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Home My WebLink About09-02-2014 C6 Adopt County Integrated Regional Water Mgmt PlanCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Utilities Director Prepared By: Wade Horton, Utilities Deputy Director, Water SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN RECOMMENDATION Approve a resolution adopting the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan and find that the Project is statutorily exempt from Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15262 of the CEQA Guidelines (Feasibility and Planning Studies). DISCUSSION Background In 2002, Senate Bill 1672 established the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Act. The purpose of the Act is to promote collaborative, integrated management of water resources on a localized regional basis. Since that time, California voters have passed a series of propositions, establishing and funding efforts under the State’s IRWM Program. These propositions authorized the Legislature to appropriate grant funds for IRWM plans and projects, and to establish eligibility requirements. The IRWM Program is administered by the State’s Department of Water Resources (DWR). In November 2012, the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) along with 23 other local agencies, including the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control District (Flood Control District), the six other cities in the county, Community Services Districts, Resource Conservation Districts, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), who support the multiple water resource and regional coordination efforts. The Flood Control District is the lead agency under the MOU, and collectively, the agencies are referred to as the Regional Water Management Group (Attachment 3). The Flood Control District is also responsible for development and implementation of San Luis Obispo County Region’s IRWM Plan. The plan was initially developed and adopted by multiple agencies in the county in 2005 and updated in 2007. In order to continue to receive state funding, the IRWM Plan needed to be updated to comply with the Proposition 84 2011 Implementation and 2012 Planning Grant Agreements and to meet DWR revised eligibility requirements. In December 2012, the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors approved a contract with GEI Consultants, Inc., to update the IRWM Plan. The plan update is now complete. Sept. 2, 2014 C6 C6 - 1 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Page 2 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Content The IRWM Plan was developed in accordance with State standards and with extensive participation from the Regional Water Management Group, the Water Resources Advisory Committee and the general public. The IRWM Plan, which is quite long, is on file with the County Clerk’s office, and available at www.slocountywater.org by clicking on the IRWM button. The Executive Summary for the IRWM Plan is in the Council Office for review and is also available online at the Utilities website as well. Through its governance, goals and objectives and project review process sections, the IRWM Plan provides a united framework among the region’s stakeholders for sustainable water resource management. The IRWM Plan also provides a “one stop shop” for information on the water resources of the county, and related planning and project efforts. The IRWM Plan is intended to be a “living” document, with the ability to update information and the project list within it as needed. A detailed discussion of IRWM Plan implementation and update efforts are described in Sections J (Plan Implementation and Monitoring) and Q (Plan Implementation and Maintenance Activities). Next Step One of the eligibility requirements of the IRWM Program is that an IRWM Plan be formally accepted, as evidenced by a resolution or other written documentation, by the governing bodies of each agency that is part of the Regional Water Management Group responsible for the development of the Plan and have responsibility for implementation of the Plan (California Water Code Section 10543). Approving the attached resolution (Attachment 1) adopting the 2014 San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan for the Flood Control District and the County will satisfy the state requirement. The MOU for the Regional Water Management Group is attached to the resolutions since the IRWM Plan needs to demonstrate the governance under which the regional efforts are conducted. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW As the IRWM Plan is a planning study that inventories water resources date, strategies, and potential projects and programs, it is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15262 of the CEQA Guidelines (Feasibility and Planning Studies). Future implementation of any identified projects or programs would be subject to CEQA review. Attachment 2 is the Notice of Exemption which will be filed by the City of San Luis Obispo after the adoption of the plan. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Any identified IRWM Plan projects related to the City will be brought to the Council for consideration prior to any funding commitments. C6 - 2 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Page 3 ALTERNATIVE Do not adopt the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan. Staff does not recommend this action as it limits the City’s ability to be eligible for grant funding. ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution adopting IWRM Plan 2. Notice of Exemption 3. Attachment 1 Exhibit A: San Luis Obispo MOU IRWM Program Participants 4. Executive Summary for the IRWM Plan AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE COUNCIL OFFICE Executive Summary of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan T:\Council Agenda Reports\2014\2014-09-02\Adopt County Integrated Regional Water Mtg Plan (Mattingly-Horton) C6 - 3 Attachment 1 RESOLUTION NO._________(2014 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING THE 2014 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND FINDING THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM SECTION 21000 ET SEQ. OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE PURSUANT TO SECTION 15262 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES WHEREAS, the State of California has established an Integrated Regional Water Management grant program pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Public Resources Code Section 75001 et seq.) (also known as Proposition 84); and WHEREAS, the Regional Water Management Group for the San Luis Obispo County Region as of the date of this resolution consists of agencies including the City of San Luis Obispo, that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Exhibit A) and are listed in Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, the concepts, direction and approach to water resources management embodied in the State’s Integrated Regional Water Management program guidelines closely match those of the San Luis Obispo County Region; and WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan was initially developed and adopted by multiple agencies in the County including the City of San Luis Obispo in 2005 and updated in 2007; and WHEREAS, an update to the 2007 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan is needed in order to effectively and efficiently integrate the region’s water resources management planning objectives and implementation strategies in the following five key areas: Water Supply, Groundwater Monitoring and Management, Flood Management, Ecosystems and Watershed, and Water Resources Management and Communications; and WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has coordinated with the Regional Water Management Group to produce the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan in accordance with 2012 State standards; and WHEREAS, the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan C6 - 4 Attachment 1 identifies goals, objectives, strategies and projects designed to improve regional water supply reliability, water recycling, water conservation, water quality improvement, stormwater capture and management, flood management, recreation and access, wetland enhancement and creation, and environmental and habitat protection and improvement; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has reviewed the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and has determined that the Plan is exempt from Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code (California Environmental Quality Act) pursuant to Section 21150 of the California Environmental Quality Act, and Guidelines Section 15262 because the Plan is a planning study which identifies potential projects, programs, and policies for possible future actions, and includes possible actions, subject to future adoption and approval. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1: The 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Region is hereby adopted, and Utilities Department staff is hereby authorized and directed to implement actions consistent with participating in updates to the plan on a five-year cycle as a Regional Water Management Group Member as described within the plan. SECTION 2: The adoption of the 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Region is hereby determined to be exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 21150 of Section 21150 of the California Public Resources Code and Section 15262 of the State California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2014. ____________________________________ Mayor Jan Marx ATTEST: C6 - 5 Attachment 1 ____________________________________ Anthony Mejia City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney C6 - 6 Exhibit A San Luis Obispo County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Program Participants Memorandum of Understanding C6 - 7 Exhibit B Memorandum of Understanding Signatories for San Luis Obispo County Region IRWM Participants Agency or Organization San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District California Men's Colony Cambria Community Services District Central Coast Salmon Enhancement City of Arroyo Grande City of Grover Beach City of Morro Bay City of Paso Robles City of Pismo Beach City of San Luis Obispo Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Heritage Ranch Community Services District Land Conservancy Los Osos Community Services District Morro Bay National Estuary Program Nipomo Community Services District Oceano Community Services District Templeton Community Services District San Miguel Community Services District San Simeon Community Services District S&T Mutual Water Company Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District C6 - 8 Notice of Exemption To: Office of Planning and Research From: City of San Luis Obispo 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121 Community Development Department Sacramento, CA 95814 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 County Clerk County of San Luis Obispo Filing Not Required 1144 Monterey Street, Suite A San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 Project Title: 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Project Location - Specific: Citywide Project Location - City: San Luis Obispo Project Location - County: San Luis Obispo Description