Iowa DNR unveils new Pattison Sand water permit

GARNAVILLO, Iowa (KCRG) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources unveiled an updated permit for the Pattison Sand Company, lowering its proposed annual water usage to 2.3 billion gallons.

While the mark is about 1.5 billion gallons less than what was proposed last year, people who live near the quarry said the updated permit addresses their concerns.

Kay Vifien dug her well about 40 years ago and never thought a quarry one mile away could threaten to drain it.

“We’ve done a lot to improve our property, lots of plantings and everything. That was a concern just about how much impact the mining situation we’d have because we’re pretty close,” Vifien said.

Water usage concerns

Pattison asked the state last year for permission to use 3.7 billion gallons of water annually, more than five times what it used in 2025.

Vifien was concerned with the quarry’s growing water usage prior to the request, as Pattison nearly quadrupled its water usage in the last 10 years. The latest ask left her questioning what that would mean for her well.

“We thought there were valid concerns, so we did our job to try, did our hard work to try to figure out what we could do to best address those concerns,” said Iowa Department of Natural Resources geologist Chad Fields.

Based on a 36-hour test, pumping about 3 million gallons of water, the DNR and Iowa Geological Survey identified three scenarios if the DNR granted Pattison’s request. Under what it determined to be the most likely outcome, wells in Clayton County would likely see their levels drop by a few feet at most.

Under another scenario, while most private and municipal wells could drop by up to seven feet throughout the county, Vifien could see as much as a 15-foot drawdown in her well because how close she lives to the quarry. While this scenario was deemed unlikely, Fields said it could not be eliminated.

“We have to make decisions based on what is safe and appropriate,” said Fields. “There is an understandable risk to private and public wells.”

The DNR developed a new permit, changing Pattison’s water usage to about 2.3 billion gallons. Rail car dewatering pond intakes would be the major new sources.

“What you realistically are going to use rather than let’s turn the well on and let it go for 365 days,” Fields said.

TV9 reported in June 2025 that Pattison wouldn’t necessarily use the full 3.7 billion gallons the permit would allow, but it aims to use much more than it’s currently permitted.

New permit requirements

The new permit removes any use of Mississippi River water and requires Pattison to monitor a guard well at the facility every month.

Fields said the nearby city of Garnavillo will also independently monitor water levels monthly. Garnavillo reported consistent readings for the last decade from the Jordan Aquifer, meaning a change would be quickly detected.

If Jordan Aquifer water levels drop or the DNR finds Pattison’s water usage harms nearby streams and ponds, the permit will be pulled. If that happens, Fields said the DNR would work with Pattison to reduce its water use and restart the permitting process.

Vifien said the independent monitoring and reduction to Pattison’s proposed annual water usage made a difference.

“We have more of a relationship built that listening to each other and trying to come to some agreements on some of it. Everybody’s not going to be happy with everything,” Vifien said.

The new permit still needs final approval, which could come on July 8 after the final draft of the permit is published on June 16 and a public comment period ends July 7.

If granted, Pattison could begin operating under the new limits with Clayton County residents and the state watching every drop.