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Local builders push for well-monitoring data as state rules hold up some subdivisions
Summary
A local builders association representative urged the board to require monitoring of domestic wells in new subdivisions to gather consumption data; a board member explained some subdivision processing is stalled at the state level because DEQ and DNRC rule changes are pending.
Justin Gujean, representing the local builders association, told the board that lack of data about domestic well consumption is hampering planning for subdivisions and urged the county to create a pilot requirement for monitoring wells in subdivisions and collecting five years of data to inform future allocation decisions. "Right now we have no data about how much individual houses are consuming," he said, urging monitoring tied to existing parcel allocations so decisions are data-driven rather than emotional.
A board member explained the current delay in processing some subdivisions is largely at the state level: DEQ rules have required preauthorization letters from DNRC for certain subdivision approvals and DEQ had a proposed amendment with the last public-comment period on July 19; the member said DEQ was expected to issue a final decision in early September and, if the requirement is withdrawn, stalled subdivisions could begin being processed. Board members noted that subdivision regulation updates and local model language will need to address water evaluation and potential monitoring requirements if counties choose to proceed.
