SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE City/County Library Community Room 995 Palm Street San Luis Obispo

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 1:30 p.m.

1.

Determination of a Quorum and Introductions

2.

Approval of August Meeting Minutes

3.

Public Comment (15 Minutes)

4.

Ongoing Updates: a. Rain & Reservoir Report b. Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management Efforts c. Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Program

5.

Receive Presentation on County Environmental Health Department’s Effort to Digitize Well Data

6.

Status Update on Water Resources Legislative Activities

7.

Consider Forming an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Review the Wastewater and Water Components of the Biennial Summary Report for the County Resource Management System

8.

Receive Presentation on Resource Conservation District’s Draft Agricultural Offset Program

9.

Suggested Future Agenda Items

10.

Public Comment (if needed)

--- Adjourn by 3:30 p.m. ---

Next Regular Meeting:

October 1, 2014 San Luis Obispo City/County Library 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo

Visit Water Resources on the Web at: www.SLOCountyWater.org Purpose of the Committee: To advise the County Board of Supervisors concerning all policy decisions relating to the water resources of the SLO County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. To recommend to the Board specific water resource programs. To recommend methods of financing water resource programs. Excerpts from WRAC By-Laws dated August 28, 2012

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE August 6, 2014

An audio recording of the meeting and materials submitted during public comment are available online at www.SLOCountyWater.org. Approximately 1:30 pm, Chair Luft calls the meeting to order. 1) Determination of a Quorum and Introductions - Quorum established. 2) Approval of June Meeting Minutes – Courtney Howard, County Public Works, notes that recent changes to the Brown Act requires publicly reporting any action taken and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present for the action. Member Broadhurst questions whether the committee needs a roll call vote for every motion, especially unanimous votes. Eric Greening requests to change “an upcoming” to “the next” on Item 7. The June 4, 2014 WRAC meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as amended by the Committee upon a motion by Member Greening, and a second by Member Garfinkel (15-0-0). 3) Public Comment (15 Minutes) – Member Greening notes that the State Water Resources Control Board will host a discussion on implementation of Senate Bill 4 with regards to hydraulic fracturing and well stimulation at the Kern County Board of Supervisors Chamber on August 7, 2014 at 8:30 am. Member Zelinski notes that the State Water Resources Control Board will host its final local nitrate expert panel at the Cal Poly Irrigation Training and Research Center on August 20, 2014 at 9:00 am. Member Broadhurst states that the Environmental Protection Agency seems to be seeking authority to regulate all surface water in the United States. Ms. Howard states that the County Board of Supervisors formed a hydraulic fracturing task force headed by the Planning Department, which targets reporting back to the Board in September and seeking direction on the WRAC’s role. Staff passed along Alternate Member D. Chipping’s hydraulic fracturing summary documents to the task force for consideration. Amanda Rice, Cambria CSD Director, notes that Cambria CSD passed a resolution asking the County Board of Supervisors to consider impacts of hydraulic fracturing before allowing such activities. Member Greening notes that there will be a meeting to discuss the health impacts of hydraulic fracturing on air and water on August 11, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the County Government Center. Member Greening inquires about the process, criteria and timeframe for hiring a new County Public Works Director. Chair Luft notes that an amended Paso Robles Groundwater Basin water district formation bill was released on August 4, 2014. Discussion ensues on the PRAAGS and PRO Water Equity involvement, other proposed groundwater legislation, and decision makers’ role in supporting various efforts. 4) Ongoing Updates: a. Rain & Reservoir Report – Member Toomey inquires about the timing to submit 2013-2014 rain gauge data, and asks how to obtain information on gauge #38. Ms. Howard replies that requests for rain data will go out the week of August 11, 2014, and data requests can be submitted through the website (slocountywater.org). Gwen Pelfrey, Templeton resident, states that the Santa Margarita Advisory Committee will discuss conservation efforts in the WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

