Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Quality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Churchill County approves interlocal agreement with Nevada Department of Agriculture for groundwater testing up to $30,000
Summary
The board approved a five‑year interlocal agreement to collect and test groundwater samples in Churchill County, targeting about 12 wells and a not‑to‑exceed total of $30,000 for 2025–2030; commissioners asked to revisit testing frequency after baseline results.
The Churchill County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Nevada Division of Agriculture to collect, test and report on groundwater samples in Churchill County from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2030, for a not-to-exceed total of $30,000.
County staff said the agreement will let the state collect samples from wells the Division of Agriculture already monitors; the county indicated it currently plans to target about 12 wells under the contract. County staff described the work as a baseline monitoring program that will test for constituents of local concern—examples listed during the meeting included pesticides, arsenic, barium, lithium and boron. Test results provided by the state laboratory are expected within about two weeks of sample drop-off.
Chris Bros, county staff presenting the item, said the five-year, not-to-exceed amount averages under $5,000 per year and that the agreement covers collection, sample handling and laboratory work at the state’s established costs. Commissioners asked about the testing frequency and whether the county could request additional sampling at sites the state is not already testing. Bros said the state performs routine monitoring at its wells and the county could request different wells or additional tests; expanding the scope could change costs.
A public commenter, Michelle Anderson, suggested sampling twice yearly—particularly a winter sample when water levels are higher and a summer sample when levels are lower—if industry arrives in the county. Commissioners responded that they expected to begin with an annual baseline sample and revisit frequency after reviewing initial results. County staff confirmed the agreement can be amended and said staff expects the state to be cooperative in expanding sample scope if needed.
The board approved the interlocal agreement by voice vote; county staff said the contract will be posted and that maps showing the wells targeted for sampling will be made available once the program begins.
