PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE (Water Quality Phase III)
1. The Board of Directors of the Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District (“Board”) will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. on December 13th, 2018 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 410 West Douglas, in O’Neill, Nebraska 68763. In the event the public hearing is cancelled on December 13th, the public hearing will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 14th, 2018 at: Knights of Columbus Hall, 410 West Douglas, O’Neill, Nebraska 68763. The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony relevant to the adoption of proposed amendments to the District’s rules and regulations. A summary of the proposed amendments to the rules and regulations is as follows:
2. The proposed amendments establish a Phase III Groundwater Quality Management Area which includes the lands described as follows:
Antelope County:
Sections 1-36, Township 28- Range 5; Sections 1-36, Township 28- Range 6; Sections 1-36 Township 28- Range 7; Sections 1-36, Township 28- Range 8; Sections 1-36, Township 27-Range 5; Sections 1-36, Township 27-Range 6; Sections 1-36, Township 27-Range 7; Sections 1-36, Township 27-Range 8; Sections 1-36, Township 26-Range 5; Sections 1-36, Township 26-Range 6; Sections 1-36, Township 26-Range 7; Sections 1-36, Township 26-Range 8; Sections 1-36, Township 25-Range 5; and Sections 1-36, Township 25-Range 6
Holt County:
Sections 19-36, Township 31- Range 16;
Sections 1-36, Township 30- Range 15;
Sections 19-21, 28-33, Township 30- Range 14;
Sections 4-9, 16-36, Township 29- Range 13;
Sections 19-36, Township 29- Range 10;
Sections 1-36, Township 28- Range 9; and
Sections 1-36, Township 27- Range 9
Portions of Township 28-Range 10 W and Township 29-Range 11W; which are north of U.S. Hwy. 20/275 and within the Upper Elkhorn NRD.
Wheeler County:
Sections 1-36, Township 24-Range 12
Rock County:
Sections 19-36, Township 31-Range 17
3. The proposed amendments are limited to the controls in Phase III Groundwater Quality Management Areas.
4. The proposed amendments authorize randomized soil sampling on lands located within Phase III areas to determine residual nitrate-nitrogen levels. The soil samples will be collected in the fall from fields that have been harvested. Depending on the levels of nitrate- nitrogen collected from the samples, future reductions in the application of nitrate-nitrogen may be required along with meetings with District staff.
5. The proposed amendments authorize the District to issue orders to cease the application of nitrogen, cease irrigation, reduce or remove certified irrigated acres and such other measures as authorized by law for persons who fail to attain the necessary nitrate-nitrogen levels after 3 years.
6. The proposed amendments repeal prior rules regarding Fertility, Pest, and Irrigation Management Plans.
7. Copies of the full text of the proposed amendments to the rules may be obtained at, or by contacting, the Upper Elkhorn NRD, 301 North Harrison Street, O’Neill, Nebraska 68763, telephone number 402-336-3867. All persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and offer testimony. Written testimony may be presented at the hearing or may be delivered or mailed to the Upper Elkhorn NRD. If mailed or delivered, such testimony must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 14th, 2018.
Individuals with disabilities may request auxiliary aids and services necessary for participation, by contacting the Upper Elkhorn NRD at the address or phone number listed above.
PUBLISH: November 14, 21 & 28, 2018
ZNEZ
