The city of Elko New Market is rushing through plans for California-based Niagara Bottling to build a factory in Elko New Market, with the intent to sell 310 million gallons each year of groundwater from the Prairie du Chien Jordan aquifer, all in single use plastic bottles. Before an amendment to the Elko New Market water appropriation permit is granted, we need to ask that an extensive multi-aquifer testing, and analysis be performed for the extended Twin Cities metro region. We need to understand how draw-down of an aquifer like the Prairie du Chien-Jordan could affect surface waters and other users. In addition, we need to ask whether adequate consideration has been given to the direct impacts of this increased extraction in the immediate area. We need to better understand the expected need for water resources as well as the abilities of our surface and groundwater assets to meet that need. The drought of the last few years produced many challenges for municipalities that supply water to their communities.
Message:
Dear Commissioner Strommen,
I am deeply concerned about the proposal for a new plastic bottling plant in Elko New Market, Minnesota. I feel strongly that we should not give away our water, especially without thoroughly investigating the possible implications for our and future generations’ water needs. Climate change is here, making droughts and floods more common and impacting water supply.
Please conduct a thorough aquifer test that analyzes what the impact of increased water taking will be on Minnesotans access to groundwater for our drinking water, agricultural needs, and more.
Thank you for your dedication to protecting our water resources.
.Please contact: Sarah Strommen, DNR Commissioner Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road Saint Paul, MN 55155
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