Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District

The meeting focused on the implementation aspects of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). Key discussions included updates on the public review draft of the GSP, which was posted on October 11th, covering Chapters 1 through 5. The content reviewed included the basin setting, sustainable management criteria (addressing groundwater levels, quality, storage, subsidence, and interconnected surface water), and proposed projects and management actions (such as data collection, supply augmentation, and demand management). There was significant discussion regarding the need to settle critical issues like subsidence and groundwater levels, as members expressed frustration over the timeline and the lack of finalized metrics for certain sustainability indicators despite previous input. The implementation chapter, which details responsibilities, costs, and schedules, was also reviewed.

The meeting agenda focused on several key updates and discussions related to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) process. Topics included a look-ahead timeline, an update from Laura regarding the monitoring network (information previously presented at a special board meeting), and a main presentation by Gus Tolley on the water budget and discussion. The meeting concluded with a review of public comments received. A significant portion of the discussion centered on finalizing the monitoring network strategy, including decisions on which wells to monitor, frequency of monitoring (e.g., twice per year for certain wells, monthly/quarterly for others), and the funding sources for data collection versus future maintenance costs. Specifically, plans were made to instrument four existing shallow wells in an area lacking data near groundwater-dependent ecosystems with continuous monitoring, funded through the current grant, with the district covering future maintenance. The schedule for GSP presentation and adoption dates for the district board and the Plumas County Board of Supervisors were reviewed, as well as potential rescheduling of a January district board meeting.

The meeting focused on updates regarding the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) schedule, which requires submission by January 31st. Key discussion points included the next iterations of GSP text, specifically Chapter 5 on GSP implementation, and updates on the GDE (Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem) working session. There was a significant discussion on the development of draft text for Sustainable Management Criteria (Chapter 3), including groundwater quality, subsidence, and groundwater levels, which is expected by the end of August. Discussions also covered Project Management Actions (PMAs) outlined in Chapter 4, integrating input from growers, and estimating implementation costs. A dedicated discussion addressed GDEs, interconnected surface waters, and special status species, noting an expansion from 21 to over 40 species. Related topics involved reviewing mapping data from various sources and considering green infrastructure and meadow restoration opportunities in upper watersheds as potential projects.

The agenda included remarks from Laura, a project update from Tracy Ferguson focusing on the posting of the GSP and the public comment period, and a technical team update from Laura and Gus Tolley regarding the DWR subsidence report. Discussions covered grant opportunities and aerial electromagnetic array flights. Further agenda items included planning for implementation, focusing on current funding, monitoring subsidence and GDE, early pilot projects on agricultural irrigation efficiency, and future work on hydrologic feasibility studies for recharge and surface water re-operation. The session concluded with a discussion on technical experience in GSP development, lessons learned regarding hybrid meetings, and opportunities for continued outreach and engagement after the technical advisory committee's role in developing the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). There was also a detailed review of the process for accessing and commenting on the submitted GSP via the portal, including clarification on submission deadlines for public comments to DWR.

The meeting served as the kickoff for the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Sierra Valley Basin. Key discussion points included highlighting the features of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) legislation, outlining the requirements for GSPs, and detailing the community involvement efforts. Preliminary data collection efforts were discussed, along with the fundamental concepts of assessing sustainability through undesirable results, minimum thresholds, and sustainable management criteria. The roles and structure of the supporting teams, including the technical team, planning committee, and the TAC itself, were introduced, emphasizing the importance of local input for developing the single GSP required by the two Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) overseeing the basin.