Receive a report on Groundwater Sustainability Agency formation efforts in the Redding Basin and provide direction to staff.

Board direction is requested regarding sustainable planning for the Redding Groundwater Basin.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is a state mandate. Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA’s) shall be formed for all medium and high priority subbasins. The Redding Groundwater Basin (Basin) underlies most of the South Central Urban Region (Attachment A). The Anderson and Enterprise subbasins are separated by the Sacramento River and have been assigned medium priority status. Overlying agencies may file as GSA’s until June 30, 2017. The State will manage any remaining areas. Potential GSA powers are detailed in Water Code Section 10725 et seq. (Attachment B). Staff understands that the Board values and seeks to preserve local control, Basin sustainability and property rights. The County will presumably file in some capacity, either individually or in partnership with other overlying agencies.

On August 16, 2016, the Board directed staff to confer with the other GSA-eligible agencies in the Basin. Numerous meetings have been convened. A single consolidated GSA has been proposed with Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District, Bella Vista Water District, City of Anderson, City of Redding and Clear Creek Community Services District. A draft Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement Plan and a Conceptual Agreement have been drafted (Attachments C & D).

Counties have a unique role on behalf of private pumpers outside of purveyor service areas and within the service areas of any purveyors which may decline to file as GSA’s. Igo-Ono CSD has expressed support for County representation. Cottonwood Water District’s board discussed SGMA last week. Centerville CSD’s board will discuss SGMA tomorrow. Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP’s) will eventually be prepared. An advisory committee may be useful to represent local water users in the County areas during GSP development and implementation.

Staff has conferred with local water purveyors and other relevant agencies.  Western Shasta Resource Conservation District has offered to participate in plan development (Attachment E).  County Counsel has been involved throughout the process.  The County Administrative Office has reviewed this recommendation.

SGMA compliance costs in the Basin are potentially significant (>$1,000,000).  Water Agency resources may be severely strained depending upon the County’s path forward and grant availability.  There is no General Fund impact.