2

evening. Member Sinton provides interesting findings from his review of the relationship between rainfall and forage percentages, and notes the impacts on agriculture. Member Gillespie requests information on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather briefing in the summer. Ms. Howard notes that she will look in to whether El Niño and other projections can be posted on the slocountywater.org website. 5) Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan: a. Receive a Presentation – Carolyn Berg, County Public Works, presents milestones and final steps of the IRWM Plan adoption. She overviews what IRWM planning is, the two year process to update the local IRWM Plan, and steps to adopt and implement it. Ms. Berg notes that earlier in the day the Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) approved and executed a resolution 1) approving the plan and 2) requesting that the RWMG Lead Agency (Flood Control District Board of Supervisors) and member agencies adopt the plan. Ms. Berg summarizes upcoming dates when local agencies will consider adopting the IRWM Plan. Member Gillespie inquires about the process for responding to any amendments recommended by the State or Lead Agency. Ms. Berg states re-adoption would only occur if the State or Lead Agency recommends amending the foundational elements (i.e. the governance, goals and objectives and project solicitation process) per the process outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. She reminds members that the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors will consider plan adoption at its public hearing on August 12, 2014. She notes that upon adoption by all RWMG member agencies, the plan will officially move into its implementation phase, and should be considered a “living” document by local stakeholders. She thanks the WRAC, RWMG and stakeholders for participating in the IRWM plan workshops and in its overall development. b. Consider Sending a Letter of Support for IRWM Plan Adoption to the District Board of Supervisors – The WRAC unanimously approves sending a letter of support recommending IRWM Plan Adoption to the Board of Supervisors upon a motion by Member Brown and a second by Member Greening (17-0-1). 6) Suggested Future Agenda Items – Several potential future agenda items were discussed: a presentation on planning for and protection of waterways before this season’s “first flush”, a presentation on the Resource Conservation District Agricultural Offset program, an update on recent Board of Supervisors actions and the Lopez Low Reservoir Response Plan, and a presentation regarding the study to compare Groundwater Management Districts being prepared by a consultant to the Flood Control District. Meeting adjourned approximately 2:55 pm.

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

3

WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2014 Roll Call Vote Agenda Item #: Meeting Date:

2 8/6/2014

Agenda Item Title:

Approval of June Meeting Minutes

Motion Made: Approve the June 4, 2014 WRAC meeting minutes as amended by the Committee. Motion Maker: Motion Passes or Fails?

Member Greeing

Member Garfinkel

Motion Seconded By:

Passes Individual Vote

Organization District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Agriculture At-Large Agriculture At-Large Development At-Large Environmental At-Large Environmental At-Large Environmental At-Large Coastal San Luis RCD Upper Salinas RCD Atascadero Mutual California Men's Colony Camp SLO County Farm Bureau Cuesta College Golden State Water City of Arroyo Grande City of Atascadero City of Grover Beach City of Morro Bay City of Paso Robles City of Pismo Beach City of San Luis Obispo Cambria CSD Heritage Ranch CSD Los Osos CSD Nipomo CSD Oceano CSD San Miguel CSD San Simeon CSD Templeton CSD

Member* DISTRICT Steve Sinton Bill Garfinkel David Jewell James Toomey John R. Hollenbeck AT-LARGE Kurt Bollinger Lowell Zelinski Greg Nester Sue Luft Eric Greening Annie Gillespie RCDs Linda Chipping Michael Broadhurst OTHERS John Neil Tisdel Thomas John Reid George Kendall Edralin Maduli Mark Zimmer CITIES Tim Brown Russ Thompson Bill Nicolls Noah Smukler Christopher Alakel Erik Howell John Ashbaugh CSDs Bob Gresens John D'Ornellas Leonard Moothart Craig Armstrong Mary Lucey Anthony Kalvans Charles Grace Tina Mayer

Alternate*

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

(If Provided) Reason for Vote

1 1 1 1 1

Patrick Williams Steve Lohr Tim Walters Christine Mulholland David Chipping Stephanie Wald Kathie Matsuyama Tom Mora Jaime Hendrickson Larry Barkley Brian Wintzer Joy Fitzhugh Terry Reece Patrick Vowell Jim Guthrie David Athey Greg Ray Rob Livick Keith Larson Kris Vardas Kathy Smith Jerry Gruber Debbie Fransen Margaret Falkner Michael LeBrun Lori Angello Dan Gilmore Renee Lundy Judith Dieth TALLY OF VOTES

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15

0

0

*Bolded Member or Alternate Member name indicates voting representative.

