Editorial

Now is the time to express opinion

Thursday, June 5, 2003

Dear Editor,

The Gazette asked for opinions and now is the time for people to express their thoughts concerning McCook's water problem.

The final decision should be determined by a vote of the citizens of McCook. This vote should come after all the options have been explored.

One option that has not been explored is the possibility of locating a well or two south and/or east of McCook. There are some areas where the water is sufficiently low in nitrates that when blended with some of the existing wells the present nitrate standard would be met. It is important to note that the nitrate standard is the only one requiring immediate attention.

The arsenic and uranium requirements do not need to be met until 2006, and at that point variances may be allowed up to another nine years for compliance. we can help solve the nitrate problem by drilling wells in the cemetery, parks and ball fields and then shut down those wells that are pumping high nitrates. With further testing to the south and east of McCook, we may find water that would meet the arsenic and uranium standards also. We will only know for certain after further testing has been completed.

A committee has been formed from a group of concerned people from the Republican and Frenchman Valleys representing their own communities who have problems similar to McCook's. This committee will be making an effort to bring our two U.S. Senators, our representative from the 3rd District and our governor to the area for a common meeting where each community with a high cost water dilemma may express their concerns of how are we going to afford this cost for new well fields or treatment plants along with the increased cost of maintenance and operation.

The intent of this committee is to make people in Nebraska and other states who are experiencing similar problems aware of our efforts to bring about regulatory change, thus lowering unnecessary financial burdens on its residents. There is no proof that our water with present nitrate, arsenic and uranium contamination has been killing people nor has it been making them sick. Perhaps before 2006, something can be done so it will not be necessary to make the adjustments for the above mentioned contaminates.

The estimated costs for the four selected sites to the North range from $11,531,129 to $15,338,481. It was evident in the discussion between the City Council and the engineers at the May 19 council meeting that no one has negotiated any terms with the landowners. With the amount of draw down of the water in the irrigation wells in those areas, it is still a big question as to the number of wells that would be needed. With these kind of unanswered questions, I have to ask how do you project the total cost?

If you, the citizens of McCook would like to: (a) slow down and explore the water potential in the Republican Valley and (b) expedite the meeting with governmental personnel and possible changes in requirements, now is the time to express your thoughts.

Keith L. Arterburn

McCook

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