REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  April  18, 2017
CATEGORY:  Scheduled Hearings - Public Works-7.

SUBJECT:

Groundwater Sustainability Agency – MOU

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director, (530) 225-5661

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions for the Enterprise-Anderson Groundwater Sustainability Agency (EAGSA): (1) Receive the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); (2) conduct a public hearing; and (3) adopt a resolution which authorizes the Chairman to execute the evergreen MOU forming the EAGSA effective when the last member signs.

SUMMARY

A groundwater sustainability agency (GSA) is proposed for the Enterprise and Anderson subbasins of the Redding Area Groundwater Basin.

DISCUSSION

In 2014, the Governor signed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) shall be formed for medium and high priority subbasins.  Local agencies may file as GSAs within their respective service areas until June 30, 2017.  The State will step in to manage any remaining areas.  The Redding Groundwater Basin is divided into six subbasins.  The Anderson and Enterprise subbasins are within Shasta County and are subject to SGMA (See Exhibit A).  Six local agencies have expressed an interest in participating in the GSA (Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District, Bella Vista Water District, City of Anderson, City of Redding, Clear Creek Community Services District, and Shasta County).  The proposed MOU would unite these six local agencies in a single GSA for both subbasins.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may decline to participate in the MOU. The County may elect to file unilaterally or decline to file.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Staff has conferred with the Department of Water Resources, Northern California Water Association and other relevant agencies.  County Counsel has approved the MOU and resolution as to form.  The recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FINANCING

SGMA compliance costs are potentially significant (>$1,000,000).  Water Agency resources may be severely strained to meet this mandate.  State grants may fund some SGMA compliance costs.  There is no General Fund impact.