annual groundwater use reports for all active high-capacity wells.  Flow meters are tools that provide accurate water use data for inclusion into required annual basin reports.  For producers located in a water quality management area, the meters also provide a better understanding of the nitrogen credit received from the irrigation water.  The installation of flow meters and submittal of water-use readings are requirements for the LENRD’s Groundwater Management Area which promotes the development, utilization, and conservation of groundwater, which is another responsibility of Nebraska’s NRDs.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, February 25th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Virtual Winter Meetings to be held in February and March

Join us for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Virtual Winter Meetings. All are invited to join a series of 1-hour webinars! Each meeting will include an update on one of the BGMA’s demo sites. The meetings will be held on Friday, Feb. 19th, Friday, Feb. 26th, and Friday, March 5th, starting at 12 Noon and lasting about an hour. Click below for more information on topics for each meeting and to register. We hope you can make it! Nitrogen Certification credit available!

Virtual Meeting Information

Register Here

NEW Bazile Groundwater Management Area website

Northeast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show is February 17th & 18th

Don’t miss the Northeast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show at the Ag Complex in Norfolk. The show was moved to February this year, due to COVID restrictions. The show will run Wednesday, February 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, February 18th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s program includes Pesticide and Chemigation Certification classes offered at the Lifelong Learning Center and presented by UNL Extension staff. Click below to register. Space is limited.

Remember to stop by the NRD booth to order your trees! See you at the show!

Northeast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show

Pesticide Certification Classes - Register for Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m. or Feb. 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Chemigation Certification Classes - Register for Feb. 17 at 2:00 p.m. or Feb. 18 at 8:30 a.m.

New Water Sustainability Fund Story Map is now available

NRC and NeDNR Information Technology staff have prepared this dynamic story map to showcase the work being done through funding from the Water Sustainability Fund.

You can experience this at Nebraska Water Sustainability Fund Story Map

For more information on the Water Sustainability Fund, visit: Natural Resources Commission Water Sustainability Fund

Increased nitrate levels in the groundwater could put your family's health at risk

Is your drinking water putting your health at risk?  The maximum contaminant level of nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water is 10 parts per million (ppm), anything over that amount is not safe to drink.

Nitrate contamination can be particularly harmful to infants and children. Consuming drinking water containing high nitrate levels can limit the ability of red blood cells to absorb oxygen. This condition, defined in the health industry as methemoglobinemia or ‘blue-baby syndrome’, is one of the most acute health implications.

“I was the parent of a severely handicapped child.  Blue-baby syndrome can occur during pregnancy or during the first 6 months of a baby’s life.  It can cause developmental problems that could be with that child forever.  The lifetime of challenges that come with raising a child with disabilities can be overwhelming,” said, Dave Kathol of Norfolk.  “Imagine how quickly your life could change.  Would you be prepared to handle it, financially and emotionally?”

Birth defects in Nebraska are on the rise, and within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) evidence indicates that these health implications are increasing at a faster rate than the rest of the state.  According to a research study that Dr. Jesse Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center professor of health and environment discussed, birth defects, on a national scale, occur in 3.3 percent of all live births, and Nebraska exceeds the national average with 5.8 percent.  “In Dodge and Pierce Counties, in northeast Nebraska, however, the rate of birth defects is reaching as high as 14 percent.  The counties with higher birth defects also have a greater prevalence of agrichemicals in the water,” said Bell.

Health researchers are also gaining additional insight on the potential link between nitrate contamination in drinking water and Nebraska’s high rate of pediatric cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Nebraska has one of the highest rates of pediatric cancer in the United States. A study out of the University of Nebraska Medical Center has found that 63 percent of Nebraska counties exceed the national average for pediatric brain tumors. Bell continued, “Our research shows that Nebraska counties with groundwater nitrate concentrations between 2.1 and 5 mg/L have higher incidence of pediatric brain cancer, pediatric leukemia, and pediatric lymphoma.”

High concentration of nitrates in drinking water have also been linked to additional adverse health risks, such as:  colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, stomach and kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s Disease.

“Water quality is a top priority for this district,” said LENRD General Manager Mike Sousek. “High nitrate in your drinking water poses health risks for you and your family. While the body of science is still limited on some of these risks, the long-term implications deserve our attention.”

