Olmsted County Approves Grant Extension for White Water Well Sealing Project

The Whitewater Joint Powers Board is set to extend its well sealing grant for an additional year, ensuring continued efforts to seal abandoned wells in the region. During the meeting on August 26, 2025, board members discussed the necessity of this extension, which is crucial for completing ongoing projects before the grant officially ends at the end of this year.

Currently, two wells have been sealed under this grant, with Olmsted County having one more well contracted for sealing. The board aims to expedite the process by allowing individual Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to approve well sealing projects directly, which is expected to facilitate quicker turnaround times and prevent missed opportunities in the future.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced in the past, particularly regarding timing and the urgency of sealing wells before agricultural activities commence. A specific case was mentioned where a farmer needed to seal a well quickly after purchasing land, which led to the approval of a different grant due to the timing of the board's meetings.

The average cost for sealing wells has been reported between $2,500 and $4,500, depending on the complexity of the situation. The board acknowledged that unexpected conditions, such as discovering open caverns during the sealing process, can increase costs.

As the board prepares to finalize the grant amendment in November, this extension is expected to enhance the efficiency of well sealing efforts, ultimately benefiting the community by ensuring safer agricultural practices and protecting groundwater resources.