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Council authorizes state‑certified drawdown test and camera inspection for Martin’s Flat well exploration
Summary
After months of slow drilling at Martin’s Flat, council directed staff to proceed with a state‑certified drawdown test and camera inspection; the contractor will telescope to a smaller bit to attempt faster progress and two test-pump options (leaving existing pump vs. using a test pump/camera) were considered — council favored the more thorough pump-out and camera approach.
Council discussed slow progress on the Martin’s Flat well, where drilling rates have slowed to about four inches per hour. Staff and the driller recommended a telescoping test — reducing borehole diameter to see if drilling rate improves — so the team can determine whether they can reach the Navajo sandstone and appropriate water quality.
City staff presented two drawdown/test-pump options: use the existing on-site pump to run a test pump (lower cost option) or pull the existing pump and use a dedicated test pump (higher cost but better measurement capability and ability to run a camera inspection). Staff quoted an approximate $27,000 option using the existing pump and up to $39,000 for the test pump/camera approach (figures are preliminary). Several council members stressed due diligence, arguing that a modest upfront cost for testing and camera inspection is justified before committing to major expenditure on acquisition or full production drilling.
Council members agreed they wanted the more reliable test option and camera inspection for due diligence; staff said two quotes had been solicited and that the city would take the best price and schedule the contractor within 1–2 weeks. Funding will be drawn from the Martin’s Flat budget and later revised from Rush Lake budget if needed. Council emphasized the test will be the state‑certified drawdown measurement used for later permitting.
Next steps: staff to proceed with the state‑certified drawdown test and camera inspection, accept the lowest responsive quote and schedule work; staff will return results for council review and for state permitting.
