2,200 opinions about state’s water

Jon Kocan - NewsPress

December 11, 2007 11:56 am

— The first phase of the re-write of the state’s comprehensive water plan is complete — with more than 2,200 Oklahomans participating.
Beginning in July, the Oklahoma Water Research Institute at Oklahoma State University conducted 42 public input meetings across the state so residents could identify issues to be considered, voice concerns, specify questions that should be answered and offer suggestions for how issues should be addressed in the plan.
“It seemed the people that made their living off the water were most concerned.” said Jeri Fleming, the water institute’s communications manager.
Fleming and the institute’s Assistant Director Mike Langston were pleased with the turnout at the meetings. The smallest attendance was 23 people and the largest meeting, in Idabel, drew 163.
“It shows us people are concerned about the issues and want their concerns voiced.” Fleming said.
The information collected from the public input meetings is now being worked into reports that will provide the fodder for regional input meetings set to begin next summer.
Concern expressed at the input meetings included regional and state issues. Langston said education about water conservation was a priority at all meetings.
Concern was expressed over water sales to Texas, as well. Tarrant Regional Water District in Fort Worth, Texas, wants to purchase water after it flows through Hugo and Sardis lakes.
Langston said some feel that Tarrant is looking for an easy way out of a problem and others fear loss of control of the state’s resources.
“We definitely heard both sides of the issue,” Fleming said.
She went on to add many called on the plan to “take care of Oklahoma first.”
Ownership issues between American Indian tribes and the state were also of concern and, according to Fleming, public input was strongly in favor of tribes and the state coming to an ownership agreement before a plan is in place.
Municipalities and rural water districts also weighed in at the meetings and concern was expressed over EPA drinking water standards. The high cost of testing and the benefit gained were questioned.
The issue of conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water was also a topic of discussion. According to Fleming, state law does not recognize a connection between groundwater and surface water and regulation of the two differs. She said some want laws to recognize the interaction.
The issues surrounding groundwater were of highest concern in the western portion of the state where irrigation is the main use of the resource. Groundwater is considered private property and many want it to remain private.
The lack of surface water in the western half of the state also prompted many to call for construction of more reservoirs.
The issue of the state’s aging flood control dams was also raised at the meetings. Many are at or near the end of the life cycle and those voicing concern wanted to know if they can be cleaned out or rebuilt.
Langston said from the beginning of the process the plan was about getting people involved with decisions about water resources.
He said he hopes the planning process initiates a long-term discussion of water resources throughout the state.
Nominations for regional meeting participants will taken until the end of February. Approximately 330 people, or 30 per region, will be selected.
According to Fleming, those nominated will be asked what their water interests are. She said they are not looking for experts, but those with a broad minded view, knowledge of water issues in their area and those able to consider the entire state.
All interests will be represented and those selected for the meeting will be asked to consolidate and prioritize the issues for their area.
Fleming said there will be consideration given to regional issues, but the plan is a state plan and will be comprehensive for all residents.
The meetings will be open to the public and comments from the public will be taken.
Selection of those nominated for the regional meetings will be handled by a committee, not the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Fleming and Langston will also conduct the regional input meetings.
The final re-write of the state’s comprehensive water plan is due in 2011.

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