(KLZA)-- Nemaha NRD Board members debated whether or not to raise the minimum ranking score for well permits in an area of eastern Richardson County. Concerns raised by the Village of Shubert in August about low water levels in one of their wells prompted the District to study potential causes.

A similar problem was experienced in 2014 in the Barada area. In an effort to limit future impacts, conflicts or interference among neighboring wells while the District investigates these concerns, the NRD Board voted to increase the minimum score required for a well permit in an area defined as east of Highway 75 and north of 705 Road in Richardson County. 

The score now required to qualify for a well permit in the effected area will be 231. The score will return to 201 on October 1, 2016 unless further action is taken. 

In September the NRD Board voted to enter into a contract with LBG Consultants to begin evaluating the groundwater and aquifer in the Shubert area, this month the contract was expanded to include similar work District-wide. 

The contract for hydrogeologic assessment and mapping started in an area described as the Elk Creek-Shubert aqufier. The cost for the work is estimated at $65,000.