groundwater sustainability plan - california department … worksh… · groundwater sustainability...

September 20, 2017Department of Water Resources

SGMAGroundwater Sustainability Plan Workshop

WelcomeDane Mathis, DWR South Central Region Office

Session 1

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Program OverviewTrevor Joseph, SGM Program

California’s Major Groundwater Milestones

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1992 2002 2013 2014 2015 2020 2022

CASGEM Program

2003

AB 3030

SB 1938 CA Water Action Plan

GSPs(Non-Overdraft Basins)

GSPs(Basins in Overdraft)SGMA

2009 2010

Voluntary Groundwater Management(Non-Regulatory)

Service Area Planning Variable Levels of

Implementation Variable Authority Grant Incentives

Required Groundwater Management

(Regulatory)

Entire Basin Planning Required Implementation New GSA Authorities State Backstop (SWRCB)

2040/2042

AchieveSustainability

GoalAB 359

SGMA Overview

“A central feature of these bills is the recognition that

groundwater management in California

is best accomplished locally.“

Governor Jerry Brown, September 2014

Local Control

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SGMA Overview

Groundwater Sustainability Plans Required for High and Medium

Priority Basins by 2020/22

Sustainability Groundwater Basins

Achieving Sustainable Yield and Avoidance of Undesirable Results

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Lowering of GW LevelsReduction

of GW StorageSeawater Intrusion

Water Quality Degradation Land SubsidenceDepletion of

Interconnected Streams

GSP Coordination - (Options of GSA Formation and GSP Development)

• Coordination agreement is optional, as formal governance between GSAs may be necessary

• A single coordination agreement that covers the entire basin

SGMA Overview

Planning Assistance- Facilitation

- GSA Support

Technical Assistance- Statewide Datasets, Analysis, and Tools

- Best Management Practices- Water Available for Replenishment Report

Financial Assistance- Prop 1

DWR SGMA Assistance

DWR Evaluation of

GSPs

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Engagement and Advisory Role Regulatory Role

DWR SGMA Program Activities

Implementation & Reporting

GSP Preparation &

Submission

GSP Review and

Evaluation

GSA Formation & Coordination

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4

Technical Assistance

Financial Assistance ???Technical Assistance

~ July 1, 2017 GSAs 2015 Alt - 2020/2022 GSPs ~ + up to 2 yearsLocal Agency/GSA

Deadlines

Advisory Role Regulatory Role

Planning Assistance

Groundwater Sustainability Agency Formation StatusMark Nordberg, SGM Program

• More than 99.9 percent of SGMA basins are either covered by a GSA, an adjudicated area, federal or tribal land, or an Alternative.

• 264 local agencies, or combinations of local agencies, have GSA notifications posted (depends on how agencies are counted).

• 376 unique areas are being managed by GSAs.• 140 basins have GSAs:

• 108 basins are high or medium priority.• 32 basins are low or very-low priority (or have no priority yet).

• 22 high- or medium-priority basins submitted an Alternative Plan.• 11 basins that submitted an Alternative have full GSA coverage.• 9 basins do not have any GSAs formed – 2 basins have partial GSA

coverage.• 46 GSA notifications have been posted and withdrawn.

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GSA Formation Summary

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9/19/2017

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9/19/2017

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Assistance and EngagementTrevor Joseph, SGM Program

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Technical and Planning Assistance

Assistance & Engagement

Tech. Services• Guidance & Education• Field Activities• Modeling Support

GSA Formation & Governance

Statewide & Basin Info• General SGMA Information• Bulletin -118 & 160• BMP’s & Guidance Docs.• Training/Outreach

Data• Data Collection• Data Distribution

Tools• Model Enhancements

Guidance, Data, & Tools

Education & Guidance Data & Tools

Com

pone

nts

Facilitation Services• Stakeholder Assessment• Meeting Facilitation• Consensus Building

GSP Eval.

DWR Outreach

GSP Implementation1

2 3

4

GSP Development & Submission

GSP Evaluation

Engagement and Advisory Role Evaluation Role

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Services Offered through DWR Funded Professional Facilitators• Stakeholder identification and engagement• Meeting facilitation• Interest-based negotiation/consensus

building• Public outreach facilitation

Engagement – Development of GSPs• DWR regional office point of contacts by

basin• Basin specific meetings

Planning AssistanceFacilitation Support Services (FSS)

Assistance & EngagementBasin POC & Basin Meetings

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DWR Basin Point of Contact


GSP Evaluation


Basin specific meetings Develop agenda with GSA Set up meeting with Program Follow up and communicate

with GSA Assist with technical support

service

GSA Workgroup

South Central Region OfficeSGMA Regional Coordinator,

Amanda Peisch-Derby, P.E.

