8.B.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 03/17/2026
- From:
- Sarah Langley, Public Affairs Director
TITLE:
Ratification of Public Comment in Opposition of Aquifer Protection Permit Exemption Request
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Retroactively approve the public comment.
Executive Summary:
Staff were made aware of an opportunity to submit a public comment on behalf of the City of Flagstaff in reference to an Individual Aquifer Protection Program (APP) Permit Exemption to Desert Mountain Energy for McCauley Field helium well stimulation in Navajo County, Arizona. The Aquifer Protection Program (APP) permit is designed to protect groundwater aquifers in Arizona and prevent further degradation of an aquifer at a point of compliance by any person/company that operates a discharging facility. Accordingly, ADEQ should require DME to obtain an Aquifer Protection Permit to best ensure groundwater in our region remains safe and uncontaminated. The deadline for public comment was Feb. 19 and staff submitted the comment to ADEQ on Feb. 17.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Policy Impact:
N/A
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
Council has previously discussed similar courses of action related to DME and helium drilling during public meetings.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
N/A
Background and History:
N/A
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
N/A
Connection to Regional Plan:
N/A
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
N/A
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
N/A
Connection to Division Specific Plan:
N/A