Date: 09/04/2014
Final
Rio Grande Basin Aquifer Issues - Groundwater Subdistrict Rulemaking and Augmentation Plan Process
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
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01:39 PM -- Rio Grande Basin Aquifer Issues - Groundwater Subdistrict Rulemaking and Augmentation Plan Process
Dick Wolfe, State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, discussed previous rulemaking concerning the Rio Grande Basin and the current status of the rulemaking procedures in the basin. He discussed "response functions" or numbers that offer information regarding the amount of depletions, timing of the depletions, and where they are expected to occur. He talked about challenges that have been encountered regarding the legislative requirement to reach sustainable aquifers and he responded to questions from the committee regarding when he expects the Rio Grande Basin rulemaking process to be complete.
01:51 PM
Steve Vandiver, General Manager, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, said that this is the sixth year in a row that the Rio Grande Basin has suffered from below average runoff. He talked about the effects of continued reduction in pumping and the low levels of the Rio Grande aquifer. Mr. Vandiver discussed the district's September 30, 2014, appearance in the Supreme Court regarding Subdistrict #1 and the importance of and transparency related to the Closed Basin Project.
02:00 PM
Rob Phillips, Program Manager for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, discussed the operations of Subdistrict #1, including replacements of well depletions, reduction of impacts to the Rio Grande Compact, implementation temporary fallowing programs, and the initiation of various federal programs. Mr. Phillips talked about plans to make the aquifer sustainable.
02:02 PM
Cleave Simpson, Program Manager for Rio Grande Water Conservation District, discussed the role of the local community in the formation of Subdistrict #1 and the progress of that formation. He responded to questions from the committee regarding the cost of the assessment being done for the formation of Subdistrict #1.
02:06 PM
Travis Smith, Superintendent, San Luis Valley Irrigation District, discussed the history behind the formation of subdistricts in the San Luis Valley which began in 2002. He asked the committee to monitor the formation of subdistricts and asked for the committee's patience so that the management plans that are being formulated have time to work. He discussed the challenges encountered with meeting the sustainability requirement.
02:09 PM
Mr. Wolfe responded to questions from the committee regarding the State Engineer's rulemaking authority and sustainability goals.
02:17 PM
Peter Nichols, representing the City of Monte Vista and the Towns of Del Norte, Saguache, and Crestone, introduced himself. Mr. Nichols talked about well owners who may want to achieve compliance through augmentation plans rather than the formation of subdistricts. He discussed concerns regarding new rules that may be implemented and compliance with those rules within a strict time frame while simultaneously complying with plans for augmentation. Mr. Nichols and Mr. Wolfe responded to questions from the committee regarding how someone within a subdistrict may be exempt from that subdistrict's rules; how augmentation plans may apply to citizens within Costilla county; and the the Rio Grande decision support system.
02:33 PM
Mr. Vandiver responded to questions from the committee regarding how augmentation plans for municipalities will be addressed in Subdistrict #1. He said they may be able to use data gathered from various models but need to recognize that depletions will change over time. Committee discussion ensued.