NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact:  Laurie McCall, (208) 436-4777, ext. 3
or Kristen Clayton, (208) 757-9224


Final well closing celebrated

July 11, 2005, Rupert, Idaho - Water in the Snake River aquifer is a lot cleaner now thanks to a massive project that wraps up this summer.  The A&B Irrigation Project is nearly complete.  The more than 4 million dollar project closes 70 injection, or drain wells in the Ruper area and is helping improve many irrigation systems.  "We're pleased to have 87 producers participating to convert more than 10,000 acres from gravity irrigation to sprinklers." said Jim McCall, a supervisor with the Minidoka SWCD.

It is reason to celebrate for many Minidoka County agricultural producers and the local Soil and Water Conservation District, who spearheads the project.  A bus tour and celebration held Thursday, July 7 took 50 participants to view the work done.  Money specifically set aside by U.S. Congress for this project allowed A&B Irrigation to seal off the injection walls.  Money administered through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assisted landowners in the area to convert from flood irrigation to sprinkler.

Previously, water used for irrigation would make its way across fields and drain to a low point where a well would then return extra water to the aquifer.  Recent studies have shown the impact nitrogen, pesticides, sediment and pathogens have on the area's water quality.

 The celebration of the well closures also marks the Minidoka Soil and Water Conservation District's 50th anniversary of assisting landowners in the Rupert area.  Elected supervisors past and present were in attendance.  After the bus tour, a dutch over picnic and awards celebration was held at the Rupert USDA Service Center.

Pictures are available.

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