Nitrate is found naturally in the environment; however, evidence shows that excess nitrate comes primarily from the use of commercial fertilizers (both organic and manufactured). Nitrate dissolves readily in water and can easily transport beyond the root zone if unused by a growing crop to contaminate groundwater.

The LENRD is responsible for the development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater and surface water. As part of the Groundwater Quality Sampling Program, technicians collect annual water samples to document changes or trends in groundwater quality. In recent years, this annual monitoring has provided evidence of elevated levels of groundwater nitrate in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties. In October 2020, the LENRD Board of Directors voted to begin the formal process of considering a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of these three counties.

“While imposing regulations is not something we enjoy doing, it is necessary that we work together to implement best management practices to reduce groundwater contaminates and protect our drinking water,” said LENRD Assistant Manager Brian Bruckner. “We invite all stakeholders to join us at the Open House Public Hearing as we look at the results of the groundwater monitoring and address potential health risks and the critical need to protect our water supply.”

Bell added, “We want to further educate the public about the relationship between birth defects and the exposure to agrichemicals as we enhance monitoring efforts and continue our research. We see agriculture as part of the solution and want to develop partnerships between the ag community and public health community to help address these issues for a safer Nebraska.”

The Lower Elkhorn NRD seeks the public’s feedback during an Open House Public Hearing on Thursday, March 25th at the Nielsen Center in West Point from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  The hearing was postponed from the original date due to COVID restrictions.  During the open house, additional insight on the monitoring and assessment segment of this process will be provided along with an explanation of the proposed management area boundaries and controls for a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area. For more information, contact LENRD at 402.371.7313.

Open House Public Hearing

Thursday, March 25 | 5-7 p.m.

Nielsen Center in West Point, Nebraska

New board members take the Oath of Office

The Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors has two new members this year. Jay Reikofski of Foster will represent Subdistrict #1, and Rod Zohner of Battle Creek will represent Subdistrict #4. Both are beginning a 4-year term.

Jay is a farmer/rancher from Foster and is looking forward to his new position on the board. Jay says he's interested in the water resources programs and the issues with high nitrates in our groundwater. In his spare time, Jay and his wife, Michelle, have 4 children: Tyler, Nick, Zach, and Ava. Welcome Jay!

Jay fills the seat formerly held by Aaron Zimmerman of Pierce. We want to thank Aaron for his dedicated service to the district!

Rod is a retired farmer and he’s looking forward to representing the people in his area.  Rod brings experience to the table, having served many years on other local boards.  Rod and his wife, Arlene, have 2 children and 6 grandchildren.  Welcome Rod!

Rod replaces Dave Kathol of Norfolk.  We want to thank Dave for his dedicated service to the district!

Directors re-elected this year include: Mark Hall of Norfolk in Subdistrict 2, Bob Huntley of Norfolk in Subdistrict 3, Jerry Allemann of Wayne in Subdistrict 5, Matt Steffen of West Point in Subdistrict 6, and Gary Loftis of Craig in Subdistrict 7.

Lower Elkhorn NRD - Election Results

Jay

Reikofski

Subdistrict #1

Rod Zohner

Subdistrict #4

Contract approved to complete work on the Willow Creek dam near Pierce

Phase 1 of the Willow Creek Dam High Artesian Pressure Mitigation Project was approved at the December meeting of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors.  The board authorized an agreement with HDR Engineering for the project design to mitigate the high artesian pressures at the dam, with a cost not to exceed $50,032.  Phase 1 of the project will primarily involve the installation of wells and pump tests to mitigate the artesian pressures.  LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “This project is another example of the continued effort of the LENRD to partner with agencies in securing available funding.  The district is always looking for grant opportunities to maximize the use of our local tax dollars.”  The total estimated project cost is $307,970.00 with $170,000 coming from the High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The board also approved the 2020 Crop Damage Agreement and payment for the Norman and Agnes Herian land, near the Willow Creek reservoir, in the amount of $6,672.73.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, updated the board on the Standard Variance applications that were approved last month.  An error during processing caused the total score for one of the applications from the NON 10/50 area to rank incorrectly.  Upon correction of the error, the corrected total score increased it to be within the range for approval.  The board amended the motions from the November board meeting to reflect the corrected number of 2676.77 new groundwater irrigated acres.

