Score: +23 (23/14/0)

Monterey County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Striving for Sustainability: Groundwater Management in Monterey County*

Published: January 13, 2015 56 pages

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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings and Recommendations 16 findings

Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands.

No recommendations for this finding

Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy.

No recommendations for this finding

Several groundwater basin aquifers in Monterey County are now in overdraft.

No recommendations for this finding

Overdrafting has resulted in seawater intrusion into the 180 and 400 foot aquifers in the northern Salinas Valley Basin.

No recommendations for this finding

Seawater intrusion results in localized salt-contaminated groundwater that is unsuitable for both urban and agricultural uses.

No recommendations for this finding

If no Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is formed by June 30, 2017 for the Salinas Valley Basin, the County of Monterey could then choose to become the GSA for that basin.

Related Recommendations (2)

That if the June 30, 2017 deadline for forming one or more GSAs for the Salinas Valley Basin is not met by other interested parties, the County of Monterey agree to become the GSA for that basin in order to prevent state intervention in local groundwater planning.

That the County of Monterey remain mindful of the possibility that it may become the GSA for the Salinas Valley Basin and, with that in mind, take all steps as far in advance of the June 30, 2017 deadline as necessary for it to assume that role prior to that deadline.

If the County of Monterey chose to become the GSA for the Salinas Valley Basin that choice would prevent the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) from intervening in the local Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) planning process except for overseeing and insuring GSP compliance.

Related Recommendations (2)

Prior to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), local groundwater management plans lacked sufficient enforcement authority to fully manage groundwater sustainability.

No recommendations for this finding

SGMA confers on GSAs stronger enforcement authority than had existed under previous groundwater management enactments or local plans.

No recommendations for this finding

F10

The non-adjudicated Salinas Valley Marina Area and the Salinas Valley Corral De Tierra Area should be included under the authority of the Salinas Valley Basin GSA and part of the GSA's Groundwater Management Plan (GMP).

Related Recommendations (1)

That the County of Monterey remain mindful of the possibility that it may become the GSA for the Salinas Valley Basin and, with that in mind, begin immediately to consider GSP optional components. REQUIRED AND REQUESTED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the Civil Grand Jury requires responses from each of the following public entities: Monterey County Water Resources Agency

F11

Consensus Builders, Inc. has been retained by the City of Salinas, on behalf of itself and others, in an attempt to integrate competing Salinas Valley groundwater interest's in order to arrive at a consensus GSA before June 30, 2017.

Related Recommendations (1)

That the County of Monterey actively participate in the currently ongoing effort by Consensus Builders, Inc. to help achieve the formation of one or more GSAs for the Salinas Valley Basin before the June 30, 2017 deadline.

F12

Many local individuals and entities have for several years been vitally interested in preserving, enhancing, and sustaining both groundwater and surface water availability in the Monterey Peninsula-Salinas Valley areas.

No recommendations for this finding

F13

As a result of past efforts, there are several existing and planned projects that could logically be included in any GSPs adopted within the Monterey Peninsula- Salinas Valley areas, since each such project impacts groundwater sustainability.

No recommendations for this finding

F14

Some of the existing and planned projects for logical inclusion in a local GSP include: a. The Salinas Valley Reclamation Plant (SVRP) and the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project (CSIP) Distribution System. b. The Pure Water Monterey Groundwater Replenishment Project. c. The Soledad Water Recycling / Reclamation Project. d. The Salinas Valley Water Project. e. The Seaside Aquifer Storage & Recovery Project. f. The California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program. g. The Groundwater Extractions Monitoring System. h. The Salinas River Arundo Removal Project. i. The Interlake Tunnel Project. The Cal-Am Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. j. k. The DeepWater Desal Desalination/Data Center Project I. The Marina Coast Water District Desalination Project m. The People's Moss Landing Water Desalination Project n. The Sand City Water Supply Project o. Urban Water Conservation p. Agricultural Water Conservation

No recommendations for this finding

F15

As with other legislation that impacts those with divergent interests, legal maneuvering and delaying tactics can, in the case of SGMA, cause the loss of local controls over groundwater planning and management.

Related Recommendations (1)

That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness.

F16

As with other legislation that impacts those with divergent interests, legal maneuvering and delaying tactics can, in the case of SGMA, cause already critical groundwater conditions in Monterey County to get much worse, to the detriment of all concerned.