of Project: The 2014 San Luis Obispo Integrated Water Management (IRWM) Plan evaluates multiple water resources management strategies to meet water resources needs throughout the SLO County IRWM region. The 2014 Plan includes: 1) documentation of water resources jurisdictions and their planning and management efforts; 2) a compilation of various agencies water resources data and an analysis of current and future water supply and demand; 3) an analysis of potential water management strategies to address possible water resources needs; and 4) an inventory of potential future projects and policies to address water resources needs throughout the SLO County IRWM region. Name of Public Agency Approving the Project: City of San Luis Obispo Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out the Project: City of San Luis Obispo Exempt Status (check one): Ministerial (Section 21080(b)(1); 15268; Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)); Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c) Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: 15301 Class 1 - Existing Facilities Statutory Exemptions. State code number: Article 18, Section 15262 Reasons why project is exempt: The 2014 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan is a planning study which identifies potential projects, programs, and policies for possible future actions, and includes possible actions, subject to future adoption and approval. Thus, this project is considered statutorily exempt from CEQA in accordance with Article 18, Statutory Exemptions, Section 15262, Feasibility and Planning Studies. Lead Agency Contact Person: Ron Munds, Utilities Services Manager Area Code/Telephone/Ext. (805) 781-7258 If filed by applicant: 1. Attach certified document of exemption finding. 2. Has a notice of exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes No Signature:______________________________ Date: ___________________ Title: Community Development Director C6 - 9 Signed by Lead Agency Date Received for Filing at OPR: __________ Signed by Applicant Revised April 1997 C6 - 10 Attachment 3 C6 - 11 C6 - 12 C6 - 13 C6 - 14 C6 - 15 C6 - 16 C6 - 17 C6 - 18 San Luis Obispo County 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Executive Summary JULY 2014 2014 IRWM P L A N S A N L U I S O BISPO CO U N T Y Attachment 4 C6 - 19 II Executive Summary Various agencies, non-governmental organizaƟ ons, and advisory groups acƟ vely parƟ cipate in the management of water resources available to San Luis Obispo County (County). The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟ on District (District) was formed in 1945 to implement projects and programs to manage and conserve water resources within the County. The District, in coordinaƟ on with the San Luis Obispo County Region’s Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) and the Water Resources Advisory CommiƩ ee (WRAC), has been acƟ ng as the Lead Agency responsible for development and implementaƟ on of the Region’s Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan. The 2014 San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan idenƟ ﬁ es the current challenges facing the County and provides the framework for these agencies to work together to address these challenges for a more sustainable water management future. The purpose of this 2014 San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan ExecuƟ ve Summary is to provide a high level overview of how the IRWM process is being used to address the challenges and to provide a framework for ongoing water resources management in the future. Contents Water Management in San Luis Obispo County ........................1 San Luis Obispo IRWM Region ............11 Plan Update Process ..........................24 2014 IRW M P L A N S A N L U I S O B ISPO CO U N T Y Attachment 4 C6 - 20 1 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary San Luis Obispo County is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast of California. Water Management in San Luis Obispo County The IRWM Plan was iniƟ ally developed and adopted by mulƟ ple agencies in the county in 2005, and updated in 2007. The 2014 IRWM Plan was developed with the help of volunteer agencies and stakeholders over a two year period following a public process that included over 20 meet- ings and subregional workshops throughout the County, and was sponsored in part by a Depart- ment of Water Resources (DWR) ProposiƟ on 84 IRWM Planning Grant, the District, the County, and the Nipomo Community Services District. The compleƟ on of the 2014 IRWM Plan has added focus given the recent drought declaraƟ on, the release of the Governor’s California Water AcƟ on Plan, and potenƟ al groundwater legislaƟ on. What Are We Trying to Accomplish? In San Luis Obispo County we are trying to: • Improve resiliency in the face of uncertain hydrology and climate change • Improve interconnecƟ ons between our exisƟ ng supplies and infrastructure to improve reliability, especially in dry years • Establish and maintain sustainable groundwater and watershed management pracƟ ces What Are the Challenges? The Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County face several challenges: • The County is located in a relaƟ vely dry part of the state and is subject to uncertain and highly variable hydrologic condiƟ ons • Constantly changing and growing agricultural, urban, and environmental water demands create a challenging planning environment and increased compeƟ Ɵ on for the ﬁ nite water supplies • With a low and dispersed populaƟ on, the Central Coast region has a limited ability to generate local funding to develop new projects and faces challenges in idenƟ fying regional opportuniƟ es to take