UGS board to add groundwater seat after legislative changes; board discusses recruiting industrial-minerals or geothermal representative

The Utah Geological Survey Board discussed statutory changes and recruitment plans on April 15 after the director said the surveys work on groundwater and wetlands was written into legislation this session.

The director told the board the agency asked for a statutory amendment to better reflect the surveys groundwater and wetlands responsibilities and to add a seat on the board for groundwater expertise rather than remove a mineral seat. "So instead of having 7 members, we will have 8 members," the director said, and asked board members to consider recruiting candidates.

Board members debated whether the new seat should come from industrial-minerals representation or geothermal interests, with several members arguing industrial minerals is economically significant and touches many counties. Board members suggested contacting the Utah Mining Association and other industry partners to solicit candidates. Board member Andy (first referenced by the director) said trust-land work depends heavily on UGS reports and supported continued engagement with industry partners who use UGS studies.

The director said the Office of Boards and Commissions will handle the formal application/appointment process and encouraged current board members to help recruit qualified nominees. The item will return to the board after applications and governors appointment process progress.

No formal vote on appointments occurred at the meeting; the board asked staff to follow up with UMA and program managers and to circulate a plan for outreach and candidate solicitation.