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Clean water quality committee studied
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 11/11/2009 |
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Lake County Commissioners took an unprecedented step Tuesday evening, seeking input from area residents about the formation of a Clean Water Quality Committee.
Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District, said he wasn't aware of any other county that had a committee providing input on water quality, but he spoke in favor of the committee's formation.
"As an advisory group to the commission, I think it's a wonderful idea," Gilbertson said.
Lake County Commissioner Scott Pedersen fielded questions during the special meeting; four of five commissioners were present. Pedersen said the idea to form a committee came as a result of the attempted formation of a water project district earlier this summer.
"We think it's important enough to not let the ball drop," Pedersen said. "To us, clean water is more than jumping in Lake Madison and not getting green on you. We want to get the ball rolling."
Commissioners brought the issue before a diverse group of about 30 people, including farmers, city residents, lake residents, members of lake development associations and former water quality committee members.
The idea, Pedersen said, is to have 12-15 people who would advise the commission on water quality issues, with representation from farmers, lake residents and city residents. Several topics were brought up as potential issues the committee could discuss.
Linda Hilde, who lives on Lake Madison, suggested a review of current zoning regulations in regard to what is or isn't permitted around the lake. Jan Nicolay from the Brant Lake Development Association said that was already taking place.
Madison resident John Hess brought up the need to look at tiling and the effect it was having on the amount of water in the area. Others questioned if the committee would review and provide recommendations regarding drainage applications.
Bob Todd, former member of the Interlakes Water Quality Committee, said that several things can be done to improve water quality. For instance, he said, federally funded programs can help address animal waste management. He also mentioned efforts to reduce the amount of carp in the local lakes, which would reduce the turbidity.
"I commend the commission for doing this and doing so on a broad-based manner," Todd said.
Local resident Martin Jarrett, who also works for Big Sioux Rural Water, said the task ahead is enormous.
"I hope the decisions that come out of it are for the common good," he said.
Terry Ryan, member of the Lake Madison Development Association and former ILWQC member, said the issue is complex and will take a broad-based group willing to start from the beginning.
"There's a lot of issues you'll want to look at in the whole scheme of things," said Ryan. "I don't know what the prospects will be, but if the authority rests with the county commission, the responsibility rests with all the citizens."
Commissioners were called to task when Pedersen asked Lake Madison resident Steve Kant his thoughts on the proposed committee. Kant had opposed formation of the water project district because he felt it encompassed too small of an area, and only a select group would bear the tax burden. Those issues don't apply to this committee, Kant said.
"I don't have any concerns," Kant said. "I think, yes, it's an issue that needs to be addressed. But I have my doubts that the commission will have the authority to do it. The Interlakes Water Quality Committee did a great job. They have a lot of knowledge, and they had a good organization. Somehow this committee has to keep the ball rolling. It's up to you guys to take the information and enforce the issues that are causing the lakes to be contaminated."
Those present on Tuesday had the opportunity to sign up as potential members of the committee. Commissioners plan to revisit the issue next Tuesday. When asked when the committee would become official, commissioners said appointments are typically made in January.
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