advantage of economies of scale • Local surface water supplies are limited, and imported water supplies (i.e., State Water Project) are expensive and subject to hydrologic variability • Groundwater has been relied upon too heavily, leading to the need for increased and sustainable management to maintain both water quanƟ ty and quality • Regulatory requirements/processes, and permiƫ ng constraints have limited potenƟ al project opportuniƟ es, such as desalinaƟ on Attachment 4 C6 - 21 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 2 Water Supply Challenges within San Luis Obispo County The challenges described above come together in the water supply challenges that face the County. Because much of the County is dependent upon groundwater for a signiﬁ cant porƟ on of its water supply, sustainable management of groundwater supplies is one of the signiﬁ cant challenges facing the County. The District serves as the monitor- ing enƟ ty for the County, reporƟ ng groundwater levels to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) through their California Statewide Groundwater ElevaƟ on Monitoring (CASGEM) Program. DWR uses the CASGEMs informaƟ on to evaluate all groundwater basins in the State to idenƟ fy the highest priority basins that are threat- ened by present or future changes in water demand. Five groundwater basins within San Luis Obispo County have been idenƟ ﬁ ed as medium or high priority basins (see Table ES–1 and Figure ES–1). Table ES–1. CASGEM Priority Basins in San Luis Obispo County Basin Name IRWMP SubregionCASGEMs Priority Paso Robles North County High Los Osos North Coast High Santa Maria South County High San Luis Obispo ValleySouth County Medium Cuyama Valley South County Medium Figure ES–1. PorƟ on of DWR’s CASGEM Groundwater Basin PrioriƟ zaƟ on Map, South Central Region Pismo Beach Taft Wasco Avenal Paso Robles San Luis Obispo ! ! ! ! ! ! 5-22.10 5- 3-4.06 5-22.3-41 3-4 3-45 3-42 3-9 3-13 3-19 3-40 3-12 3-43 3-34 3-35 3-6 3-44 3-5 3-33 3-36 3-46 3-47 3-39 3-8 3-37 3-38 Groundwater basin/subbasin High Medium Low Very low DWR South Central Region Office boundary Hydrologic region boundary County boundary Basin number Subbasin number City 3-1.02 3-1 Basin prioritization ranking Source: California Department of Water Resources South Central Region CASGEM Groundwater Basin PrioriƟ zaƟ on Results; June 2, 2014. Attachment 4 C6 - 22 3 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Using IRWM Approach to Address These Challenges As menƟ oned above, San Luis Obispo County has a long history of water management. Since 2005, comprehensive water management in the county has been guided by the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) approach as shown in Figure ES–2. Each individual parƟ cipaƟ ng member agency of the RWMG is required by the State Guidelines to also adopt the DWR approved plan to be eligible to receive future State grant funding. Plan adopƟ on by a member agency also ensures regional support for locally sponsored water resources projects funded through all State, federal, and local grant and loan programs. The IRWM Plan is considered to be a living guidance docu- ment for all member agencies to support, and re-adopt if necessary, with each IRWM Plan update which is planned to occur approximately every ﬁ ve years. Figure ES–2. SLOC IRWM Plan Approach 20102009200820072011201220132014 Updated Regional Information and Planning Needs, including UWMPs and County Master Water Report Updated 2012 IRWM Plan Guidelines 2007 IRWM Plan SLO Planning Grant Application 2014 IRWM Plan Proposition 50 Studies –Data Enhancement Plan –Flood Protection Plan –Groundwater Banking Plan –Regional Permitting Planning Grant Funded Studies –Salt and Nutrient Management –Groundwater Characterizing –Regional Recycled Water –Watershed Management Attachment 4 C6 - 23 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 4 California Water Action Plan In December 2013, the State of California released the California Water AcƟ on Plan (CWAP) which outlined the State’s near-term and long-term water prioriƟ es. The CWAP provides the State focus and vision for the next ﬁ ve years to guide the State’s eff orts to: • Enhance water supply reliability • Restore damaged and destroyed ecosystems • Improve the resilience of our infrastructure While the CWAP demonstrates and focuses the State’s commitment, it recognizes that the State government cannot do it alone. CollaboraƟ on with the local and federal partners is essenƟ al to address the immediate challenges facing the State which include: • Uncertain water supplies • Water scarcity/drought • Declining groundwater supplies • Poor water quality • Floods • Supply disrupƟ ons • Declining naƟ ve ﬁ sh species and loss of wildlife habitat • PopulaƟ on growth and climate change which further increase the severity of these risks The State’s commitment is demonstrated by the Governor’s proposed 2014-2015 budget which is intended to provide a ﬁ nancial foundaƟ on for implemenƟ ng near-term acƟ ons for the CWAP, recommending over $600 million in funding for water effi ciency projects, wetland and watershed restoraƟ on, groundwater programs, conservaƟ on, ﬂ ood control, and integrated water management. The CWAP idenƟ ﬁ ed the following acƟ ons to address the most pressing water issues facing Californians: 1. Make conservaƟ on a California way of life; 2. Increase regional self-reliance and integrated water management across all levels of government; 3. Achieve the co-equal goals for the Delta; 4. Protect and restore important ecosystems; 5. Manage and prepare for dry periods; 6. Expand water storage capacity and improve groundwater management; 7. Provide safe water for all communiƟ es; 8. Increase