Supervisors to ask DNR for more info on Pattison water withdrawal request
The Clayton County Board of Supervisors on May 20 agreed to send a letter to the Iowa DNR requesting more information about Pattison Sand Company LLC’s request to modify their permit to allow more than a three-fold increase in water they use.
The three-member board—Doug Reimer, Steve Doeppke and Ray Peterson—agreed there is widespread concern about the potential impacts on Clayton County’s water, and that Pattison has not clearly spelled out the need for more water or how the increased water use might affect neighbors.
“I don’t know that it’s up to us,” said Peterson, noting that the DNR is the agency that must approve water withdrawals.
“We need more information,” Doeppke said. “I’m not for it.”
Reimer said, “We need the encourage the DNR to follow through” on enforcing conditions that should be part of the proposed permit. Some of those stipulations include monitoring nearby wells, regulating discharges to the Mississippi River and complying with other state and federal regulations.
“They need to spell it out,” said Peterson. “What will they do if somebody’s well runs dry?”
“We need to make sure they have their ducks in a row.”
Reimer agreed. “The DNR is responsible for making sure they do everything right,” he said.
“Right now, I can see both sides,” Reimer continued. “But the DNR needs to say what they will do.”
“We should not endorse this one way or the other,” in the proposed letter.
Doeppke reiterated the desire for more information.
“We need to see what’s going on,” he said. “Right now, we’re sitting in the dark.”
Patti Ruff, health and zoning administrator for the county, noted the DNR did not provide any background information at an April 22 public hearing, and only accepted comments about a proposal that most people knew very little about. She said it would be helpful if Pattison would answer questions.
Reimer said he attended a May 17 meeting where mine owner Kyle Pattison spoke to a small group of people at the mine. He said many questions still remain, however.
“But we’re not the ones who make the decision,” Reimer added. “The DNR—this is their baby.”
Reimer moved that the board send a letter to the DNR requesting more information. Peterson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Reimer asked Ruff and Clayton County Emergency Management Director Sarah Moser to help compose the letter.
