HB 15-1013 Summary

• The State Board in consultation with the State Engineer shall select two four-year pilot projects to test methods for lowering the water table in areas along the South Platte River experiencing high groundwater damage.

• One pilot project must be located in District 2 near Gilcrest or Lasalle, Colorado, and the other in District 64 near Sterling, Colorado.

• Pilot projects must be monitored in real time, operate under a State Engineer-approved substitute water supply plan annually, and comply with criteria established after 45 days' public notice.

• Applicants must notify all parties on the substitute water supply plan notification list, and Board decisions on pilot project applications may be appealed to water judges within 35 days.

• The Board shall provide annual reports to the Water Resources Review Committee on pilot project results, with a final report due by September 1, 2020; this section repeals July 1, 2021; and the Division Engineer must analyze potential groundwater changes from recharge structures in augmentation plans.