ﬂ ood protecƟ on; 9. Increase operaƟ onal and regulatory effi ciency; 10. IdenƟ fy sustainable and integrated ﬁ nancing opportuniƟ es. The Governor’s Final California Water Action Plan was released in January 2014. • • • Wh the par inc • • • • • The Governor’s Final Attachment 4 C6 - 24 5 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Elements Guiding the Development of the 2014 IRWM Plan The IRWM Plan looks to implement the San Luis Obispo County Vision and Mission. The 2014 IRWM Plan: • Builds on the successful collaboraƟ on and planning presented in the 2007 SLO IRWM Plan; • Incorporates and considers regional planning studies and data generated since 2007; • Considers and addresses the enhanced State IRWM planning standards; • Considers changed regional condiƟ ons and enhanced planning approaches, including a revised governance approach; • Addresses the highest priority data gaps and planning needs as determined through a public solicitaƟ on and review process; and • Maintains eligibility for future implementaƟ on grants. San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan Vision Create a united framework among SLO County Stakeholders for sustainable water resource management. San Luis Obispo County IRWM Mission Facilitate regional plans, programs, and projects to further sustainable water resource management. Attachment 4 C6 - 25 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 6 Past County Success at Integrated Water Management The Region has successfully parƟ cipated in the IRWM Process to leverage local funding by obtaining over $14 million in grants from the State programs as listed in Table ES–2. More impor- tantly, the Region has acƟ vely pursued implementaƟ on of projects and programs uƟ lizing local funding sources, such as the Nacimiento Water Project (a $176.1 million, regional, supplemental water supply project funded by a local bond). Table ES–2. State Grants Successfully Obtained by San Luis Obispo County Grant Funding Source & Funded ProjectsGrant Funding AllocaƟ on Lead Agency Prop 50 Planning Grant $500,000 Data Enhancement Plan $72,500Flood Control District Flood Management Plan $55,000Flood Control District Groundwater Banking Plan $185,000Flood Control District Regional Permiƫ ng Plan $187,500County of San Luis Obispo Prop 84 ImplementaƟ on Grant $10,401,000 Grant AdministraƟ on $84,400Flood Control District Los Osos Wastewater Project $ 5,945,444County of San Luis Obispo Flood Control Zone 1/1A – Modiﬁ ed 3c Project$2,200,000Flood Control District Nipomo Supplemental Water Project $2,200,000Nipomo CSD Prop 1E ImplementaƟ on Grant $2,800,000 Flood Control Zone 1/1A –Waterway Management Program $2,800,000Flood Control District Prop 84 Planning Grant $1,000,000 Update Plan to Meet Standards $185,000Flood Control District SNMP/Recycled Water Planning IdenƟ ﬁ caƟ on of Basins Requiring SNMPs $15,000Flood Control District Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Study $200,000Flood Control District Paso Robles Groundwater Basin SNMP $100,000City of Paso Robles Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model $50,000Flood Control District Regional Recycled Water Planning $200,000Flood Control District Watershed Management Planning $250,000Upper Salinas RCD Coastal San Luis RCD Total IRWM Grant Successes in SLO County IRWM Region $14,729,844 Attachment 4 C6 - 26 7 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary 2014 IRWM Plan Projects During the ﬁ rst half of 2013, the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan Update established goals and objecƟ ves related to water resources planning and management. To achieve those goals, the Region’s parƟ cipants and stakeholders implement projects and programs. Recent acƟ vity on the Plan Update included the creaƟ on of the 2014 IRWM Plan Project List. The IRWM Plan includes both planned projects and programs, and describes how those projects and programs address the IRWM Plan goals, and speciﬁ cally how each will be implemented. The IRWM Plan also maintains a list of water resources concepts (projects in the preliminary or planning stages) for stakeholders to consider over the Plan’s long term implementaƟ on. San Luis Obispo County stakeholders have been acƟ vely engaged in the IRWM Plan Update’s project solicitaƟ on and review process. Altogether, agencies, organizaƟ ons, and individual stakeholders submiƩ ed 91 abstracts for the 2013 call for projects and programs. The proposed abstracts can add value to San Luis Obispo County’s integrated management of water resources in the areas of water supply, groundwater management, ﬂ ood management, ecosystem restoraƟ on, and general water resources management. Current High Priority Projects The High Priority Project List (Table ES–3) idenƟ ﬁ es the 15 projects/programs that are technically feasible and strategically suited to be fully described in the IRWM Plan. The locaƟ on of the high priority projects, and subsequently added drought emergency projects, are shown in Figure ES–6. See the next secƟ on to understand how the recent drought led to addiƟ onal criƟ cal projects being added to the Project List. Figure ES–3. Los Osos Wastewater Project Pipe InstallaƟ on (2013) Figure ES–4. Nacimiento Water Project, Rocky Canyon Water Storage Tank ConstrucƟ on (2008) Attachment 4 C6 - 27 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 8 Table ES–3. High Priority Projects Project Title, Sponsor 1.Livestock & Land Program, Coastal San Luis Resource ConservaƟ on District (CSLRCD) and Upper Salinas- Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on District (US-LTRCD) 2.LID Pilot Program, Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on District (US-LTRCD) 3.North County FerƟ lizer