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

Are you interested in planting trees this spring?

The staff at the Lower Elkhorn NRD are ready to help you design your windbreak! Give Todd Stewart a call today at 402-371-7313 or click HERE for more information.

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

Winners of Conservation Poster Contest announced

“Where would we BEE without Pollinators?” was the theme for this year’s Stewardship Week and Poster Contest sponsored by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Pollinators form the foundations of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but in recent years, they have shown concerning signs of decline. It’s important that we work to help them prosper by enhancing native pollinator habitats and protecting against pollinator declines.

Over 100 K-12th grade students participated in the contest.  Buzzing bees and butterflies were some of the examples shown in the winning posters, created by students from across the Lower Elkhorn NRD’s 15-counties in northeast Nebraska.

The following winners will receive special recognition from the Lower Elkhorn NRD:

Grades K-1     

1) Carson Gerths                                              Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Isabelle Anderson                                       Battle Creek Elementary

3) Abigail Zweep                                             Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary

Grades 2-3

1) Dawson Mackling                                        Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point     

2) Kenna Olmer                                                St. Francis, Humphrey

3) Jesus Vargas                                                St. Mary’s, Wayne

3) Blake Heithold                                              St. Mary’s, Wayne

Grades 4-6

1) Madie Thiele                                                 Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Audrey Praest                                              St. Wenceslaus, Dodge

3) Mariana Nexticapan Hernandez           St. Mary’s, Wayne

Grades 7-9

1) Emerson Ortmeier                                      Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Myranda Hansen                                         Norfolk High School

3) Kali Mangelsen                                            Norfolk High School

Grades 10-12

1) Claire Steskal                                                Norfolk High School

2) Courtney Hintz                                             Norfolk High School

3) Anna Lemus                                                  Norfolk High School

The first place posters in each category were sent on to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) in Lincoln for the State Competition.

The NARD has announced that the Lower Elkhorn NRD has 3 winners at the State level this year.  Students winning in the State competition include:

• Grades K-1:  Carson Gerths, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

• Grades 7-9:  Emerson Ortmeier, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

• Grades 10-12: Claire Steskal, Norfolk High School

These students will receive special recognition from the NARD in Lincoln.  The posters created by Gerths, Ortmeier, and Steskal will be sent on to Las Vegas, Nevada for the National competition in February 2020.

“I’m always amazed at the talent we see from the students each year.  This contest is a fun way to help students connect with the world around them and use the theme to focus on things they can see and hear in their own backyard,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD Information & Education Specialist.  She added, “Congratulations to all the participants.  Please enter again next year.”

The 2021 stewardship theme is “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities”.  For more information on the poster contest, contact Julie Wragge, at jwragge@lenrd.org or 402-371-7313.

First Place - K-1 Grade Division: Carson Gerths, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 2-3 Grade Division: Dawson Mackling, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 4-6 Grade Division: Madie Thiele, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 7-9 Grade Division: Emerson Ortmeier, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 10-12 Grade Division: Claire Steskal, Norfolk High School

Let's design your project!

Do you have a windbreak in need of renovation?

Do you want to plant trees on your property, but you're not sure where to start? We'll help you develop a successful plan. We can provide cost-share up to 75% on trees, weed barrier, planting services, and tree removal. Give us a call before you begin your project. Call or email Todd Stewart to reserve your spot on the list for the 2021 planting season - 402-371-7313 or tstewart@lenrd.org

Conservation Tree Program

City of Randolph breaks ground on flood control project

The City of Randolph broke ground today on Phase 1 of their flood control project that has been in the making for 18 years. The groundbreaking ceremony attracted approximately 50 people and was held in the city park. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the City of Randolph, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District spoke at the ceremony. All three governmental entities are partnering on this project, along with Pierce and Cedar Counties. This project will prevent numerous homes and businesses from being placed in the flood plain and will help protect the community from future flood events. Completion of the project is anticipated in 2024.

LENRD invests $1.97 million to protect the City of Randolph from flooding

The City of Randolph will break ground this week on a flood control project that has been in the making for 18 years.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be this Friday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. near the city’s RV parking area, west of Sholes Road and east of Nebraska Street.  Representatives from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), the City of Randolph, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be speaking at the ceremony.  All three governmental entities are partnering on this project, along with Pierce and Cedar Counties.

One of the LENRD’s 12 responsibilities is flood prevention and control.  LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “After looking into many alternatives with the USACE, the most cost-effective option was the widening of the Middle Logan Creek channel that runs through Randolph.  This project will allow for a large portion of the city to be taken out of the 100-year flood plain.”

