Rapid City wastewater ordinances questioned

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The City of Rapid City and the West Dakota Water Development District (WDWDD) are at odds regarding the city’s septic system ordinances and their validity.

The WDWDD is in opposition to Pennington County and Rapid City’s wastewater ordinances and whether they apply to on-site septic systems, which were installed before 1975. The board requested a Declaratory Ruling to the South Dakota Water Management Board. The city, however, contends that their ordinances are valid within the city plus a 1-mile radius.

According to Rapid City Assistant Public Works Director Dan Coon, the city has countered, saying the WDWDD does not have jurisdiction over declaring whether a law is valid.

On Tuesday, members of the Rapid City Public Works Committee spoke out, saying water is one of the Black Hills’ most important resources.

“We as Rapid City have a responsibility to protect that water downstream from us,” said Jason Salamun of Ward 3. “That’s called being a good neighbor. That’s what we are in South Dakota – good neighbors. That means taking care of the water supply we all share.”

During the Public Works meeting on Tuesday, they acknowledged the information. The Rapid City Common Council will discuss the matter at their next scheduled meeting. There will also be a hearing on the petition on Dec. 5.