To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Phil Brun, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Phil Brun, Utilities Director
TITLE:
Title
Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Recommend that the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency Appoint Joy Eldredge, Deputy Utilities Director, to the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater resources by local authorities. The act provides a 20 year timeline to implement actions that achieve long-term groundwater sustainability. It protects existing surface water and groundwater rights and does not impact drought response measures. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is in charge of the SGMA Program and has developed guidelines for local agencies to follow.
On December 17, 2019, the Napa County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution affirming Napa County’s intention to manage groundwater in the Napa Valley Sub-basin and to form the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency pursuant to Water Code Section 10724, and authorized the submittal of GSA Formation Information to DWR.
On April 22, 2020 the City received an announcement from Napa County seeking a recommendation for an applicant to represent the City on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee (GSPAC). The Committee includes twenty-five (25) members with four (4) of the members representing the three cities and town located within the groundwater sub-basin (Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville and Napa). See Attachment 1 for more details on the Committee members and purpose.
While the City of Napa does not currently use the groundwater basin for water supply, it is important that we have a representative on the Committee that understands groundwater basins, overall water supply in Napa Valley and sustainability. Joy Eldredge is the City’s Deputy Utility Director and has the primary responsibility for managing the City’s water operations. Joy is qualified for the position and will serve in the best interest of the City.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
There are no financial impacts associated with this action.
CEQA:
The Utilities Director has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Agenda Report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1: Announcement Seeking Applicants for Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee
NOTIFICATION:
None