To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Public Hearing
SUBJECT:
title
Public Hearing Regarding Formation of the Humboldt County Groundwater Sustainability Agency for the Eel River Valley Groundwater Basin; and Request for Proposals for Professional Consulting Services
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Open the public hearing;
2. Receive a staff report;
3. Receive comments from the public;
4. Close the public hearing;
5. Adopt the attached resolution forming the Humboldt County Groundwater Sustainability Agency for the Eel River Valley Groundwater Basin;
6. Authorize Public Works to issue the attached Request for Proposals; and
7. Direct Public Works to bring the Agreement for Professional Services with the selected consulting firm back to the Board for review and approval.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100) and Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Planning Grant
DISCUSSION:
On Nov. 13, 2019, the California Department of Water Resources ("DWR") issued a notification letter and staff report which disapproved the Groundwater Sustainability Plan ("GSP") Alternative for the Eel River Valley groundwater basin which had been submitted in Dec. 2016. As a result of the disapproval of the GSP Alternative, preparation of a full GSP and formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency ("GSA") are mandatory under the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The full GSP must provide sufficient data and information regarding the achievement of sustainability criteria and the absence of undesirable results within the basin. The GSP must be adopted by Jan. 2022.
On Nov. 14, 2019, Public Works submitted a grant application to DWR to obtain a planning grant for developing the GSP under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Planning Grant program. Support letters were provided by the City of Fortuna, City of Rio Dell, Palmer Creek Community Services ...
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