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Planning staff flags Buffalo aquifer as a groundwater concern for Clay County
Summary
A county planning staff update noted the Minnesota DNR has identified the Buffalo aquifer and local beach‑ridge aquifers as areas of groundwater concern; observation wells show declining levels and the aquifer recharges slowly because of overlying clay.
Planning staff briefed the commission on a recent state report identifying several groundwater areas of concern, including the Buffalo aquifer that underlies parts of Clay County. Staff said the Buffalo aquifer provides a notable portion of the county’s groundwater supply and that observation wells have shown downward trends; recharge is slow where clay overlays the aquifer.
Staff described the DNR’s attention to the aquifer and related beach‑ridge groundwater systems and noted the county’s wellhead‑protection and resource‑protection zoning functions as tools to help preserve water quality and long‑term supply. Commissioners and staff said continued monitoring, coordination with DNR, and attention to wellhead‑protection work are appropriate next steps.
The discussion was informational; the commission did not take formal action on the report at the meeting.
