New groundwater district rules approved

WHITE DEER – Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD) Board of Directors passed and adopted proposed rule changes during their meeting held on December 20, 2018.

There were many District constituents in attendance at the hearing, expressing both support and opposition for the proposed rules. District Staff and Board Members recognized and addressed those who had reservations against the new rules. In a vote of four in favor and one against, the rule changes passed and are now in effect.

Here are the major changes:

• Operating Permits will be required on all production wells, new or existing, producing more than 17.5 gallons per minute and are 2-inches or greater in pipe diameter. Operating Permits must be applied for by December 31, 2019 and must be granted before any production takes place in 2020. The District is currently taking appointments and walk-ins to begin the Operating Permit process.

• Meters are required on all wells, new or existing, producing more than 35 gallons per minute. Meters may also be installed at the center pivot sprinkler, drip irrigation system or central collection point, as long as all production is captured. PGCD currently has a 50/50 cost-share program in place for wells that have not been required to install meters in the past. The cost-share program will be available through September 30, 2019.

• It is important to note, the Maximum Allowable Volume of one acre-foot per contiguous acre per year, that has been in place since 2004, will remain the same. The Maximum Allowable Rate of 2,880 GPM/section or 4.5 GPM/acre will remain the same, as well as Spacing Rules for new wells.
While the new rules are already in effect, compliance enforcement regarding Operating Permits and metering does not go into effect until December 31, 2019, giving operators and the District all of 2019 to grant Operating Permits and make any necessary changes for compliance. January 1, 2020 marks the starting date of the 3-year rolling average, which will be used to ensure compliance on the one acre-foot allowable.

To view a copy of the new rules, visit www.pgcd.us. If you have any questions, call the District Office at 806-883-2501.