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Residents demand independent aquifer review as Krystal Springs subdivision advances
Summary
At a Jan. 27 Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County public hearing, neighbors pressed commissioners for independent hydrogeologic analysis of the proposed 29‑lot Krystal Springs Estates, arguing developer studies rely on outdated data and may understate well impacts and long-term drawdown.
Neighbors opposing the Krystal Springs Estates preliminary plat told the County Commission that developer-conducted analyses do not answer their questions about groundwater, sewer capacity and long‑term impacts. "I don't think they've had enough time to do enough investigation on how much that aquifer is going to be hurt," said resident Jack Duffield, who urged covenant language that would limit irrigation from domestic wells and provide remedies if nearby wells decline.
Developer‑hired engineers said the subdivision relies primarily on a purchased surface water right for lawn irrigation and that domestic wells would be metered and limited to in‑home use. Brian Throckmorton of 406 Engineering said the 28 new lots would consume roughly 7.84 acre‑feet from groundwater and that the project would rely on surface water rights for outside irrigation, adding: "ten acre‑feet does not allow you to really water your grass." Residents pushed back, citing the age of baseline data and asking the county to commission an independent aquifer study and contingency plan if wells decline. Several speakers pointed to a DNRC‑related report and noted the developer's modeling suggested roughly 9 inches drawdown after five years and about 20 inches after ten years in the modeled zone of influence, figures residents said require independent verification.
The public expressed concern about who would pay for remedies if private wells dry, and whether county-owned wells or downstream agricultural users could be affected. Commissioner Ed Beaudette asked Planning staff if additional permit conditions could prohibit irrigation from domestic wells and require monitoring; Planning Director Carl Hamming said meters are proposed and the Commission could add stronger language as a condition of approval. The subdivision remains under review; the Commission did not take a final vote at the Jan. 27 work session and members signaled the matter will return to a future agenda.