SGMAPOINT OF CONTACT

Mary Randall

PaulWells

Amanda Peisch-Derby

Brian Moniz

The POC will be the primary contact person for the high and

medium priority basins for SGMA technical support.

Basin Contacts@ Region Offices

INFORMATION BOOTHS

Guidance, Data & ToolsSteven Springhorn, SGM Program

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SGM Program Implementation


Technical Services


Statewide & Basin Info

Regional to Statewide

Data & Tools


Education& Guidance Data & Tools

Facilitation Services

GSP Eval.

DWR Outreach

GSP Implementation1

2 3

4


GSPEvaluation

Advisory Role Evaluation Role

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• Guidance and Education• Field Activities Groundwater Level Training Well Video Logging Geophysical Logging Monitoring Well Installation

• Modeling and Tools Modeling Questions Training

IWFM Workshop – Oct 2017 http://cwemf.org

https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/gicima/

Assistance & Engagement- Draft Technical Support Services (TSS) -

Draft Subject to Change

http://cwemf.org/


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SGM Program Implementation


Technical Services


Statewide & Basin Info

Regional to Statewide

Data & Tools


Education& Guidance Data & Tools

Facilitation Services

GSP Eval.

DWR Outreach

GSP Implementation1

2 3

4


GSPEvaluation

Advisory Role Evaluation Role

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History of Technical AssistanceTechnical Expertise

B-118-031952 B-118-80B-118-75

Reports

CA Water Plan

DWR Region Offices

Data, Tools, and Analysis

Integrated Regional Water Management

Data and Tools

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http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/data_tools_reports.cfm

New Data, Tools, and Reports Webpage

1. Download Data

2. Groundwater ToolsInteractive MapsModeling Tools

3. Maps and ReportsSGMA BMPsStatewide GW Maps


Technical Assistance Fact Sheetshttp://water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/data_tools_reports.cfm

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2. DWR Modeling Tools1. DWR Data, Tools, and Reports

http://water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/data_tools_reports.cfm

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Tools - Interactive Maps1. Groundwater Information Center2. Water Management Planning Tool3. Disadvantaged Communities Tool4. Basin Boundary ToolMore Tools will be added soon

Data & Tools


https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/boundaries/ https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/dacs/ https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/bbat/

1

2 3 4


https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/boundaries/


https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/boundaries/

Upcoming Statewide Datasets – Land Use

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Estimated Availability: Oct - 2017


Upcoming Statewide Datasets – Well Logs

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Estimated Availability: Oct - 2017


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Tools – DWR Models

• C2VSim – Fine Grid (Q1 2018)

• IWFM – (Currently Available)

Data and Tools


SGMA Implementation

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Data Access Data Submittal

50 Yr Planning Horizon

+ Local Data

Tools

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• Statewide & Regional References• DWR’s SGMA Webpages• Bulletin 118• Bulletin 160 – GW Content

• SGMA References• BMPs (technical assistance) vs. GSP Regulations (requirements)

Best Management Practices• BMP 1: Monitoring Protocols, Standards,

Sites• BMP 2: Monitoring Networks and

Identification of Data Gaps• BMP 3: Hydrologic Conceptual Model• BMP 4: Water Budget• BMP 5: Modeling

Guidance Documents• Preparation Checklist for GSP submittal• GSP Annotated Outline• Engagement with Tribal Governments• Stakeholder Comm. & Engagement

Education and Guidance

Future BMP• Sustainable Management Criteria

DWR Contacts & SGMA Resources

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DWR Regional Offices:

Bill Ehorn - [email protected]

Bill Brewster - [email protected]

Dane Mathis - [email protected]

Tim Ross - [email protected]

DWR Sacramento:• Steven Springhorn

[email protected]

SGMA Resources• DWR SGMP Webpagewww.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/index.cfm

• Subscribe to DWR SGMP Email Listwww.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/subscribe.cfm

• DWR Data, Tools, and Reports Webpagewww.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/data_tools_reports.cfm

mailto:[email protected]





