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Ground
Water Management Area for Quality
Federal and Nebraska
regulations state that nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in
drinking water greater than 10 parts per million (ppm) are
potentially hazardous to high-risk individuals. In
response to concerns about elevated nitrate levels in District
ground water, the entire Upper Big Blue NRD is designated as a
Ground Water Management Area for Quality (GWMA#2). The
District’s long-range goals for ground water quality are:
1). To use education, research, management practices and
incentives to reduce the potential for non-point source
contamination of ground water while not adversely affecting the
economy of the area; 2). To develop
monitoring and evaluation programs for non-point source
contamination; and 3). To encourage the use of “Best
Management Practices” and the adoption of equipment and
techniques to reduce nitrate leaching.
Twelve “management
zones” have been formed. All zones began in Phase I of the
action plan. Phase I prohibits the application of anhydrous
ammonia fertilizer prior to November 1. It also prohibits the
application of other forms of nitrogen fertilizer prior to March
1. Any zones which have nitrate levels of 9 ppm will enter Phase
II management. In Phase II, farmers must attend nitrogen and
irrigation management training, take deep soil samples, schedule
irrigation and submit annual reports to the District on these
activities. In 2003, Zone 5 was placed into Phase II with a
median nitrate of 9.5 ppm. In 2004, Zone 6 was placed
into Phase II with a median nitrate of 9.0 ppm.
Under the GWMA#2,
awareness efforts include supplements to the District’s
quarterly newsletter “Blueprint,” various brochures,
traveling displays, staff presentations to service clubs,
schools and other organizations. |