Regions– Precision Agriculture, Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on District (US-LTRCD) 4.Aƫ yeh Ranch ConservaƟ on Easement, Land Conservancy 5.Upper Salinas River Basin Water ConservaƟ on/ConjuncƟ ve Use Project, Templeton CSD 6.Community Based Social MarkeƟ ng, Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on District (US-LTRCD) 7.Improving On-Farm Water Management Through DemonstraƟ on, Research & Outreach of Precision Agricultural Best Management PracƟ ces, Vineyard Team and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on District (US-LTRCD) 8.City of Paso Robles Lake Nacimiento WTP ConstrucƟ on, City of Paso Robles 9.San Miguel CriƟ cal Water System Improvements, San Miguel CSD 10.8th Street Upper Aquifer Well and Nitrate Removal Facility, Los Osos Community Services District 11.Los Padres CCC Center– Stormwater LID Treatment Project, Morro Bay NaƟ onal Estuary Program 12.Oceano Drainage Improvement Project– Hwy 1 & 13th Street, County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Public Works 13.Lopez Water Treatment Plant Membrane Rack AddiƟ on, San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟ on District 14.Recycle Water DistribuƟ on System Expansion, City of San Luis Obispo 15.Pismo Beach Recycled Water Project, City of Pismo Beach Figure ES–5. U.S. Drought Monitor Map indicaƟ ng “ExcepƟ onal Drought” throughout Central Coast Response to Emergencies: 2014 Drought Relief Projects On January 17, 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proclaimed a State of Emergency as a result of the mulƟ -year drought causing signiﬁ cant impacts throughout California. The San Luis Obispo IRWM Region is experiencing severe drought impacts. As shown in the adja- cent U.S. Drought Monitor map (Figure ES–5), the Region is located in the hardest hit area of the State. The U.S. Drought Monitor has classiﬁ ed the County’s drought condiƟ on as D4: ExcepƟ onal drought – the highest drought classiﬁ caƟ on possible. As of May 20, 2014, total annual rainfall in the region was approximately 34% of the historical annual average, with annual precipita- Ɵ on below average for the third consecuƟ ve year. It is unlikely that precipitaƟ on totals will increase substanƟ ally this year, as most of the annual precipitaƟ on falls between November and April. Given the severe drought condiƟ ons and impacts to the Region, the District Board of Supervisors proclaimed a state of local emer- gency on March 11, 2014. A number of local agencies declared similar emergen- cies and/or implemented various water conservaƟ on measures. The declaraƟ on of emergency facilitates the immediate implementaƟ on of drought responses, including projects to provide relief from the drought. Attachment 4 C6 - 28 9 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Figure ES–6. High Priority and Drought Emergency Project LocaƟ ons 14 15 13 11 10 9D2 D4 D3 D1 D5 8 # 7 65 4 3 # 2 1 12 = Program = Project #= Drought Emergency Project San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Final IRWM Projects The Region is predominantly supplied by groundwater, with supplemental supplies from local reservoirs and the State Water Project, and several communiƟ es are enƟ rely dependent on just one of these sources. Each of these drinking water supplies is severely impacted by the drought, puƫ ng communiƟ es at risk of having adequate supplies to meet demands. With the 2014 drought, water levels in the groundwater basins have decreased and aquifers along the coast suff er from increased seawater intrusion. Figure ES–7 shows San Luis Obispo reservoirs’ current water levels compared to both reservoir capacity and historical reservoir levels for this Ɵ me of year. As shown in the ﬁ gure, current water levels are well below historical values. It is criƟ cal that the regional partners implement projects and programs that improve water supply reliability. In response to the current drought, the RWMG conducted a drought relief speciﬁ c project solicitaƟ on and prioriƟ zaƟ on process. Although 18 projects were submiƩ ed and incorporated into the IRWM Full Project List, the RWMG prioriƟ zed ﬁ ve projects (project locaƟ ons shown on Figure ES–6) that provide relief to communiƟ es at risk of not meeƟ ng drinking water needs in this drought (see Table ES–4). Table ES–4. San Luis Obispo Region Drought Emergency Projects Project Title, Sponsor D1CSA 23-Atascadero MWC-Garden Farms CWD Emergency InterƟ e Project, San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water ConservaƟ on District D2Emergency Water Turnout for Heritage Ranch CSD, Heritage Ranch CSD D3Emergency Water Supply Project, Cambria Community Services District D4San Simeon Small Scale Recycled Water Project – Purple Pipe DistribuƟ on, San Simeon CSD D5Salinas Pipeline-Nacimiento Pipeline Emergency InterƟ e and Pipeline Extension Project, San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water ConservaƟ on District Attachment 4 C6 - 29 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 10 High ﬂ ows and debris in Arroyo Grande Creek at the railroad bridge (1999 ﬂ ood event). Figure ES–7. Current Reservoir Levels as of May 2014 The San Luis Obispo IRWM Region has historically gone through cycles of drought and ﬂ ood. The region will conƟ nue to face ﬂ uctuaƟ ng condiƟ ons that aff ect water resources and may require emergency response planning. The region conƟ nues to improve its emergency planning, response and adaptaƟ on to these challenges. Attachment 4 C6 - 30 11 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary San Luis Obispo IRWM Region The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region covered by the IRWM Plan is coincident with the boundaries