In other action, the board accepted a bid from Precision IT for audio/video equipment for the board room in the amount of $6,905.

The board also approved the service agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for the research project - Visualizing and Assessing Nitrogen Contamination in Northeastern Nebraska, with a contract amount not to exceed $40,216.

In other business, the board accepted the marketing proposal from Hollman Media to assist with a media campaign dealing with the perception of the NRD and to bring public awareness of nitrate use and contamination.  This will be a month-to-month contract, not to exceed the amount of $1,867.50 per month and a one-time fee for website development of $3,180.

The board voted to approve the Dividend Resolution for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), regarding the use of the NARD Risk Pool to purchase an office building for the NARD.

The board also authorized the general manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Norfolk to perform an east drainage study, not to exceed the 50% cost-share amount of $18,825.95.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, January 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area seeks Project Coordinator

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Project Coordinator.

The Project Coordinator will work independently to educate and encourage the adoption of best management practices in an attempt to improve groundwater quality and quantity within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area of Pierce, Knox, and Antelope Counties. The Coordinator will be headquartered at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

For more information about the position, please e-mail msousek@lenrd.org. To apply for this position, send a letter of application and current resume by January 8, 2021 to: Mike Sousek; General Manager, Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd., Norfolk NE 68701.

Job Description

Webinar outlining proposed groundwater regulations to remediate elevated nitrate levels held Dec. 17th

High nitrates in your drinking water may pose health risks for you and your family.  A proposed management area in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties was discussed during a Zoom Webinar that was held on Thursday, December 17th.  Hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the virtual meeting included speakers from the LENRD, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the University of Nebraska (UNL), and from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).  The webinar was utilized to allow for the safe and efficient dissemination of information about the proposed management area due to current concerns regarding Covid-19 cases in the state.

If you were unable to view the event last Thursday evening, or would like the opportunity to watch it again, a recording of the virtual event is now available.  Stakeholders can access the link for the recorded event by visiting the LENRD’s website and on social media by visiting the LENRD’s Facebook & Twitter pages.

The LENRD is proposing a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge counties, due to elevated nitrates levels found through the district’s groundwater quality monitoring program.

Increased levels of nitrates also create additional expenses for private well owners and public water supply systems who have made investments in treatment systems to remediate the issue.  During the webinar, Dr. Jesse Bell with UNMC informed viewers of the negative health implications associated with elevated drinking water nitrates and discussed research on cancer and pediatric birth defects associated with groundwater contaminants.

This information meeting also provided additional insight on the monitoring and assessment segment of this process, along with an explanation of the proposed management area boundaries and controls that accompany a Phase 2 Area.  LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The district places groundwater quality as one of its highest priorities, and is committed to cooperating with stakeholders to ensure success in pursuit of this endeavor.”

The LENRD has made tentative plans to host an Open House Public Hearing on Thursday, January 28th from 5-7 p.m. at the Nielsen Center in West Point to receive public comment on the proposed management area.  However, this date is subject to change, pending future concerns over hosting public events during the Covid-19 pandemic.  For additional information, contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402.371.7313.

What Lies Beneath? Groundwater regulations proposed to help lower nitrate levels in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties

High nitrate levels in your drinking water could pose health risks for you and your family and they’re on the rise in portions of Cuming, Colfax and Dodge counties. Learn more about what lies beneath and the protective measures proposed at a virtual informational meeting hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.

Speakers during the virtual informational meeting include:

• Dr. Jesse E. Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Health and Environment in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health

• Tatiana Davila, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Groundwater Geologist and Wellhead Protection Coordinator

• Charles Shapiro, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Soil Science/Crop Nutrition) Emeritus Professor

• Brian Bruckner, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Assistant Manager

In 1997, the LENRD established a Groundwater Management Area to improve and protect groundwater quantity and quality. This designation put the entire district into Phase 1 of groundwater management controls. Since then, portions of Pierce and Madison counties have moved into Phase 2 and 3 quality-management sub-areas due to increased nitrate concentration in the groundwater.

