2015-02-11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Draft North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Plan 3-8 Objective IV. Groundwater use in the GWMA does not create unresolved well interferences or water use conflicts. DNR must also address competing demands for appropriations of water within the sustainable limits. The purpose of this objective is to manage water appropriations in accordance with the allocation priorities in Minn. Stat., sec. 103G.261. The first priorities for water allocation are domestic water use and use of surface water for power generation. Five other priority levels are given for other uses: all other consumption of less than 10,000 gallons per day, agricultural irrigation and processing, other power production,other consumption greater than 10,000 gallons per day, and non-essential uses. A well interference problem occurs when groundwater appropriation causes the water level in public water supply well(s) or private, domestic well(s)to fall below the reach of those wells (Minn. Stat., sec. 103G.287 subd. 5 and Minn. Rules, part 6115.0730). According to Minn.Stat.,sec. 103G.287, subd. 5, this applies to public water supply and private domestic wells constructed according to the state well code (Minn. Rules, part 4725). An interference complaint can only be valid for a domestic well if that well was constructed before appropriation permits allegedly causing the interference were issued. An interference problem may be resolved by modifying the affected well, replacing the well with a deeper well, replacing the well with an alternate water supply (e.g. connection to a public system), or modifying permitted pumping rates or schedules. Potential for well interference is considered when evaluating new water appropriation permits or amendment applications.The DNR follows procedures described in Minn. Rules, part 6115.0730 to mitigate potential interference that may be caused by new or increased appropriations and to respond to interference complaints. A water use conflict occurs when water demands among existing and proposed users exceed the available waters. A water use conflict can only be resolved by limiting or restricting the rate,volume, and/or timing of water appropriations. The available waters must first be determined based on resource sustainability (Objectives I and ll) before allocating the available waters among users.The DNR follows procedures described in Minn. Rules, part 6115.0740 to resolve water use conflicts. Section 5 of the GWMA Plan provides a set of actions to meet Objective IV. P57