GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREA

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The LNNRD implemented a Groundwater Management Area on July 1, 1996. The entire district is included in this area. This area was implemented to help protect and improve groundwater quality. Requirements in a Phase I area are: operators applying more than 50 pounds per acre year are required to maintain nitrogen certification once every 4 years, fall application on nitrogen discouraged until March 1, well permit required on all wells pumping more that 50 gallons per minute prior to construction. The District recommends sampling irrigation wells once every 4 years for nitrate and encourages deep soil sampling.

On April 2, 2004 the LNNRD implemented Phase II regulations to a approximately 115,200 acres northeast of O'Neill. In addition to the continuation of Phase I requirements, Phase II requirements are: fall application of nitrogen not allowed until after Nov 1 with exceptions for application rates less than 20 pounds per acre on fall & spring seeded crops and spring application of 100 pounds are encouraged through split applications; deep soil sampling on fields of 40 acres or more is required when applying more than 50 pounds per acre per year; an annual crop report is due by December 31 for current crop year; and animal and municipality waste shall be properly applied and accounted for to avoid surface and groundwater contamination. Residents of towns are encouraged to attend workshops to aid in proper application of lawn and garden chemicals. The remainder of the District remains in Phase I. Copies of the crop report form are also available at the LNNRD office in Butte.

Click here for Crop report form    in PDF format