Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPARTMENT OF
Overview of NAC – Natural Resources, Department of Nebraska
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Nebraska regulates water resources, soil conservation, flood control, groundwater management, and environmental sustainability. The administrative code sets rules for:
Water allocation and rights for irrigation, municipal use, and industrial purposes.
Groundwater and surface water management, including restrictions and permitting.
Floodplain management and protective measures for communities.
Natural resource districts (NRDs) and local conservation programs.
Enforcement, reporting, and compliance to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.
The goal is to balance economic development, agriculture, environmental protection, and public safety.
Case 1: Water Appropriation Permit for Irrigation
Situation
A farmer seeks to divert water from a river for irrigation of newly acquired farmland.
NAC Requirements
Submit an application for water appropriation to the DNR.
Include proposed water use, flow requirements, and intended acreage.
Demonstrate that diversion will not harm existing water rights.
Outcome
Permit is approved with conditions on amount, timing, and monitoring of water use.
Violations of allocation terms can result in fines or revocation.
Importance
Ensures fair and sustainable allocation of scarce water resources for agriculture.
Case 2: Groundwater Management in a Critical Area
Situation
A municipality plans to expand municipal wells in a region with declining aquifer levels.
NAC Requirements
Compliance with groundwater management plans established by the DNR and local NRD.
Evaluate potential impact on neighboring wells and ecosystems.
Implement mitigation measures if the expansion will lower water tables.
Outcome
Permit is issued with monitoring requirements, and well production is capped to prevent overuse.
Community must report water levels periodically to the DNR.
Importance
Protects long-term groundwater sustainability and prevents conflicts between users.
Case 3: Floodplain Development Approval
Situation
A developer wants to construct a subdivision within a designated floodplain.
NAC Requirements
Submit floodplain management plan to the DNR, showing compliance with elevation, drainage, and risk mitigation standards.
Evaluate potential impact on downstream properties.
Outcome
Construction is allowed only if flood risk is mitigated through levees, elevation, or drainage improvements.
Failure to comply can result in stop-work orders or fines.
Importance
Ensures community safety and prevents damage to property and infrastructure.
Case 4: Water Quality Compliance for Industrial Use
Situation
An industrial facility discharges treated wastewater into a river.
NAC Requirements
Obtain a water quality permit from the DNR.
Comply with limits on pollutants, flow, and temperature.
Implement monitoring and reporting of discharge levels.
Outcome
Permit is maintained if water quality remains within legal limits.
Exceeding limits can lead to fines, operational restrictions, or permit revocation.
Importance
Protects ecosystems and downstream water users from pollution.
Case 5: Conservation District Programs
Situation
A local Natural Resources District (NRD) requests funding for soil erosion control along a riverbank.
NAC Requirements
Submit project plan and cost estimates to the DNR.
Show how the project improves erosion control, water retention, and habitat protection.
Outcome
Funding is approved; NRD implements conservation structures like terraces, vegetation buffers, and retention basins.
DNR monitors results and requires reporting on environmental outcomes.
Importance
Supports sustainable land use and flood prevention at the local level.
Case 6: Enforcement Against Unauthorized Water Use
Situation
A landowner pumps water from a river or aquifer without a permit.
NAC Requirements
DNR investigates unauthorized water use.
Landowner may face cease-and-desist orders, fines, and corrective measures.
Outcome
Illegal withdrawals are stopped.
Landowner may need to apply for a proper permit or restore affected areas.
Importance
Maintains legal water rights and protects natural resources.
Key Takeaways
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates water, soil, and environmental sustainability.
NAC rules ensure fair allocation, protection of ecosystems, and public safety.
Common scenarios include:
Water appropriation for irrigation
Groundwater management in critical areas
Floodplain development approval
Water quality compliance for industrial discharge
NRD-led conservation projects
Enforcement against unauthorized water use
The DNR balances resource development with environmental and community protection.
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