Limits to Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer withdrawals

This bill temporarily restricts new large-scale groundwater permits in the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer. It allows the Department to suspend or deny permits for withdrawals of 3,000 gallons per minute or more in specific administrative zones (listed in Section 1). The bill also requires a feasibility study on groundwater availability in those zones, funded by a $5,000 appropriation from the general fund, to be completed by June 2025. The restrictions and study are effective immediately and will terminate on June 30, 2027. This directly affects new applicants seeking large groundwater withdrawals in the designated aquifer areas.