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

4

WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2014 Agenda Item #: Meeting Date:

5 8/6/2014

Agenda Item Title:

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan Adoption

Motion Made: Approve sending a letter of support recommending IRWM Plan adoption to the Board of Supervisors. Motion Maker: Member Brown Motion Seconded By: Motion Passes or Fails?

Member Greening

Passes Individual Vote

Organization District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Agriculture At-Large Agriculture At-Large Development At-Large Environmental At-Large Environmental At-Large Environmental At-Large Coastal San Luis RCD Upper Salinas RCD Atascadero Mutual California Men's Colony Camp SLO County Farm Bureau Cuesta College Golden State Water City of Arroyo Grande City of Atascadero City of Grover Beach City of Morro Bay City of Paso Robles City of Pismo Beach City of San Luis Obispo Cambria CSD Heritage Ranch CSD Los Osos CSD Nipomo CSD Oceano CSD San Miguel CSD San Simeon CSD Templeton CSD

Member* DISTRICT Steve Sinton Bill Garfinkel David Jewell James Toomey John R. Hollenbeck AT-LARGE Kurt Bollinger Lowell Zelinski Greg Nester Sue Luft Eric Greening Annie Gillespie RCDs Linda Chipping Michael Broadhurst OTHERS John Neil Tisdel Thomas John Reid George Kendall Edralin Maduli Mark Zimmer CITIES Tim Brown Russ Thompson Bill Nicolls Noah Smukler Christopher Alakel Erik Howell John Ashbaugh CSDs Bob Gresens John D'Ornellas Leonard Moothart Craig Armstrong Mary Lucey Anthony Kalvans Charles Grace Tina Mayer

Alternate*

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

(If Provided) Reason for Vote

1 1 1 1 1

Patrick Williams Steve Lohr Tim Walters Christine Mulholland David Chipping Stephanie Wald Kathie Matsuyama Tom Mora Jaime Hendrickson Larry Barkley Brian Wintzer Joy Fitzhugh Terry Reece Patrick Vowell Jim Guthrie David Athey Greg Ray Rob Livick Keith Larson Kris Vardas Kathy Smith Jerry Gruber Debbie Fransen Margaret Falkner Michael LeBrun Lori Angello Dan Gilmore Renee Lundy Judith Dieth TALLY OF VOTES

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 17

0

1

*Bolded Member or Alternate Member name indicates voting representative.

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

5

WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2014 Organization

M M M M M

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

X

X X

X

X X

X X

X X

X X X

X X

May

Jun

X

X X

Jul

X X

X

Aug

X

X X

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

X

X X

X X

X X X X X X

X  X X X X

X X X X X 

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

A M A M A

Staff

X X

X

X X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X X X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

