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Commissioners urge neutral hydrologic study and consider moratorium on new permits over aquifer
Summary
Several commissioners called for the county to hire or jointly fund a neutral hydrogeologist to set scientifically defensible separation standards; some supported a temporary moratorium on new CUPs while the study proceeds.
Commissioners pressed for independent, site‑specific hydrogeologic analysis before adopting setback distances or technical standards for mines near the sensitive aquifer. One commissioner argued the county should not rely solely on mining or advocacy testimony and said, "the county ought to pungle up the money, hire someone to go to specific sites and analyze them," urging a neutral study so the county can make defensible policy choices.
Participants also discussed a near‑term moratorium. A commissioner suggested a one‑year moratorium on new conditional use permits or new mines in aquifer areas while a study is completed; staff said that a moratorium is feasible and that they would draft sample language and coordinate with the Aquifer Protection District and the Board of County Commissioners. Ben Tarbutton said staff would follow up to determine whether the BOCC is willing to entertain a moratorium and would provide draft language and consultant estimates.
The commission heard specific contamination concerns from a resident who said he tested shore sediments and found high lead levels: "I had 6,000 parts per million lead in the sediment right there," the resident said, a claim commissioners flagged for follow‑up and verification by scientific testing rather than by anecdote.
