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i_wrrc_2017a_2017-10-31t10:30:58z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 10/31/2017

Location: SCR 352

Final

Follow-Up on South Platte High Groundwater Issues



WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE


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10:31 AM -- Follow-Up on South Platte High Groundwater Issues



Due to a combination of natural geology and hydrology, average to above average precipitation in the South Platte watershed, increased recharge for augmentation purposes, and decreased groundwater pumping, high groundwater within and near the towns of Gilcrest and La Salle is causing damage to property and agricultural land. The committee heard presentations regarding the high water table level on August 2, 2017, and October 5, 2017. Glen Fritzler, Fritzler Farms, introduced himself to the committee and provided the committee with a follow-up presentation on the high water table level on the South Platte, specifically in the Gilcrest/La Salle area. Mr. Fritzler discussed how the high groundwater has impacted his property. He distributed a letter from an engineering firm concerning the groundwater levels and septic interaction in Weld County and pictures depicting damage done to his property by the high water levels (Attachment A).



Attachment A.pdfAttachment A.pdf



10:41 AM



Gene Kammerzell, Weld County Farm Bureau, introduced himself to the committee and discussed the impact of the high water table, specifically in the Gilcrest/La Salle area. He distributed statistics and pictures of the impact from the high water levels (Attachment B).



Attachment B.pdfAttachment B.pdf



10:45 AM



Robert Logenbaugh introduced himself to the committee and distributed maps and statistics regarding the high groundwater levels in the Gilcrest/La Salle area (Attachment C), a memorandum regarding the Gilcrest/ La Salle Pilot Prject Hydrogeologic Characterization Report (Attachment D), and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) report concerning the Emergency Dewatering Grant Program created by House Bill 15-1178 (Attachment E). Mr. Logenbaugh discussed the work of the Groundwater Technical Committee, of which he is a member, and stated his concerns with the Dewatering Grant Program.



Attachment C.pdfAttachment C.pdf Attachment D.pdfAttachment D.pdf Attachment E.pdfAttachment E.pdf



10:51 AM



Mr. Logenbaugh responded to questions from the committee concerning the pilot program study and explained why he is not satisfied with the results of that study.