No Meeting

X

X X

O M A M M A M M A O M A O M

X

No Meeting

X

O

M A

X  X

X

O M A M A M A M A M A O M A A

X

X

X

O M A

X X  X

X X X X X

X X

No Meeting

X X X X X X

X X

No Meeting

M A M A O M A A M M A M A M A

X

X X X X X X

X X

X X

X X X

X

X X

X X

X X

X

X X

X X

X

X

X

X X X

X X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X No Meeting

M A O M A O

X X X X

X X X

X

X

X X X No Meeting

M A M A M A M A M A M A

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Staff

Staff X

X

No Meeting

Representative DISTRICT District 1 Steve Sinton District 2 Bill Garfinkel District 3 David Jewell District 4 James Toomey District 5 John R. Hollenbeck AT-LARGE Agriculture At-Large Kurt Bollinger Patrick Williams Lowell Zelinski Steve Lohr Development At-Large Greg Nester Tim Walters Environmental At-Large Sue Luft Christine Mulholland Eric Greening David Chipping Annie Gillespie Stephanie Wald RCDs Coastal San Luis RCD Linda Chipping Kathie Matsuyama Nicole Smith Upper Salinas RCD Michael Broadhurst Tom Mora Laura Edwards OTHERS Atascadero Mutual John Neil Jaime Hendrickson California Men's Colony Tisdel Thomas Larry Barkley Pres Meyers Camp SLO John Reid Brian Wintzer James Tulloch County Farm Bureau George Kendall Jackie Crabb Joy Fitzhugh Cuesta College Edralin Maduli Terry Reece Golden State Water Mark Zimmer Patrick Vowell Ken Petersen CITIES City of Arroyo Grande Tim Brown Jim Guthrie Teresa McClish Mike Linn Aileen Nygaard City of Atascadero Russ Thompson David Athey City of Grover Beach Bill Nicolls Greg Ray City of Morro Bay Noah Smukler Rob Livick City of Paso Robles Christopher Alakel Keith Larson City of Pismo Beach Erik Howell Kris Vardas Ben Fine City of San Luis Obispo John Ashbaugh Kathy Smith Carlyn Christianson Wade Horton Ron Munds CSDs Cambria CSD Bob Gresens Jerry Gruber Jim Bahringer Amanda Rice Heritage Ranch CSD John D'Ornellas Debbie Fransen Los Osos CSD Leonard Moothart David Vogel Margaret Falkner Nipomo CSD Craig Armstrong Larry Vierheilig Michael LeBrun Jim Harrison Oceano CSD Mary Lucey Lori Angello Lonnie Curtis San Miguel CSD Anthony Kalvans Dan Gilmore David Bentz San Simeon CSD Charles Grace Renee Lundy Templeton CSD Tina Mayer Judith Dieth STAFF Agricultural Commissioner Lynda Auchinachie Planning and Building James Caruso Mike Wulkan Karen Nall Public Health Services Leslie Terry Megan Lillich Rich Lichtenfels Public Works Paavo Ogren Sylas Cranor Jill Ogren John Diodati Courtney Howard Carolyn Berg Jason Rath

X X

Staff X X

X

X X X X

X X

X X

M = Member; A = Alternate; NM = New Member; NA = New Alternate; O = Other Representitives (e.g Staff, Council, Board, etc.) strikethough text = indicates that this individual is no longer serving in this role; • = Notified of absence or conflict * = To be confirmed at a future BOS meeting ** = Membership confirmed by the BOS after 4/1/2014.

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

6

WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2014 GUEST LIST NAME

AFFILIATION (if any)

Battany, Mark

UCCE

JAN

Bodrogi, Lisa

Cuvee Consulting

Church, David

LAFCO

Du, Cherie

County Public Works

Edwards, Jeff

Los Osos Resident

X

Engel, Claudia

Blue Ribbon

X

Gilmore, Dan

San Miguel

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

X

X

X

X

X

X

No Meeting

X X

X

X

X

X

Creston Rancher

Halley, Christine

TJ Cross Engr / Paso

X

X

Hartzell, Robert

US-LT RCD

X

Harvey, Sue

NCW

Hutchinson, Mark

County of SLO

Jenning, Dorothy

Citizen

Johnson, Erinn

Stantec

X

X

X X X

No Meeting

Grewal, Greg

X

Keeling, Matt

Central Coast Water Board

X

Kendall, George

Farm Bureau

X

Moothart, Leonard**

Los Osos CSD

Nygaard, Aileen

City of Arroyo Grande

X

Reeves, Roy

Santa Margarita Resident

Roques, Dominic

Central Coast Water Board

X

Rosales, Charlene

SLO Chamber of Commerce

X

Smith, Nicole

CSLRCD

X

Snyder, John

Nipomo Resident

X

Sorensen, Paul

Fugro

St. Clair, Pamela

TJ Cross Engr / Paso

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Stoehr, Chad

City of SLO

Tornatzky, Lynette

Los Osos Resident

X

Waterman, Spencer

Water Systems Consulting

X

Webb, Jim

Cambria

Webb, Mary

Cambria

Wilmore, Patricia

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

X

Wolff, Jean-Pierre

Wolff Vineyards

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

No Meeting

SLO CO Planning Nipomo Resident

X

X No Meeting

Pedrotti, Brian Petrick, Bill

No Meeting

X X

X X

X

No Meeting

No Meeting

No Meeting

X

No Meeting

X X

* Special Meeting ** See Member List Notified of absence or conflict

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #2

7

Rainfall Update Sub-Region

Average Annual Rainfall

Precipitation Station

2013-14 Water Year Total Rainfall

2014-15 Water Year Jul 14

Aug 14A

Sep 14

Oct 14

Nov 14

Dec 14

Jan 15

Feb 15

Mar 15

Apr 15

May 15

Jun 15

Cumulative % of Total Total Average

Cambria (ALERT #717)

