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Committee seeks lower-cost options after water modeling deemed too expensive
Summary
Staff told the committee that groundwater modeling proposed by a consultant would be cost-prohibitive; members asked staff to pursue an alternate, lower-cost proposal and highlighted USGS data about types of water use for planning purposes.
Milton Ollerton, Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Administrator, told the Greater Rigby Area Committee that detailed groundwater modeling proposed by Rocky Mountain Environmental would be too expensive and staff asked the consultant for a lower-cost alternate to present to County Commissioners. "Modeling would be too expensive," Ollerton said, and staff will return with a revised proposal that includes cost estimates.
Committee members emphasized the value of the user-type data Ollerton cited from a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study. Jim Gerdes said such proportions — the share of water used for irrigation, public systems and other uses — are important for forming development and policy recommendations regardless of the study’s ultimate findings. Steve Stringham said the committee may want the plan to reflect local stewardship priorities for the aquifer, noting that surface water rights and well use are governed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR).
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