No recommendations for this finding

Conclusions 1

CL1

The overarching goal of this effort would be to reach widespread support on forming the groundwater sustainability agency for the Salinas Valley and complying successfully with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The keys to success are creating a transparent, inclusive process that engages interested stakeholders, designing a governance structure that balances interests, supports a vibrant economy, manages groundwater sustainably, and meets SGMA requirements. A viable and broadly supported GSA is the essential first step towards long-term sustainable groundwater management. APPENDIX 2 218

Agency Responses 4

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

Response to Striving for Sustainability, Monterey County Board of Supervisors

September 20, 2016 • 10 pages • 21 responses • Score: +9 (+9, 12, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

21 responses to findings and recommendations

Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 3 F-2 ..... Page 3 F-3 ..... Page 3 F-4 ..... Page 3 F-5 ..... Page 3 F-6 ..... Page 4 F-7 ..... Page 4 F-8 ..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Recommendation R-1: That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness Response R-1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of the facilitated process with CBI, Inc.

Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 3 F-3 ..... Page 3 F-4 ..... Page 3 F-5 ..... Page 3 F-6 ..... Page 4 F-7 ..... Page 4 F-8 ..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for bo...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Recommendation R-1: That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness Response R-1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of the facilitated process with CBI, Inc.

Several groundwater basin aquifers in Monterey County are now in overdraft.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding Finding F-3: Several groundwater basin aquifers in Monterey County are now in overdraft.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

R-3, R-4 and R-5 Recommendation R-1: That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness Response R-1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of the facilitated process with CBI, Inc.

Overdrafting has resulted in seawater intrusion into the 180 and 400 foot aquifers in the northern Salinas Valley Basin.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding Finding F-4: Overdrafting has resulted in seawater intrusion into the 180 and 400 Foot aquifers in the northern Salinas Valley Basin.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

R-4 and R-5 Recommendation R-1: That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness Response R-1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of the facilitated process with CBI, Inc.

Seawater intrusion results in localized salt-contaminated groundwater that is unsuitable for both urban and agricultural uses.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 3 F-6 ..... Page 4 F-7 ..... Page 4 F-8 ..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

R-5 Recommendation R-1: That every public and private entity interested in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to consider the groundwater needs of every other interested party with an open mind and a commitment to fairness Response R-1: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of the facilitated process with CBI, Inc.

If no Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is formed by June 30, 2017 for the Salinas Valley Basin, the County of Monterey could then choose to become the GSA for that basin.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 4 F-7 ..... Page 4 F-8 ..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supe...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 4 F-8 ..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with...

Prior to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), local groundwater management plans lacked sufficient enforcement authority to fully manage groundwater sustainability.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 4 F-9 ..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Find...

SGMA confers on GSAs stronger enforcement authority than had existed under previous groundwater management enactments or local plans.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 4 F-10 ..... Page 4 F-11 ..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwate...

F10

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree - all conservation is important, though reducing the urban component of 10% used in the Salinas Valley by 20% will not provide the largest effect on the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin as would Agricultural Water Conservation methods p.

F11

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 5 F-12 ..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwater is critically important to Monterey Co...

F12

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 5 F-13 ..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy. Resp...

F13

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 5 F-14 ..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy. Response F-2: The Board ...

F14

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 6 F-15 ..... Page 7 F-16 ..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy. Response F-2: The Board of Supervisors agree...

F15

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree - continued Agricultural Water Conservation efforts need to be championed and incentivized for additional participation Finding F-15: As with other legislation that impacts those with divergent interests, legal maneuvering and delaying tactics can, in the case of SGMA, cause the loss of local controls over groundwater planning and management.

F16

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

..... Page 7 Recommendations R-1 through R-5 R-1 REPORT TITLE: Striving for Sustainability RESPONSE BY: Monterey County Board of Supervisors RESPONSE TO: Findings F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9, F10, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-14, F-15 and F-16 Finding F-1: Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands. Response F-1: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. Finding F-2: Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy. Response F-2: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding Finding F-3: Several...

Response to Striving for Sustainability, Monterey County Water Resources Agency

August 03, 2016 • 5 pages • 16 responses • Score: +14 (+14, 2, 0) View Details ▾

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16 responses to findings and recommendations

Monterey County is critically dependent on groundwater for both its agricultural and urban water demands.

