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Show Volume XXIX Issue XI The Ogden Valley News Page 3 April 15, 2022 Letters to the Editor Car Thieves Are Coming Out of Hibernation: Be Prepared! Car thieves have come out of hibernation. It’s that time of year again my Valley friends. Typically, car thieves and burglars hibernate during the winter. But it’s spring and they are awakening. Remember to follow these guidelines: 1. Do not leave firearms, keys, garage door openers, or valuables in your vehicles. 2. Always lock your vehicles. 3. Make sure that main doors into your garage are locked and the door between your house in your garage is locked. 4. Lock your doors, even when you are home. 5. When parking at trailheads, never leave valuables in your car. You want your car to look like there’s absolutely nothing in there that someone would be willing to break in for. Keep it clean and clutter free. Drivers Reminded to Slow Down and Stay Alert A number of accidents—two in Ogden Canyon and one on the North Ogden Divide— held up traffic to and from Ogden Valley’s via two of her primary access routes. On March 25, the wheel and tire came off of this white pick-up truck. In a separate accident on March 26, another car flipped and lost a tire—also in Ogden Canyon. The photo below was posted by Anna Imani on Ogden Valley No Rules (No Politics) Road Conditions and Anything Else Facebook page. Tina Allred, Eden Continued OV Water Withdrawals Will Negatively Impact Current Supply Balances & Water Quality I am writing to raise a concern about a disturbing comment I heard at an Ogden Valley Planning Commission meeting Tuesday evening, April 5. I understood Senior Planner Charlie Ewert to say that Ogden Valley has plenty of water, drilling just needs to go deeper, 1,000 feet or more. This comment is inconsistent with the findings of the comprehensive study completed by the Utah Geological Survey, Characterization of the Groundwater System in Ogden Valley, Weber County, Utah, With Emphasis on Groundwater-SurfaceWater Interaction and the Groundwater Budget, J. Lucy Jordan et. al., 2019 (Report or Study). The excellent Study considered extensive data between years 1985 and 2016, focusing on detailed available and collected data between 2004 and 2016. The Study has a number of valuable findings but one of the most important conclusions was that Ogden Valley groundwater is currently at a sustainable withdrawal condition, where recharge and withdrawals are in equilibrium (as of 2016). From this, I conclude that more withdrawals would result in “drafting” groundwater (i.e., depleting the groundwater basin, which at some point could run out, given conditions currently understood by scientists and engineers. See Report Tables 9 and 11). The Study also concludes that additional withdrawals from deeper groundwater systems would negatively impact shallow groundwater and water quality overall in the valley (page 97, paragraph 4). I can only think that Mr. Ewert either did not read or read but did not understand this Report; otherwise, he would not make such a comment, encouraging additional development of groundwater in the valley. There are a number of other important findings that suggest that further water withdrawals from the valley ARE NOT a good idea, but there is not sufficient space here to discuss this. By the way, a deeper semi-confined aquifer in Ogden Valley is the principal water supply for the City of Ogden’s 85,000 people so there are already many straws into the deeper groundwater here. My experiences with the Federal and State Geological Surveys are that they are strongly focused on science, are unbiased and apolitical. I know of no one over my 40-year career as an Environmental Engineer who held a differing opinion. I have to wonder why Weber Basin Water Conservancy District is commissioning another study, their own study, when they partially funded the Utah GS Study and have all the answers needed in that Report. Why spend additional resources; is there another motive? Utah is one of the most arid states in the country and the effects of the current extended drought, and over drafting of water supplies is evident to all. Our elected and appointed governmental officials should focus on sustainable water supply for the existing population and future generations before encouraging, inviting, and permitting new water uses. Fred Blickle, P.E., Eden Happy Easter The vehicle below (and at right) went off the North Ogden Divide east of North Ogden March 27 after hitting a cyclist. It came to rest in the hillside brush below the edge of the road. Both the driver of the vehicle and bike were conscious and alert after the accident. According to eyewitnesses, two ambulances, multiple fire trucks, and sheriff cars responded. The accidents are a reminder for drivers to slow down and stay alert while driving. Photos courtesy of Melody Watson and Cindy Bartasawitz Wysocki. |