22.0

7.0

(32%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Whale Rock Reservoir (County Site #166.1)

16.0

5.7

(35%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Paso Robles (County Site #10.0)

14.1

6.1

(43%)

0.03

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.03

0%

NE Atascadero (ALERT #711)

17.0

5.7

(33%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Atascadero MWC (County Site #34.0)

17.5

9.2

(53%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Santa Margarita (ALERT #723)

24.0

8.6

(36%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Salinas Dam (County Site #94)

20.9

9.5

(46%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

SLO Reservoir (ALERT #749)

24.0

8.5

(35%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Lopez Recreation Area (ALERT #707)

23.0

8.2

(36%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

West of Nipomo (CIMIS #202)

14.8

4.9

(33%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

Nipomo East (ALERT #728)

18.0

5.7

(32%)

0

0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

0%

North Coast

Inland

B

South Coast C

A - Report generated at 3:00 p.m. on 8/20/2014 B - Due to an equipment malfunction, not all rain was recorded at this site. C - Value estimated using best available data; the equipment at this site appeared to malfunction during this month/year.

Reservoir Update

Select Real-Time Rain Gauges in SLO County

Date

Water Elevation (ft)

Spillway Elevation (ft)

Storage (acre-feet)

Capacity (%)

Nacimiento Reservoir

August 18, 2014 August 18, 2013

719.5 746.1

787.75 - 800.0 (w/gates fully inflated)

67,845 137,908

18% 36%

Lopez Reservoir

August 20, 2014 August 20, 2013

487.5 501.7

522.7

23,571 32,434

48% 66%

Salinas Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake)

August 20, 2014 August 20, 2013

1264.7 1279.2

1300.7

6,373 11,418

27% 48%

Whale Rock Reservoir

August 13, 2014 August 13, 2013

177.1 186.9

218.3

19,274 25,433

49% 65%

Twitchell Reservoir

August 15, 2014 August 15, 2013

527.2 < 539

651.5

95 < 3,500

0.0% < 2%

Reservoir

Note 1: Historically, Twitchell Reservoir elevation gauge does not report values below 539 ft. Twitchell Reservoir was designed for protection from flood and drought. Excess rain runoff is stored in the reservoir protecting the valley from flood, then water is released as quickly as possible while still allowing it to recharge the groundwater basin. Note 2: In May 2014, the Whale Rock Commission adopted a new Bathymetric Study and Volumetric Analysis. Consequently, the lake capacity and spillway elevation has been updated in this report.

WRAC 9.3.14

Notes: This table contains provisional data from automated gauges and has not been verified. All units reported in inches.

Agenda Item #4.a

Notes: Sites maintained by County staff are identified with red squares. Sites maintained by other agencies are identified with black circles. For more information, please contact Sylas Cranor, (805)781-5252.

8

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Agricultural Water Offset Program

1

Background County Planning Department  contacted the RCD to design a water  use offset program for agriculture  users in Paso Basin. • developed in response to the urgency  ordinance which requires NEW irrigated Ag to offset their total  projected water use.  

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

2

9

1

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

More Background 1. Most Basic Reason for ordinance: Severe Decline 2. What is considered “new irrigated Ag?” * • Crop conversions • Increased crop density • New installations on previously un‐irrigated lands *Per urgency ordinance language

SLO

3

Phase I – Technical Analysis • RCD assembled a multidisciplinary project team (March) • Hydrogeologist • Hydrologic engineer • UC Cooperative Extension staff • Cal Poly ITRC department faculty • NRCS Conservationist • GIS specialist • Agricultural manager • Biological Expertise • Analysis of potential for offset credits within regional  areas  • GIS mapping and verification of crop layer data • Data and methodology review of water use by crop type • Master Water Report • UC Extension input 4

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

10

2

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Phase II – Public Outreach • RCD collaborating with YOU! • Paso Robles Wine Alliance

• Ag Liaison Committee • Farm Bureau • Cattlemans Association • Vineyard Team • Olive Growers Association • Pro Water Equity • Other Stakeholder Groups TBD