In 2017, the LENRD board approved funding up to $1.97 million for 50% of the local costs of the channel enlargement and floodplain reduction project.  Becker, said, “We created a sinking fund for the project and budgeted money responsibly over the last several years to help protect the future of this community.”

The construction contract for Phase 1 of the flood risk management project was awarded to Shinn Kellogg of Albia, Iowa, for $5.78 million.  Phase 1 will include removing and replacing the Bridge Street and Sholes Road Bridges and widening the Middle Logan Creek channel from just downstream of the Jackson Street Bridge to upstream of the Sholes Road Bridge.

Becker, said, “This flood control project will prevent numerous homes and businesses from being placed in the flood plain.  He added, “We are not only working to protect the community from future flood events, but also to prevent the required annual flood insurance costs.  We are excited to get the project underway.”

Phase 2 work will include continuation of bridge removals and channel widening with contract award anticipated in the summer of 2021 and completion in the spring of 2024.

Randolph - existing condition

Randolph - with completed project

LENRD board to address groundwater contamination in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties

At their October meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors approved a motion to direct staff to begin the formal process for consideration of a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge counties for groundwater quality purposes.

In 1997, a Groundwater Management Area was established to improve and protect groundwater quantity and quality.  The management area covers the entire LENRD or all or parts of 15-counties in northeast Nebraska.  This designation put the entire district into Phase 1 of groundwater management controls.  Since that time, portions of Pierce and Madison Counties have moved into Phase 2 & 3 management sub-areas due to the increasing trend of nitrate concentration in the groundwater.

As part of the LENRD’s Groundwater Quality Sampling program, water samples are collected annually across the district to help document any changes or trends in groundwater quality, testing for general water quality parameters.  This data is carefully scrutinized and can be used to delineate areas that have similar groundwater quality characteristics, such as areas that have high or low nitrate-nitrogen levels.  LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “In the past few years, the district has seen an increase in nitrates in the groundwater in portions of these three counties.”

Organic and Inorganic fertilizers and livestock manure contain nitrogen that is either in the nitrate form or is easily converted to nitrate. Nitrate dissolves readily in water, and when this nitrate-containing water moves through the soil and below plant roots, it can very easily reach and contaminate groundwater.

Bruckner added, “We can work together to minimize the impact of agricultural contaminants on groundwater by encouraging, and in some cases, requiring the use of wise management practices.  Designating a boundary is one of the first steps in establishing a management area.”

Bruckner continued, “As we begin the process of delineating a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area, the district will be hosting educational workshops to inform stakeholders on the issues, answer questions on the implications of a Phase 2 Area, and come up with solutions to address this potential health risk.  We will also be organizing a series of public meetings in this tri-county area in December to begin to inform and educate the public on the critical need to keep our water supply safe.”

Nitrate-nitrogen can be a threat to good health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Department of Health have established an upper limit of 10 milligrams per liter (or parts per million or ppm) of nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water. The district encourages anyone using a private well as a drinking water source to test their water annually for nitrate-nitrogen and consult a physician if the nitrate-nitrogen levels are close to or above 10 milligrams per liter.

State statute requires that the LENRD provide stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and input on any proposed change to its Rules and Regulations or Management Area boundary via a public hearing. The district will be hosting several public information meetings in December in Colfax and Dodge Counties to inform stakeholders and will also host an Open House Public Hearing in late January in West Point.

In other business, the board authorized staff to sign the professional service agreement with FYRA Engineering, not to exceed $80,346 to complete the necessary repairs to the Elkhorn River Streambank Stabilization Project near Scribner, pending approval from both the City of Scribner and Dodge County.

The board also approved an agreement with the University of Nebraska for $34,291 to investigate the deep vadose (unsaturated) zone of locations in Pierce County where increasing nitrate levels are occurring.  This project will provide data to help estimate the loading rate of nitrates into the groundwater.

After officially declaring a drought in September, the board continues to monitor any new developments.  With the health and welfare of the public in mind, the board voted to establish a 12 acre-inch annual allocation for any well located in a designated Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)  within a D3 or greater drought area within the LENRD on November 1, 2020, and that the annual allocation be lifted if the area is removed from the D3 or greater designation.  The board also approved a motion that would postpone construction of any new well that is part of an approved Variance for any location within the district that intersects with a D3 or greater drought designation on November 1, 2020.

