Another oil company is attempting to acquire ground water in McKenzie County.
Nance Petroleum, of Billings, Mont., has applied for 24 acre-feet of ground water annually from the Fox Hills aquifer.
Nance is attempting to acquire rights to appropriate water to be used in the dilution of salts produced in oil production. At the same time, Zenergy Inc. continues its two-year attempt to acquire such water rights.
The fox hills aquifer has been steadily declining in the recent years and we must be using water conservatively and responsibly. This type and scope of water use is not a sensible application of our most precious rural resource and it is not economic development.
People can share their concerns with the North Dakota State Water Commission and let them know they oppose use of their water for oil development and privatization of water. Submit comments to Dale Frink, the North Dakota state engineer, by July 30.
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Tell Frink that:
*Water is too scarce in our part of the state to be giving it away to oil companies who will use it in their oil production process then discard it deep underground, never to be seen or used again.
*Groundwater is a finite natural resource and efforts to privatize water for the benefit of corporate greed will be at the long-term expense of western North Dakota.
*Rural residents of western North Dakota depend on groundwater aquifers for drinking and livestock watering and using it irresponsibly will affect the future of farmers and ranchers and future generations.
Anyone who would like more information on the process or on this type and scope of water use, contact Dakota Resource Council. Dakota Resource Council members are nearby and will assist people in submitting their comments. Go to www.drcinfo.com for more information.
Now it is time to act on this application by Nance Petroleum. There are only a few more days to make your voice heard. Those who do not comment during the initial 30-day comment period may be eliminated from having a say later on in the process. Do not hesitate. Send comments to: Dale L. Frink, North Dakota state engineer, 900 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0850.
(Irgen is a member of the DRC Oil and Gas Task Force)