http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/index.cfm

http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/subscribe.cfm


Best Management PracticesTim Godwin, SGM Program

BMP Framework

• Definitions• BMPs – technical assistance• Guidance Documents -

informational

• How to Utilize • Optional – do not create

new requirements• Documents are not a

substitute for GSP Regulations

• Organization/Workflow• Identify Future Documents

Document Organization and Use

Timeline

BMP # 1 – Monitoring Protocols, Standards, and Sites

• Protocols for:• Establishing

Monitoring Sites

• Measuring GW Levels

• Sampling GW Quality

• Monitoring Seawater Intrusion

• Measuring Streamflow

• Measuring Subsidence

BMP # 2 – Monitoring Networks and Identification of Data Gaps

• General Monitoring Networks

• Improvement of Monitoring Network

• Specific Monitoring Networks

BMP # 3 – Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model

• Characterizing Physical Components

• Geologic and structural boundaries

• Lateral boundaries

• Bottom of the basin

• Principal Aquifers and Aquitards

• Graphical Representation

• Mapping Requirements

BMP # 4 – Water Budget (WB)• General WB Requirements

• Certification

• WB Data, Information, and Modeling Requirements

• Defining Basin Area and Water Budget Systems

• Accounting and Quantification of WB Components

• Tabular and Graphical Representation of WB Components

• Defining WB Time Frames• Current, Historical, Projected

BMP # 5 – ModelingFundamentals• Types of Models, Software, Uses• Models Used for SGMA

Technical Assistance• Guiding Principles For Models• General Modeling Requirements

https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2015/3084/fs20153084.pdf

• Modeling Considerations• Addressing Sustainability Indicators

• Developing Water Budgets• Forecasting Future Conditions, Projects, Actions• Assessing Impacts on Adjacent Basins

• Groundwater Modeling Process• Related References and Guidance Material

https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2015/3084/fs20153084.pdf

Guidance DocumentsHong Lin, SGM Program

What are Guidance Documents

• Assist GSAs with GSP development • Not a substitute for SGMA or GSP regulations • Provide information to stakeholders• Not to create new requirements or obligations • Not to prescribe specific methods or procedure

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DWR Guidance Documents

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DWR Guidance Documents

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GSP Regulation Requirements

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File GSP Notification with DWR

Communication & Engagement

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Opportunities throughout Decision-Making process

Interests of ALL beneficial uses and users of groundwater

Active involvement of diverse social, cultural and economic elements of the population

An Example Process

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SGMA workgroup Advisory committee Community outreach Public workshops

Methods and Tools

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http://water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/digital_toolkit.cfm

http://water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/digital_toolkit.cfm

Methods and Tools

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Examples from Local SGMA Work Groups

Additional Resources

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GSP Regulations Overview & Sustainable Management CriteriaCraig Altare, SGM Program

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GSP Regulation Articles1. Introductory Provisions

2. Definitions

3. Technical & Reporting Standards

4. Procedures

5. Plan Contents

6. Department Evaluation & Assessment

7. Annual Reports and Periodic Evaluations by the Agency

8. Interagency Agreements

9. Alternatives

Required for All High and Medium

Priority Basins

Article 1. Introductory ProvisionsProvides regulation intent, authority, and methods and criteria used by the Department to evaluate those plans, alternatives, and coordination agreements and information required by the Department to facilitate that evaluation

§ 350.2. Applicability§ 350.4. General Principles

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Article 2. Definitions

Provides the simple key terms used in the regulation.• The definitions in SGMA, Bulletin 118, and

Basin Boundary Regulations apply to these regulations.

• In the event of conflicting definitions, the definitions in the SGMA govern the meanings in this regulation.

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Article 3. Technical and Reporting StandardsThis Article describes the monitoring protocols, standards for monitoring sites, and other technical elements related to the development or implementation of a Plan.

§ 352.2. Monitoring Protocols§ 352.4. Data and Reporting Standards§ 352.6. Data Management System

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Article 4. ProceduresThis Article describes various procedural issues related to the submission of Plans and public comment to those Plans.

§ 353.2. Information Provided by the Department§ 353.4. Reporting Provisions§ 353.6. Initial Notification§ 353.8. Comments§ 353.10. Withdrawal or Amendment of Plan

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Article 5. Plan Contents1. Administrative Information

§ 354.4. General Information§ 354.6. Agency Information§ 354.8. Description of Plan Area§ 354.10. Notice & Communication

2. Basin Setting§ 354.14. HydrogeologicConceptual Model§ 354.16. Groundwater Conditions§ 354.18. Water Budget§ 354.20. Management Areas

3. Sustainable Management Criteria

§ 354.24. Sustainability Goal§ 354.26. Undesirable Results§ 354.28. Minimum Thresholds§ 354.30. Measureable Objectives

4. Monitoring Networks§ 354.34. Monitoring Network§ 354.36. Representative Monitoring§ 354.38. Assessment & Improvement§ 354.40. Reporting Monitoring Data to the Department

5. Projects and Management Actions

§ 354.44. Projects & Management Actions

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Undesirable ResultsSignificant and Unreasonable

Article 6: Evaluation and AssessmentThis Article describes the methodology and criteria used by the Department to evaluate and assess a Plan, periodically evaluate and assess the implementation of a Plan, or evaluate and assess amendments to a Plan.