• Town Hall meetings (Later Phase) • Open to the public for general discussion and questions

5

Draft program Standards • Framework Provisions  • Crop Conversions • New irrigated acreage • Increased crop density • Rootstock conversions (still under  analysis) • Rural GW uses not included in urban  domestic program thru County

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

6

11

3

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Flow of Program Determine amount of Water Credit (current crop acreage x water use factor)

Determine Potential Acres of New Crop (water credit amount / water use factor)

Same Property, Same Well

Same Property, Same Well

Same Property, Different Well

Contiguous Parcel

Same Property, Different Well

Noncontiguous Parcel

7

Non-contiguous Parcel

Contiguous Parcel

Proximity Analysis Meets Standard

Neighboring Well Impact analysis Meets Standard

Deed Restriction Recorded & Well Meter Installed

8

Annual Verification (3rd Party reporting)

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

12

4

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Master Water Report http://www.slocountywater.org

9

Crop Water Calculations Annual Crop Specific Applied Water (AF/Ac/Yr)=

ETc − ER + FP 1 − LR IE

where: ETc = crop evapotranspiration = ETo x Kc ETo = reference evapotranspiration Kc = crop coefficient ER = effective rainfall FP = frost protection LR = leaching requirement IE = irrigation efficiency

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

10

13

5

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Crop Groups MWR/Offsets Table 1. Crop Group and Commodities Used for the Agricultural Demand Analysis

Crop Group Alfalfa

Primary Commodities Alfalfa Christmas trees, miscellaneous nursery plants, flowers

Nursery Miscellaneous grasses, mixed pastures, sod/turf, sudangrass Pasture Small Grains

Oats, barley, wheat

Citrus

Avocados, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, olives, kiwis,  pomegranates (nondeciduous) Apples, apricots, berries, peaches, nectarines, plums, figs,  pistachios, persimmons, pears, quinces, strawberries

Deciduous

Strawberries

Strawberries

Artichokes, beans, miscellaneous vegetables, mushrooms,  onions, peas, peppers, tomatoes

Vegetables

11

Wine grapes, table grapes

Vineyard

Crop Water Average #’s Table 2. Existing Crop-Specific Applied Water (AF/Ac/Yr) by Crop for the Salinas/Estrella WPA Crop Group Alfalfa

Applied Water (AF/Ac/Yr) 4.5

Citrus

2.3

Deciduous

3.5

Strawberries

2.3*

Nursery

2.5

Pasture

4.8

Small Grain

1.7*

Vegetables

1.9

Vineyard 1.7 *Information obtained from Current Cost and Return Studies, UCCE, UC Davis (Small grains 2013 data, Strawberries 2011 data)

12

 

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

14

6

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Flow of Program Determine amount of Water Credit (current crop acreage x water use factor)

Determine Potential Acres of New Crop (water credit amount / water use factor)

Same Property, Same Well

Same Property, Different Well

Contiguous Parcel

Noncontiguous Parcel

13

14

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

15

7

DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Crop Water Savings Analysis Crop conversions for higher water use crops such as Alfalfa could yield  potential new irrigated acreage for lower water use crops as follows. Convert Alfalfa Acreage to Sub Area

Citrus  Deciduous Nursery

Pasture Vegetables Vineyard

Estrella

531

271

489

204

643

582

Creston Shandon

0 601

0 307

0 553

0 230

0 727

0 658

Atascadero

0

0

0

0

0

0

650

332

598

249

786

711

South Gabilan

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total potential acreage  conversions

1782

910

1640

683

2156

1951

San Juan

15 *basin sub‐area boundaries used for analysis purposes

Process Overview Project Type Crop Conversion

New Irrigation Ag

Type of Credit Crop Conversion

Fallowed Land/Create Credit

Offset Location Same Property

Adjacent or Different Property

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WRAC 9.3.14

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Steps, Simplified Step 1 – Determine Water Use Determine water credit for existing crop 

Step 2 – Determine New Crop Acreage Determine acreage and water use for the new crop

Step 3 – Assess Impacts to Wells Evaluate drawdown impacts on neighboring irrigation and  domestic wells

Step 4 – Check Proximity

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Determine that credit well location is within cone of  depression of new well location

Well Pumping: Proximity of Credit •

•

WRAC 9.3.14

Must define acceptable distance where credit will likely offset the impact Analysis of impacts to neighboring wells

•

Tiered Approach – heightened standards for offset credits located at greater distances (Category 2-4)

•

Must be similar water bearing zone and depth

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Agenda Item #8

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Category 4 Applications 1. Cone of Depression  model a.

b.

c.

