AGENDA TITLE:
title
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment; Adopt Resolution Approving Submittal of the First Periodic Evaluation for the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin (PW)
end
MEETING DATE:
December 18, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2024 Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Sustainability Plan Amendment; and Adopt Resolution Approving Submittal of the First Periodic Evaluation for the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin.
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 (GSAs) and the development and implementation of one or more groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) for each groundwater basin categorized by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as high- or medium-priority. On January 6, 2016, the City adopted Resolution 2016-03 electing to serve as the City of Lodi GSA for the City’s jurisdictional boundaries.
The Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority (“Authority”) is a collaboration of agencies (including Lodi) within San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties, working to achieve groundwater management sustainability in accordance with SGMA. The Authority submitted a GSP to DWR in January of 2020, and ultimately approved in July 2022. The Authority completed the first 5-year periodic evaluation of the adopted GSP. “Periodic Evaluation” is the term used in SGMA requiring GSAs to evaluate and submit a written assessment of their GSP implementation and adaptive management. The Authority completed the 2024 Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Sustainability Plan Amendment (“GSP Amendment”), along with the Periodic Evaluation, and both are due for submission to DWR in January of 2025.
The changes included in the GSP Amendment from the initial GSP approved in 2022 addressed groundwater levels, groundwater quality, land subsidence, water budgets and groundwater storage, and interconnected surface waters. Public comments were received and considered from the Environmental Law Foundation (California Sport Fishing Alliance), Sierra Club and Restore the Delta.
Staff provided a public presentation on the GSP Amendment during a Special Council Meeting on October 22, 2024. The meeting was held during the Authority’s public comment period for the GSP Amendment so that public feedback could be solicited and incorporated as appropriate. Upon adoption of the GSP Amendment by each GSA in our basin, the Authority will submit the GSP Amendment and Periodic Evaluation to DWR in January to remain compliant with SGMA.
Staff recommends that Council, acting as the City of Lodi GSA, adopt two resolutions to satisfy the SGMA requirements. The first resolution would adopt the GSP Amendment, and the second resolution would authorize the Authority, its staff and its consultants to submit the Periodic Evaluation to DWR by no later than January 29, 2025. All of the GSA’s in the Authority are considering similar versions of these resolutions specific to their GSA, so that the Authority may take these actions on behalf of all member agencies.
STRATEGIC VISION:
8. Public Well-Being.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable
_______________________________________
Charles E. Swimley
Public Works Director
_______________________________________
Scott R. Carney
City Manager