of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟ on District (District) and the County of San Luis Obispo (see Figure ES–8). The County’s 3,304 square miles can be broken down further into the North Coast Sub-Region, North County Sub-Region, and South County Sub-Region. The sub-region scale acknowledges each area’s unique aƩ ributes and challenges, and diff erenƟ ates the local issues to allow for meaning- ful, focused stakeholder involvement. Past planning eff orts, including the County Master Water Report completed in 2012, used Water Planning Areas (WPAs) to provide increased resoluƟ on to local areas within the Sub-Regions. As an addiƟ onal level of resoluƟ on to the WPA concept, watershed “snapshots” are now used as a means of further capturing detailed descripƟ ve informaƟ on for the Sub-Regions as the plan is updated over Ɵ me. The Coastal San Luis and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource ConservaƟ on Districts took the ﬁ rst step towards inventorying and reporƟ ng on informaƟ on available in each watershed. More informaƟ on can be found at: hƩ p://slowatershedproject.org/ . Figure ES–8. San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region, Sub-Regions, and Water Planning Areas (WPAs) Attachment 4 C6 - 31 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 12 The North Coast Sub-Region spans from the County line (San Luis Obispo/Monterey) southward to the community of Los Osos, bounded to the west by the Paciﬁ c Ocean and to the east by the Santa Lucia Range. This Sub-Region includes WPAs 1 through 5. This sub-region includes the urban areas of San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos. The South County Sub-Region spans from the City of San Luis Obispo south to the County line (San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara), east to the Cuyama Valley, and west to the com- munity of Avila Beach, and includes WPAs 6 through 9. This Sub-Region includes the urban areas of San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach/Port San Luis, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, and Nipomo. The North County Sub-Region includes the WPAs that do not drain directly to the ocean through the County’s coastal regions, and includes WPAs 10 through 16. The North County Sub-Region extends inland from the San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara County line north to the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County line, bounded to the east by Kern and Fresno CounƟ es, and to the west in part by the Santa Lucia range. This Sub-Region includes urban areas of Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, San Miguel, and Santa Margarita. Regional Water Management Group The legislaƟ on and the State IRWM Guidelines deﬁ nes a RWMG as a group to include three or more local agencies, at least two of which have statutory authority over water supply or management, as well as those other persons necessary for the development and implementaƟ on of the IRWM Plan. The purpose of the RWMG is to: • Engage elected offi cials and water resource management leaders, • Represent public and stakeholder groups, • Resolve conﬂ icts, • Build poliƟ cal support, and • Achieve a uniﬁ ed front for the Plan’s implementaƟ on of regional water projects. Through the San Luis Obispo County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Program ParƟ cipants Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), San Luis Obispo local water agencies and IRS 501(c)(3) nonproﬁ t organizaƟ ons came together and formed the RWMG. The categorical make-up of the RWMG among municipaliƟ es (includes land-use), water resources agencies, environmental/non-proﬁ t organizaƟ ons, and special districts is shown in Figure ES–9 (current list of RWMG agencies is on the back sheet). The number of agencies will likely conƟ nue to grow over Ɵ me. Figure ES–9. RWMG Member Agency Categories Attachment 4 C6 - 32 13 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Disadvantaged CommuniƟ es Based on DWR’s 2012 analysis, the IRWM Region has four (4) designated Disad- vantaged CommuniƟ es (DACs), including the CommuniƟ es of San Miguel, Oceano, San Simeon, and the City of San Luis Obispo. All four DACs are signatories to the MOU and represented in the RWMG. All public outreach and communicaƟ on eff orts include and support the involvement of the Region’s DACs. In fact, Plan kick-off included six (6) introductory DAC workshops. It’s important to note that the Region faces other obstacles beyond communiƟ es challenged by low income. A majority of the Region’s land is unincorporated, rural and agricultural land use. Because of this, communiƟ es throughout the Region are disadvantaged in terms of their low and dispersed populaƟ ons, distance to adjacent communiƟ es and water systems, and limitaƟ ons of resources available. This creates dif- ﬁ culƟ es when aƩ empƟ ng to achieve economies of scale, or even when simply seeking to implement programs, projects, or system upgrades. Tribal Councils The two prominent NaƟ ve American Tribes of San Luis Obispo are the Salinan and Northern Chumash Indian tribes. There are no tribal lands with speciﬁ c water resources management needs; however, members of these tribes are encouraged to engage in the IRWM Program through noƟ ﬁ caƟ ons using the NaƟ ve American Heritage Commission contact list. San Luis Obispo Region IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives The Region’s IRWM Plan goals and objecƟ ves provide the basis for decision-making and are used to evaluate project beneﬁ ts in terms of implemenƟ ng the Region’s IRWM Plan. The goals and objecƟ ves respond to input on what the RWMG and interested stakeholders perceive to be the Region’s