Aurora Energy Services applies to draw up to 30 acre-feet a year from a Fairbanks well

Aurora Energy Services, LLC is asking the state for a water right to pump up to 30 acre-feet a year from a drilled well in Fairbanks, according to a notice the Alaska Department of Natural Resources posted Thursday.

The company would draw the water each year from April 1 through Nov. 30 for dust control, hydro-seeding, compaction and industrial use. The notice describes the location by township and section, in portions of two sections west of the Fairbanks Meridian and one section east of it. The application has a priority date of June 4.

Alaska defines a water right as a legal right to use surface or groundwater under the Alaska Water Use Act, tied to a specified amount, source and use. The state requires public notice for proposed withdrawals of more than 5,000 gallons a day.

Under the standard process, DNR may issue a permit after it reviews an application. A certificate of appropriation may follow once the water is put to beneficial use and the permit conditions are met.

Written comments must reach the department's Water Resources Section by 5 pm Nov. 13.

Formal objections must be filed with the DNR Commissioner's Office within 15 days of the notice, which is dated Oct. 29. Under state water law, objectors must state facts showing their rights or the public interest could be adversely affected.

The department has not decided whether to approve the application or issue a permit. If it issues one, the notice says the permit can be extended for good cause without another public notice.