Nobles County commissioners hear updates on public drainage

Nobles County Drainage Coordinator Loretta Halbur presented an update to county commissioners regarding the area's public drainage systems. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the proposed Summit Lake Solar Farm and a previously considered data center site in Elk Township. Halbur informed the commission that she reviewed the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) documents for the Summit Lake Solar project and found the information adequate in accommodating drainage systems, with legal counsel John Kolb concurring. Geronimo Power, the solar project developer, intends to file a reroute and abandonment petition if the PUC issues a permit, with a decision anticipated in August. Regarding the Elk Township site where Geronimo Power had proposed a data center, Halbur highlighted severe weaknesses in Judicial Ditch 8, a 75-mile tile system serving 12,000 acres, following multiple flooding events. She stressed the need for a detailed feasibility study on the system to prepare for future work on Highway 59 and potential data center development. County Board chairman Chris Dybevick expressed doubt about the data center project's future, but Halbur confirmed the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the site is ongoing. County Administrator Bruce Heitkamp noted attorneys are reviewing the necessity of continuing the AUAR given the data center's uncertain status. Halbur emphasized that even without the data center, the drainage system requires analysis. The discussion also touched upon the WRAPS-protected Elk Creek subwatershed, with Halbur noting its proximity to impairment thresholds. Additionally, updates included the City of Brewster's efforts to petition for improvements to Judicial Ditch 4 and the approval of phase four improvements for Judicial Ditch 13 in Jackson County. The drainage department is addressing numerous repairs, and Halbur is working on a work order request site and GIS updates for drainage lines. Joint boards of Judicial Ditches 9, 13, and 24, involving commissioners Paplow, Ahlers, and Metz, have engaged law firm Best and Flanagan to address improvement status, construction, material defects, and potential legal claims, with regular closed-session meetings planned.