Based on well drawdown,  hydrogeology, and  transmissivity characteristics Well providing credit  must be within the cone  of depression of well  serving the new use  (category 4), where there  is at least 2 feet of  drawdown Simple to use calculators  have been developed

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Neighboring Well Criteria Increased pumping cannot significantly impact  neighboring irrigation and domestic wells Domestic wells – 15 feet additional drawdown Irrigation wells – 30 feet additional drawdown

Applicant must identify wells within one mile Simple calculator is used to compute water level  drawdown at various distances Notice sent to well owners so that well‐specific  information can be considered 21

Area of Severe Decline Criteria Credit cannot be used to increase  pumping within severe groundwater  level decline area as defined by SLO  County • Proposed 50’ water level decline • Reviewed annually • Annual map of decline published 22

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Decline Map Sample – Paso Basin

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Same Property, Same Well

Same Property, Different Well

Non-contiguous Parcel

Contiguous Parcel

Proximity Analysis Meets Standard

Neighboring Well Impact analysis Meets Standard

Deed Restriction Recorded & Well Meter Installed

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Annual Verification (3rd Party reporting)

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Next Steps • RCD is refining program framework and defining associated  language to support the transactions to come and finalize the  draft report for the County. • Education and Outreach (June – September) • • • • •

Peer Review County Staff Interface Key stakeholders – Ag Community Focus Group, Case Study Development Public at large

• Final program presented for adoption – estimated for October  2014 by BOS

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Conclusion • Program designed to be flexibly  tiered, simplified, and user‐ friendly. • Issue is complex in nature, and  program tries to encompass  multiple layers of operational  complexity. • Groundwater basin(s) are natural  features that change over time  and the program is designed with  flexibility and adaptation in mind.

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DRAFT RCD Agricultural Offset Program  Presentation

8/25/2014

Questions? Contact

Email

Laura Edwards, Planner,  Program Manager

laura@us‐ltrcd.org

Jeff Barry, Hydrogeologist

[email protected]

Ben Burgoa, Ag Engineer

Ben.Burgoa@rcdmonterey. org

Kelly Gleason, Policy Specialist

kelly@us‐ltrcd.org

Devin Best, Biological  Systems Specialist

Devin@us‐ltrcd.org

Thank You

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #8

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  TO:

Water Resources Advisory Committee

FROM:

Carolyn Berg, Water Resources Staff Engineer

DATE:

September 3, 2014

SUBJECT:

Agenda Item # 8: Suggested Future Agenda Items

The following list was developed to help members of the WRAC, the public, and County staff track requests for future WRAC agenda items. This list contains some of the potential items that have been requested by WRAC members, by the public, or by County staff. Near-Term Items are expected to come to the WRAC within several months, whereas Long-Term Items are expected to take longer. Items under the heading of “Ongoing Updates” reflect ongoing efforts/programs that staff or others would provide updates on as appropriate. Near-Term Items  Presentation on Agriculture and Water Resources Management  Update on Cuyama Groundwater Basin  Hydraulic Fracturing Long-Term Items  Biosolids Ordinance Update from the Public Health Department  State Water Board regulations (Assembly Bill 885) for Onsite Septic Systems  Planning For and Protection of Waterways Prior to “First Flush” Events Ongoing Updates (as needed)  Integrated Regional Water Management Program  Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Efforts  State Water (Update from Central Coast Water Authority)  Environmental Health Department’s Effort to Digitize Well Information  Water Supply Opportunities in Emergency Situations (i.e. drought, fire, etc.)  Water Resources Legislative Updates  2010 Resource Management System Annual Summary Report Recommendations Implementation  Informational Update on Agricultural Order  Other Groundwater Basin/Watershed Management Efforts

WRAC 9.3.14

Agenda Item #9

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