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, November 24th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Small communities pay high costs for clean water

By Jessica Fargen Walsh

The amount of nitrate in the groundwater is monitored by several agencies throughout Nebraska. The Safe Drinking Water Act sets limits on the level of nitrate allowed in drinking water at 10 parts per million (ppm) to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

But nitrates in the groundwater are also costly.

In Nebraska, 85% of our citizens rely on drinking water pumped from the ground[3]. When a community's public drinking water supply is affected by high nitrate levels that exceed 10 ppm, it can cost hundreds of thousands - even millions - of dollars to fix.

All public water systems are charged with monitoring for the presence of nitrate. A system is out of compliance when nitrate levels exceed 10 ppm. A system is issued an Administrative Order to correct a nitrate contamination problem if two violations are issued within a consecutive three-quarter period.

Nitrate can enter the groundwater when there is excess nitrogen fertilization and excess water application (irrigation or rain). The biggest source of nitrate contamination in the groundwater in Nebraska is from commercial fertilizer on irrigated corn fields[1]. Over years, the nitrate has seeped into the soil and into the groundwater below.

When a public water supply well gets contaminated with nitrates above safe levels, the state requires the community to come up with a solution, such as purchasing new land where they can drill a new well, installing a treatment system or laying pipe to connect to another community's water system. While some communities self-fund nitrate mitigation drinking water projects, other communities rely on low-interest loans and grants from the state and federal government.

Here are a few recent examples of nitrate mitigation projects in Nebraska:

• Edgar water rates are expected to increase because of the cost of a $3 million pipeline to Fairfield. Edgar's only drinking water well exceeds federal nitrate limits, so it must find a way to get clean water to residents.

• Steele City, with a population of 58, has been under a state order to find a clean water source since 2007. It plans on using $900,000 in loans and grants to build a waterline to Endicott. Steele City's only drinking water well measures between 11 and 13 parts per million of nitrate.[2]

• ​Glenvil, with about 300 people, finished a new pumphouse and well in 2019 at a cost of $350,000 because of nitrate levels, and rates are expected to rise between $8 and $10 a month.[5]

• In Ong, the village drilled a new well in 2020 as part of a $160,000 project because the only drinking water well in the village has nitrate levels over the federal limit.[5]

• In Hastings, population 25,000, a reverse osmosis system is designed to remove nitrate from the groundwater. The city has spent $15 million so far. This system alone costs $60/person each year to operate. Water rates have increased as a result of the project.[6]

• Creighton, Brunswick, Orchard, Osmond, and Plainview: Combined these towns have invested nearly $9 million for a population just under 4,000 to supply clean drinking water, over $2,200 per person. [4]

Nebraskans can take pride in our abundant water resources. However, clean water is essential to our citizens. As the cost of providing that water continues to mount, it becomes yet another challenge to the vitality of our rural communities.

References

1. Exner, M.E., Hirsh, A.J. and Spalding, R.F. 2014. Nebraska's groundwater legacy: Nitrate contamination beneath irrigated cropland. Water Resources Research 50(5), 4474-4489.

2. Katz, Tammy. 2019. Personal communication. (Steele City)

3. Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. 2019. 2019 Nebraska Groundwater Quality Monitoring Report.

4. Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Lewis and Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, Upper Elkhorn NRD. 2016. Bazile Groundwater Management Area Plan.

5. Peterson, Dana. 2019. Personal communication. (Glenvil, Ong)

6. Stange, M. 2019. Personal communication. (Hastings)

USDA seeks new partnerships to safeguard, restore wetland ecosystems

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced up to $30 million is available in technical and financial assistance through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to help conservation partners protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands in Nebraska. Restored wetlands help improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding, and provide recreational benefits.

“This partnership enhances the locally driven process to better address critical wetland functions that progress beyond localities,” said Kevin Norton, acting Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “WREP works with other NRCS landscape-level conservation efforts to coordinate the delivery of conservation assistance to producers in targeted areas that yield the most impacts for accelerated benefits nationally and regionally. Continuing to leverage these partnerships helps us continue the important work with producers to help recover the health of wetland ecosystems on working lands.”

Eligible conservation partners in Nebraska will work through WREP to voluntarily execute high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement activities on eligible agriculture lands. WREP enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working agricultural landscapes, providing meaningful benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program and to the communities where the wetlands exist.

NRCS will review partners’ project proposals and evaluate priority resource concerns, objectives, costs, and expected outcomes for each project and rank proposals based on criteria set forth in the requirements listed on each state’s NRCS website.

Proposals should be emailed to the NRCS state contact listed in the local announcement by November 30, 2020.