§ 355.2. Department Review of Adopted Plans§ 355.4. Criteria for Plan Evaluation§ 355.6. Periodic Review of Plan By Department§ 355.8. Department Review of Annual Reports§ 355.10. Plan Amendments

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Article 7. Annual Reports and Periodic Evaluations by the AgencyThis Article describes the procedural and substantive requirements for the annual reports and periodic evaluation of Plans prepared by an Agency.

§ 356.4. Annual Reports§ 356.6. Periodic Evaluation by Agency

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Article 8. Interagency AgreementsThis Article describes the requirements for voluntary coordination agreements between agencies in different basins and mandatory coordination agreements between agencies within a basin developed pursuant to Water Code Section 10727.6.

§ 357.2. Interbasin Agreements§ 357.4. Coordination Agreements

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Article 9. AlternativesThis Article describes the methodology and criteria for the submission and evaluation of Alternatives.

§ 358.2. Alternatives to Groundwater Sustainability Plans§ 358.4. Department Evaluation of Plan Alternatives

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Article 5. Plan Contents1. Administrative Information

§ 354.4. General Information§ 354.6. Agency Information§ 354.8. Description of Plan Area§ 354.10. Notice & Communication

2. Basin Setting§ 354.14. HydrogeologicConceptual Model§ 354.16. Groundwater Conditions§ 354.18. Water Budget§ 354.20. Management Areas

3. Sustainable Management Criteria

§ 354.24. Sustainability Goal§ 354.26. Undesirable Results§ 354.28. Minimum Thresholds§ 354.30. Measureable Objectives

4. Monitoring Networks§ 354.34. Monitoring Network§ 354.36. Representative Monitoring§ 354.38. Assessment & Improvement§ 354.40. Reporting Monitoring Data to the Department

5. Projects and Management Actions

§ 354.44. Projects & Management Actions

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Undesirable ResultsSignificant and Unreasonable

Sustainable Management Criteria

• Set by GSAs• Must be quantitative and define conditions under

which sustainable groundwater management occurs in the basin

• Based on information developed for Administrative Information and Basin Setting

• Supported by Monitoring Networks• Achieved by Projects and Management Actions• Upcoming Best Management Practice (BMP)

document

Sustainable Management Criteria

1. Minimum Thresholds2. Undesirable Results3. Measurable Objective4. Sustainability Goal

1. Minimum Thresholds

• Point at a representative monitoring site where conditions could become significant and unreasonable

• Develop for each sustainability indicator-or-

Use representative groundwater level for one or more sustainability indicator(s) (supported by a demonstration that the proxy is a reasonable substitute)

• Extent: representative monitoring sites

2. Undesirable Results

• The quantitative combination of minimum threshold exceedances that constitute a significant and unreasonable condition

• Extent: basinwide definition, based on minimum threshold exceedances at GSA-specified spatial scales

3. Measurable Objective (and Interim Milestones)• Quantitative objectives that take into account a

reasonable margin of operational flexibility• Interim milestones are set every five years• MO is achieved in 20 years• Extent: same network of representative

monitoring sites used for minimum thresholds

4. Sustainability Goal

• The sustainability goal states:• The objectives and desired conditions of the

groundwater basin, • Measures the GSA(s) will take to get to that desired

condition, and • How the measures planned will lead to success

• Ultimately, must result in elimination and avoidance of undesirable results

• Extent: single, basinwide goal

Example

• Following slides show a simplified example of the relationship between:

• minimum thresholds, • interim milestones and measureable objectives, and• undesirable results

• Example is for illustrative purposes only

Example – Minimum Threshold at One Representative Monitoring Site

Minimum Threshold

Example- 8 minimum thresholds (MT) established- GSA decides that 3 MT exceedances = undesirable result

Example – Scenario 1

• One well with MT exceedances after 5 years• No undesirable result

Example – Interim Milestones and Measurable Objective

Minimum Threshold

Interim Milestones

Measurable Objective


• No MT exceedances after 20 years• No undesirable result at any point in time


• Three wells with MT exceedances after 5 years• Undesirable result for this sustainability

indicator• If not planned (i.e., through appropriate

interim milestones and measurable objectives) could indicate that sustainable groundwater management is not likely to be achieved

• GSA should address in 5-year update

• No MT exceedances after 20 years• No undesirable result for this sustainability

indicator• Sustainable groundwater management for this

sustainability indicator



• Three MT exceedances after 20 years• Undesirable result for this sustainability

indicator through 2040• Basin has not achieved sustainable

groundwater management

Session 2

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Closing Comments and SuggestionsContact UsEmail: [email protected]

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