AGENDA TITLE:
title
Public Hearing to Consider Adopting the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment; Adopt Resolution repealing and replacing Resolution 2024-209 (PW)
end
MEETING DATE:
February 19, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Public Hearing to Consider Adopting the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment; adopt resolution repealing and replacing Resolution 2024-209.
body
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On August 29, 2014, the California Legislature passed comprehensive groundwater legislation enacting the “Sustainable Groundwater Management Act” (SGMA). Governor Brown signed the legislation on September 16, 2014 and it became effective on January 1, 2015.
SGMA requires the formation of groundwater sustainability agencies (GSA’s) and the development and implementation of one or more groundwater sustainability plans (GSP’s) for each groundwater basin categorized by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as high- or medium-priority.
The Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority (Authority) is a collaboration of agencies (including Lodi) within San Joaquin County working to achieve groundwater pumping sustainability in accordance with the SGMA legislation. The Authority submitted a GSP in January of 2020 to DWR, and has completed the first 5-year update to the GSP, which was due for submission in January of 2025.
Staff provided a public presentation on the amendments and additional information included in the GSP Amendment during a publicly noticed, Special Public Meeting held on October 22, 2024. The meeting was conducted during the public comment period for the GSP Amendment so that public feedback could be solicited and incorporated as appropriate.
At the December 18, 2024 Council Meeting, Council adopted a resolution adopting the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment, and adopted a resolution approving submittal of the First Periodic Evaluation for the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin. This single motion action included the adoption of both resolutions which Council unanimously approved by consent. The Authority submitted the GSP Amendment in accordance with SGMA legislation prior to the January 29, 2025 deadline.
As noted above, staff inadvertently requested Council approve the GSP Amendment by consent. To comply with State Water Code, the GSP Amendment must be approved as part of a public hearing. For this reason, Staff recommends Council conduct a public hearing to consider adopting the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment; and adopt a resolution to repeal and replace Resolution No. 2024-209.
The Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment can be accessed through the following link: <https://www.esjgroundwater.org/Portals/0/assets/docs/GSP/ESJ%202024%20GSP%20Compiled_November%202024%20Compressed.pdf?ver=NgqK0zbMAVv6BQnU6KNf9g%3d%3f>.
STRATEGIC VISION:
5E. Infrastructure: Proactive infrastructure development for Sphere of influence & growth areas.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable
_______________________________________
Charles E. Swimley
Public Works Director
_______________________________________
Scott R. Carney
City Manager