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News
PROPOSED WELL CONSTRUCTION RULES NOT APPROVED BY IDAHO'S WATER RESOURCE BOARD
Members of the Idaho Ground Water Association attended the Idaho Water Resource Board meeting on May 17th in Burley, Idaho for IDWR’s presentation on the proposed revisions to the Rules for Well Construction Standards. Gary Duspiva, Brett McCarty, Roger Batt and Norm Semanko (Idaho Water Users Association) testified on behalf of the IGWA in opposition to the Rules. The Idaho Dairyman’s Association also gave Roger Batt the authority to testify against the Rules on their behalf due to the establishment of livestock holding areas and minimum distance requirements in the Rules.
Gary Duspiva cited Rules from two states and spoke to the fact that drive shoe sealing is allowed in other states bordering Idaho and that it should be included in the Rules. Brett McCarty testified that if the Rules were to be approved that it would mean an overwhelming cost not only to his operation but also to his customers. Roger Batt relayed that the Rules were going to be difficult to comply with, implement, and enforce and that the mandate leaning towards mud rotary methods should not exist statewide, especially in areas of Geologic Condition. Norm Semanko with the Idaho Water Users Association stated that the Idaho State Legislature initially asked for Well Construction Standards (which they have in the 1993 version) and that no hearing took place with the Legislature to give direction to IDWR to revise the Current Rules.
In an admirable display of incredible leadership, Director Dave Tuthill stood up and asked that the Rules previously placed onto the Water Resource Board agenda for the 18th of May be removed. Director Tuthill agreed that the Rules were not acceptable as currently drafted and agreed to go back to the drawing board as suggested. The IGWA appreciates Director Tuthill’s leadership and his willingness to work with the Industry on the Process.
The Idaho Ground Water Association Board of Directors will be holding planning meetings in June to discuss further actions related to this issue.
Contact IGWA at: IGWA | 55 SW 5th Ave, Suite 100 | Meridian, ID 83642
ph: 208-888-0988 | fx: 208-888-4586 | rbatt@spro.net