Ballot Initiatives: Water Wins in Junction

It is almost a guarantee that members of the Western Colorado Congress were successful in getting the required number of signed petitions that would place a protective watershed ordinance before the Grand Junction City Council. Less than 2,000 signatures were needed and organizers handed in more than 4,000, according to a Grand Junction Daily Sentinel story. The council could conduct a public hearing on the ordinance, write their own, or put one or both on the November ballot, according to City Clerk Stephanie Tuin.

Industrial development companies, such as for gas drilling or timber production, would have to seek a watershed permit to assure they will not pollute or cause injury to primary watersheds, city waters or waterworks. The ordinance would also make drilling companies post bonds to cover 100 percent of potential damages.