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field inspections have been used to verify well permit compliance in many instances. <br />The issues described below were determined to require action during the last quarter. <br />UPPER BLACK SQUIRREL <br />Upper Black Squirrel Creek GWMD <br />Staff has sent out 24 letters in the last month involving possible well permit violations associated with the commercial cultivation of marijuana, where it is believed that domestic <br /> wells are being illegally used to support the water supply in these commercial grows. The letters, in part, resulted from information supplied by the El Paso County Sherriff. <br />Because Staff has not verified the violation, we have chosen not to include the property owners’ names in this report. However, based on the information provided by the sheriff, our <br /> own research, and responses from some of the well owners, we believe many of those well owners in receipt of our letters are indeed violating their well permits. <br />Staff continues to follow the described protocol below to address perceived violations associated with marijuana cultivation: <br />Review the permit file to determine if the use may be allowed. <br />If we believe a violation is occurring, send out a certified show cause letter to the owner. The letter asks the well owner to complete a Well Use Questionnaire and get back to us within <br /> 30 days of the letter’s receipt to further discuss the matter. <br />For the time being, if a field inspection is necessary to verify the violation or a cease and desist order is required to be placed on the well staff will postpone that action until <br /> we have more direction and resources from state government to safely and effectively address the violations. <br />Juan and Luz Anrade are believed to be impounding water in the Bracket Creek. A show cause letter with a 30 day response period has been sent to the Andrades. We are awaiting their <br /> response. <br />Francis and Clayton Nickle are believed to be impounding water in the Bracket Creek. Recent aerial photography shows a pond on the property in question, which appears to be the result <br /> of a dam constructed on the creek. A show cause letter with a 30 day response period has been sent to the Andrades. We are awaiting their response. <br />KIOWA BIJOU <br />NKB GWMD <br />It was reported that Darin Baessler has been using a small capacity livestock well in a feedlot and other commercial purposes. Staff has investigated the matter and it would appear the <br /> well is operating in violation of the permit. A show cause letter was sent to Mr. Baessler. He quickly responded and staff is now working with him to address the matter.< <br />### <br /> <br /> <br />Staff Activity ReportPage 3 <br />August 11, 2017 <br />StaffReport2017Aug.pdf <br /> <br />StatusOfRule5.6&5.8.pdf <br />