NRD issues cease-and-desist order

CURTIS, Neb. -- Following a hearing Monday, the Middle Republican Natural Resources District has issued a cease and desist order and penalties against a McCook couple for violation of MRNRD Rules and Regulations and / or the Nebraska Ground Water Management and Protection Act.

The board of directors found that Bryan and Ami Hauxwell had irrigated acres that are not certified with the MRNRD for groundwater use, failed to install flow meters on regulated wells and used flow meters that were not permanently mounted.

The resolution directed the Hauxwells to have a flow meter installed on each regulated well by Oct. 1, 2020, or face an injunction and civil penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 per day per violation.

In addition, the MRNRD revoked the Hauxwells’ ability to use any groundwater for irrigation on 369.1 acres for seven years, and, as a penalty, the MRNRD is decertifying their ability to use groundwater for irrigation on a total of 142 acres.

They were ordered to designate acres that they own or have an ownership interest by Dec. 1, 2020.