Response: Agree Score: +1

groundwater for both its agricultural and Agree urban water demands. Groundwater is critically important to

Groundwater is critically important to Monterey County's economy.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree Monterey County's economy. Several groundwater basin aquifers in

Several groundwater basin aquifers in Monterey County are now in overdraft.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Agree Monterey County are now in overdraft. Partially disagree - Although the Pressure Subarea has been designated a critically- Overdrafting has resulted in seawater overdrafted basin, the driving force of

Overdrafting has resulted in seawater intrusion into the 180 and 400 foot aquifers in the northern Salinas Valley Basin.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Partially disagree - Although the Pressure Subarea has been designated a critically- Overdrafting has resulted in seawater overdrafted basin, the driving force of F4 intrusion into the 180 and 400 Foot aquifers in seawater intrusion in the Pressure the northern Salinas Valley Basin.

Seawater intrusion results in localized salt-contaminated groundwater that is unsuitable for both urban and agricultural uses.

Response: Agree Score: +1

contaminated groundwater that is unsuitable Agree for both urban and agricultural uses. If no Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is formed by June 30, 2017 for the Salinas

If no Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is formed by June 30, 2017 for the Salinas Valley Basin, the County of Monterey could then choose to become the GSA for that basin.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree Valley Basin, the County of Monterey could then choose to become the GSA for the basin. If the County of Monterey chose to become the GSA for the Salinas Valley Basin that choice would prevent the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) from

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree intervening in the local Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) planning process except for overseeing and insuring GSP compliance. Prior to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), local groundwater

Prior to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), local groundwater management plans lacked sufficient enforcement authority to fully manage groundwater sustainability.

Response: Agree Score: +1

management plans lacked sufficient Agree enforcement authority to fully manage groundwater sustainability. SGMA confers on GSAs stronger enforcement authority than had existed under previous

SGMA confers on GSAs stronger enforcement authority than had existed under previous groundwater management enactments or local plans.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree groundwater management enactments or local plans. The non-adjudicated Salinas Valley Marina Area and the Salinas Valley Corral de Tierra Agree - if the GMP referenced actually

F10

Response: Agree Score: +1

the Salinas Valley Corral de Tierra Agree - if the GMP referenced actually F10 Area should be included under the authority means the Groundwater Sustainability of the Salinas Valley Basin GSA and part of the Plan to be developed by the GSA GSA's Groundwater Management Plan (GMP).

F11

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree Salinas Valley groundwater interest's in order to arrive at a consensus GSA before June 30, 2017. Many local individuals and entities have for several years been vitally interested in

F12

Response: Agree Score: +1

preserving, enhancing, and sustaining both Agree groundwater and surface water availability in the Monterey Peninsula-Salinas Valley areas. As a result of past efforts, there are several existing and planned projects that could logically be included in any GSPs adopted

F13

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree within the Monterey Peninsula-Salinas Valley areas, since each such project impacts groundwater sustainability. See respective answers for each project Some of the existing and planned projects for

F14

Response: Agree Score: +1

logical inclusion in a local GSP include: or program below... The Salinas Valley Reclamation Plant (SVRP) and the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project Agree - existing infrastructure a. (CSIP) Distribution System The Pure Water Monterey Groundwater Agree - when project comes on-line b. Replenishment Project The Soledad Water Recycling / Reclamation Agree - when project comes on-line c. Project The Salinas Valley Water Project Agree - existing infrastructure d. The Seaside Aquifer Storage & Recovery Agree - existing infrastructure e. Project The California Statewide Groundwater f. Agree <b>El...

F15

Response: Agree Score: +1

and delaying tactics can, in the case of SGMA, Agree cause the loss of local controls over groundwater planning and management. As with other legislation that impacts those with divergent interests, legal maneuvering and delaying tactics can, in the case of SGMA,

F16

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree cause already critical groundwater conditions in Monterey County to get much worse, to the detriment of all concerned. Rec Recommendation Response Number That every public and private entity interested Implemented - as part of the facilitated in the formation of a GSA and the adoption of process with CBI, Inc. that includes a a GSP for the Salinas Valley Basin pledge to Collaborative Working Group (CWG) and

Response to Striving for Sustainability, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

September 19, 2016 • 4 pages View Details ▾

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Response to Striving for Sustainability, Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency

July 25, 2016 • 5 pages View Details ▾

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* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.