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Committee reviews hydrology for proposed subdivisions and wider aquifer concerns
Summary
Members discussed hydrologic evidence submitted for Hunter Chase (161 lots on 185 acres) and whether countywide hydrologic compilation is needed; Kristine Warner said site studies show aquifer depths and no hydraulic interference at that site, while staff and members flagged the cost and data challenges of a countywide analysis.
Committee member Kristine Warner described hydrologic and nutrient/pathogen studies submitted for the Hunter Chase preliminary plat (161 parcels on 185 acres), citing consultant findings that the local aquifer near the site averages about 40 feet deep in summer and 60 feet in winter, and that typical wells in the area are 120–160 feet deep. Warner summarized the consultant's pumping calculation: "you could put a well every 100 ft. and run it at five gallons a minute for 24 hours and there would be no hydraulic interference between wells because there's so much water in the ground." The Planning & Zoning office requires nutrient/pathogen studies on subdivisions of 10 lots or more and looks for DEQ concurrence.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Milton Ollerton and Commissioner Keith Grover urged compiling existing hydrologic reports and monitoring-well data to assess countywide trends. Ollerton said a synthesized analysis could indicate whether the aquifer is declining and help forecast needed well depths and limits on development. Grover and staff noted cost constraints and data-access issues (historical health-department records), and suggested IDWR involvement and aggregated analysis tools would be helpful before deciding broad policy.
