LENRD Board discusses groundwater management strategies

Groundwater quality and quantity are top priorities of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).  The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans for the future of our natural resources.

At their July meeting, the board adopted the proposed changes to the LENRD’s Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations, and those changes will become effective on August 24, 2019.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The changes will further outline the rules and regulations by adding some definitions for terms that relate to current groundwater management strategies to complement the recent adoption of the Lower Platte River Basin Plan and the LENRD’s Integrated Management Plan.”

The board also approved a Streambank Stabilization Project Policy.  Area flooding has caused several streambanks to erode in places where they haven’t in the past.  Due to the extensive river system across the district, the board made the decision to focus resources on public infrastructure.  The policy states that the district will need to partner with one or more public entities on streambank stabilization projects in the future.

The LENRD Board is also waiting to hear if funding has been secured through a grant with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood protection for the city of Battle Creek.

The 2 reservoirs that have been proposed for the area, south of Battle Creek, are a 160-acre pool for approximately $17 million and a 1,200-acre pool for $36 million.  Battle Creek’s City Council met in May and voted to explore options for a 1,200-acre flood-control reservoir on the south side of Battle Creek.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “There are multiple benefits to think about when considering a project of this size.  First and foremost is flood reduction.  Along with that are the recharge benefits as well as recreation.”

The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, August 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.