About the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership

Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), which is part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program. Through WREP, states, local units of governments, non-governmental organizations, and American Indian tribes collaborate with NRCS through cooperative and partnership agreements. These partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their properties.

WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.

Wetland Reserve Easements enable landowners to successfully reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater, enhance and protect wildlife habitat, and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. Healthy wetlands, including those protected and restored through WREP, contribute to USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda of reducing the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050. Earlier this year, Secretary Perdue announced the department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands.

Partners benefit from WREP by targeting outreach and enrollment priorities supported by NRCS, including places impacted by natural disasters. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices that improve the function and condition of wetlands.

Partners looking to learn more about opportunities for WREP funding for fiscal year 2021 are encouraged to attend the WREP workshop on October 22, 2020, at 1 p.m. EDT. Visit the WREP webpage for more information on the workshop or this program opportunity.

Deadline to apply for Conservation Program funds is approaching

Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making any other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Those interested in receiving funding should sign up before Nov. 20, 2020.

According to Craig Derickson, state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska, there are several options available to producers.

“NRCS has a whole suite of conservation programs available to farmers and ranchers looking for assistance in improving and protecting the natural resources on their ag land. These programs provide funding on cropland and rangeland, as well as for animal feeding operations and establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat and wetlands. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators identify their options,” Derickson said.

The most widely applied conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

The goal of these conservation programs is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil and more wildlife habitat.

“Participation in our conservation programs are totally voluntary. We offer assistance that can help make farming and ranching operations more sustainable while conserving the natural resources like soil and water on which all Nebraskans depend, “ Derickson said.

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but the ranking of applications will begin Nov. 20, 2020. The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.

For more information about these conservation programs and other assistance available, visit your local NRCS field office or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

Deadline to apply for new irrigated acres is October 31st

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, may apply for new irrigated acres in some portions of the district between October 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2020.

Geographic portions of the district that are eligible to be considered for standard variances are areas that fall within the top three categories of the classification map.  Excluded from consideration for this sign-up period will be any parcel of land located in any Quantity Management Subarea or Phase 3 Area located within the LENRD.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The board also approved a minimum soil score of 85, which must be met for any standard variance to be considered for approval.”

Please call the LENRD office for more information or to make an appointment with staff. The map and application form are available below. Deadline to apply is October 31st.

Irrigation Development Areas - MAP

Standard Variance Application Form

LENRD board officially declares a district-wide drought

At their September meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to officially declare a drought across the district, which is comprised of all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska.  The LENRD board will continue to meet and discuss potential plans to respond if conditions worsen to a D4 drought.  Their Drought Mitigation Plan is used to protect the health and welfare of the public as directed by the LENRD’s Groundwater Management Plan.

In other business, the board voted to establish the average cost of Deep Soil Sampling for Fiscal Year 2021 as $55.99 per sample and to limit the number of cost-shareable samples to 1 sample per every 25 acres.

The board approved a contract with Derek and Austin Becker of Norfolk to complete Flow Meter Preventative Maintenance Services in the LENRD’s portion of Knox, Cedar, Dixon, Wayne, and Thurston Counties.

The board also certified 129 parcels of irrigated acres at the certification hearing held during the board meeting.

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, October 22nd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Cover Crops enhance rainfall infiltration and reduce soil erosion

Do you have an interest in trying cover crops on your farms?  Have you read about ways to improve soil health and are you wondering if they will work on your land?  If the answer is yes, keep reading to find the assistance you need to get started.

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to encourage landowners to participate in the Cover Crop Incentive Program, for land that is currently in a continuous no-till cropping system.

NRCS No-till Specialist, Dan Gillespie, said, “Cover crops enhance rainfall infiltration, drastically reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and help prevent the development of ephemeral gully erosion in cropland.”  He added, “Cover crops may be planted into corn, soybean or small grain fields.  Highly Erodible Land (HEL) fields where corn has been cut for silage are not eligible.” 

Each participant is eligible to enroll up to 80 acres with a $200 contract minimum. Participants in this practice should apply at their local NRCS office each year, for up to three consecutive years.  Applicants may pick from three cover crop seeding options and three cover crop seed mixture options.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said “Participants may change seed mix alternatives and options during the three-year period, but must have approval from the LENRD prior to planting the cover crop.”  Becker added, “The producer is responsible for obtaining their own seed according to NRCS specifications and arranging for seeding either by pilot or ground application.  Producers also must kill the cover crop per NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines, without inversion tillage.”

Funding is limited, anyone interested in applying for the Cover Crop Program should contact their local NRCS office for more details.