LENRD’s groundwater quality monitoring program continues to monitor levels of nitrate-nitrogen throughout the district and is proposing a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of Cuming, Colfax and Dodge counties due to the detection of elevated nitrates.

In the LENRD, a Phase 2 area can be delineated if at least 20 percent of the monitored wells have nitrate concentrations that range between 5 and 9 parts per million (ppm)for nitrate-nitrogen. The LENRD groundwater quality monitoring program has detected this in portions of the tri-county area. See the attached map for further details or visit lenrd.org for additional information.

Nitrate is found naturally in the environment; however, excess nitrate comes primarily from the use of commercial fertilizers (both organic and manufactured). Nitrate dissolves readily in water and when carried through the soil below plant roots can easily contaminate groundwater

“Nitrogen is present in native and farming ecosystems and necessary for plant growth,” said LENRD Assistant Manager Brian Bruckner. “Nitrate commonly enters groundwater when fertilizers are added to the soil and leach through the root zone. Land use, soil type and precipitation all play a role in leaching potential. Coarse-textured, low-organic matter soils under high rainfall or irrigation have the highest leaching potential.”

Crops use nitrogen more efficiently when it is applied as close as possible to when the plant needs it. Research shows the timing of fertilizer application helps prevent nitrogen loss and increases potential plant uptake.

“Phase area controls are developed to remedy groundwater nitrate issues – ramping up the controls as conditions are triggered,” Bruckner said. “Improvements are not expected immediately, but hopefully in the next several years positive changes will be realized. Growers should be able adapt to production changes without negative impacts on crop yields and may see an uptick in profitably with increased nitrogen efficiency.”

Phase 2 controls include:

• Prohibiting fall/winter commercial nitrogen fertilizer application between Oct. 15 and March 15

• Certifying operators, who apply commercial nitrogen

• Submitting field reports to the LENRD annually by March 15

• Requiring deep soil sampling (24 inches) in fields planted continuously to corn

• Requiring irrigation water sampling once every four years

“It’s important to remember that as groundwater users, we have a responsibility to protect the resource for the future. How many years into the future is up to us,” said Bruckner.

Meeting webinar links will be available on the Lower Elkhorn NRD website and Facebook page. The public will have the opportunity to view the webinar and submit comments and questions during the virtual event. For additional information, contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402.371.7313.

Virtual Informational Meeting - the recording of this meeting will be available soon!

Open House Public Hearing

March 25, 2021 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Nielsen Center in West Point, Nebraska

MAPS

Proposed Boundaries

Nitrate Map

Spatial Analysis

Phase Area Controls

What Lies Beneath? --A Report on the Monitoring and Assessment for Groundwater Nitrate Contamination in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties

Do you know what’s in your water?  High nitrates in your drinking water can pose health risks for you and your family.  Increased levels of nitrates can also create additional expense for many private well owners and public water supply systems with the installation of treatment systems to remediate the issue.  To learn more about what lies beneath, and to find out what’s in your drinking water, plan to participate in a virtual informational meeting hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (NRD) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Nitrate is found naturally in the environment, however, since nitrate is a primary component of fertilizer and manure, losses can occur in the form of field run-off and leaching into groundwater aquifers.  Nitrate pollution can occur in numerous forms including from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, but losses from fertilizer and manure are the main culprits in agriculture-heavy regions.  Nitrate dissolves readily in water and when carried through the soil below plant roots it can easily contaminate groundwater.

“This informational meeting is a step toward informing stakeholders on the results of the groundwater monitoring conducted by the NRD and addressing potential health risks and the critical need to protect our water supply,” said Lower Elkhorn NRD Assistant Manager Brian Bruckner.  He continued, “By implementing best management practices, we can work together to reduce groundwater contaminates and protect our drinking water.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water at 10 parts per million (ppm).   High levels of nitrate can be particularly harmful to infants and children and can lead to methemoglobinemia, commonly known as “blue baby syndrome.”  Blue baby syndrome is caused by decreased ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body potentially leading to death.  Pregnant women and adults with certain health conditions are also at increased risk.  Health researchers are looking at the potential links between nitrate contamination in drinking water and incidences of birth defects, pediatric cancer, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Bruckner added, “While the body of science is still limited on some of these conditions, the long-term implications of these relationships deserves our attention.”

As part of Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Groundwater Quality Sampling Program, technicians collect annual water samples to document changes or trends in groundwater quality.  Beginning in 2018, the NRD prioritized the collection of groundwater samples as part of its routine monitoring in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties.  The results from this groundwater quality study have been provided to well owners and indicate the presence of elevated groundwater nitrate that warrant additional action by the NRD.  In October 2020, the Board of Directors voted to begin the formal process of considering a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of these three counties.  This informational meeting will provide you with additional insight on the monitoring and assessment segment of this process, along with an explanation of the proposed management area boundaries and controls that accompany a Phase 2 Area in the NRD.

Participation links for this informational meeting webinar will be available on the Lower Elkhorn NRD website and Facebook page.  The public will have the opportunity to view the webinar and submit comments and questions during the event.  For additional information, contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402.371.7313.

Virtual Informational Meeting

A recording of this meeting is available HERE.

Open House Public Hearing

March 25, 2021 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Nielsen Center in West Point, Nebraska

Lower Elkhorn NRD approves applications for new irrigated acres

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries recently had an opportunity to apply for new irrigated acres.  The LENRD board approved applications for standard variances at their November board meeting.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “We received 94 applications for new irrigated acres during the sign-up period, and eligible applications were processed using the LENRD’s scoring and ranking system.” 

The board voted to allow up to 287.41 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions in the LENRD’s Hydrologically Connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to 2,817 new irrigated acres.  The board also voted to allow for the development of 2,540 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s Non-Hydrologically Connected (Non 10/50 Area).  Staff will be contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications. The board approved 70% of the total number of applications, or 62% of the total requested acres.

In other action, the board approved the annual groundwater allocations for the Quantity Management Subareas subject to allocations for the 2021 growing season.  Bruckner, said, “Each year, the board must determine the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the Wayne and Eastern Madison County Quantity Management Subareas for the upcoming crop year.”  The board voted to keep the allocation amounts the same as previous years:  18 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 14 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Eastern Madison County Quantity Subarea, and 17 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 12 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Wayne County Quantity Subarea.  These groundwater allocation amounts have remained unchanged since first being imposed for the 2013 pumping season.

In other business, the board approved 7 Community Forestry Incentive Program applications for a total cost of $25,037.22.  The communities receiving grants to remove and plant trees this year include:  the City of West Point, the Village of Emerson, the Village of Uehling, West Point Public Schools, the Village of Pilger, Norfolk Public Schools, and the City of Wakefield.  The board also approved 1 Public Facilities application for a total cost of $2,500 for the Rolling Hills Country Club for the removal and planting of trees.  LENRD Natural Resources Conservation Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “We look forward to working with these communities as they plan for the future.  If you’re in need of trees for your community, your acreage, or your backyard, give me a call, I’d be happy to come out and help you design your project.”

The board voted to instruct staff to work with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to submit an amendment for the High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant for Phase 1 of the Willow Creek Dam Artesian Pressure Mitigation.  This amendment would be the first phase in mitigating the artesian pressures present at Willow Creek Dam.  Primarily, this phase would involve installation of wells and pump tests.   LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “This project is another example of the continued effort of the LENRD to partner with agencies in securing available funding.  The district is always looking for grant opportunities in order to maximize the use of our local tax dollars.”  The total estimated project cost is $307,970.00 with $170,000 coming from the HHPD grant.

The board accepted the bid of Cech Excavating to replace rip rap along the shore at Maple Creek Recreation area in the amount of $18,593.75.

The board also voted to contribute $3,000 to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) for the Risk Pool Insurance Fund.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Tuesday, December 22nd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Groundwater Management Area Specialist position announced

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District has announced they are seeking a Groundwater Management Area Specialist.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of natural resources conservation and will be responsible for assisting groundwater users in complying with Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations. by conducting educational programs to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the negative implications associated with groundwater contamination and working to encourage the adoption of practices that protect and conserve water resources.

Interested candidates should send their resume to the attention of: Mike Sousek, General Manager, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, NE  68701. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Description