major water resources issues. The goals and objecƟ ves: • Focus the IRWM Plan • Provide a basis for determining the most appropriate resource management strategies for the Region • Are used to evaluate project beneﬁ ts • Guide IRWM project/program prioriƟ zaƟ on, development, and implementaƟ on A consensus-based approach was used to develop the goals and objecƟ ves which included three Sub-Region workshops in March 2013. At the workshops, stakeholders were asked to provide input on their Sub- Region’s three most criƟ cal water resources issues. Answers varied, but the results show that many of the 2007 IRWM Plan Goals and ObjecƟ ves remain as important issues facing the Region. SanLuisObispoCountySan Luis Obispo County 2014Integrated2014 Integrated RegionalWaterRegional Water ManagementPlanManagement Plan JULY 20142014 IRWM PL A N S A N L U I S OBISPO COU N T Y Prepared with GEI Consultants and support from Fugro Consultants, Dudek, Gutierrez Consultants, and Hollenbeck Consulting Attachment 4 C6 - 33 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 14 The three issues with the largest number of occurrences, water supply, groundwa- ter management, and water reclamaƟ on from wastewater treatment, represent the majority of stated needs for improving the Region’s water resources. North Coast Priority Issues In the North Coast, the most pressing water issues include water reclamaƟ on from wastewater treatment, sustainable water supplies, and addressing seawater intru- sion into fresh groundwater aquifers. These issues reﬂ ect the need for increasing water supply reliability in part through water reuse and recycling opportuniƟ es, and decreasing groundwater pumping in the coastal groundwater basins. South County Priority Issues In the South County, the most pressing water issues include groundwater manage- ment, ﬂ ood control, water reclamaƟ on from wastewater treatment, and adapta- Ɵ on to climate change. Flood control and adaptaƟ on to the impacts of climate change were idenƟ ﬁ ed as more pressing issues here compared to the other Sub-Regions. North County Priority Issues In the North County, the most pressing water issues include groundwater manage- ment, water supply, and groundwater quality. These issues reﬂ ect the need for increasing the overall water supply in part through beƩ er groundwater manage- ment, which is generally considered to include providing addiƟ onal supplies for conjuncƟ ve use with surface water or groundwater recharge. Top Three Issues Identiﬁ ed by Stakeholders: • Water supply • Groundwater management • Water reclamaƟ on from wastewater treatment Attachment 4 C6 - 34 15 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary IRWM Plan Goals The most pressing issues were translated into the IRWM Plan goals which idenƟ fy what the RWMG and other IRWM Program ParƟ cipants wish to accomplish under the broader IRWM Plan Vision and Mission statements. In addiƟ on, IRWM Plan objecƟ ves were idenƟ ﬁ ed that provide more speciﬁ c, tangible, and measurable acƟ vi- Ɵ es to ensure the goals’ implementaƟ on. The goals of this IRWM Plan encompass ﬁ ve categories of water resources management that deﬁ ne the focus of this Region’s IRWM Planning eff ort. These categories are illustrated as a collecƟ on of goals that work together to bring synergy to address important issues related to water quality, disadvantaged communiƟ es (DACs), and climate change. Water Supply Goal The intent of the Water Supply Goal is to maintain or improve water supply quanƟ ty and quality for potable water, ﬁ re protecƟ on, ecosystem health, and agricultural producƟ on needs; as well as to cooperaƟ vely address limitaƟ ons, vulner- abiliƟ es, conjuncƟ ve-use, and water-use effi ciency. Ecosystem and Watershed Goal The intent of the Ecosystem and Watershed Goal is to maintain or improve the health of the Region’s watersheds, ecosystems, and natural resources through collaboraƟ ve and co- operaƟ ve acƟ ons; with a focus on assessment, protecƟ on, and restoraƟ on/enhancement of ecosystem and resource needs and vulnerabiliƟ es. Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal The intent of the Groundwater Management and Monitoring Goal is to achieve sustain- able use of the Region’s water supply within groundwater basins through collaboraƟ ve and cooperaƟ ve acƟ ons. Flood Management Goal The intent of the Flood Management Goal is to foster an integrated, watershed approach to ﬂ ood management and improved storm water quality through collaboraƟ ve com- munity supported processes in order to ensure community health, safety, and to enhance quality of life. Water Resources Management and CommunicaƟ ons (Water Management) Goal The intent of the Water Resources Management and CommunicaƟ ons Goal is to promote open communicaƟ ons and regional cooperaƟ on in the protecƟ on and management of water resources, including educaƟ on and outreach related to water resources condiƟ ons, conservaƟ on/ water use effi ciency, water rights, water allocaƟ ons, and other regional water resource management eff orts. Attachment 4 C6 - 35 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 16 Prioritization of IRWM Goals and Objectives The RWMG has made a deliberate decision not to prioriƟ ze the IRWM Plan ObjecƟ ves on a regional level, but to prioriƟ ze them separately for each Sub-Region. The raƟ onale for this decision results from the Region having a broad and complex geographic area made up of a diverse group of stakeholders having varying water resources issues depending on their locaƟ on. The RWMG has aimed to be as inclusive as possible of all stakeholders in the Region, encouraging their acƟ ve parƟ cipaƟ on in the IRWM Planning process and considering their concerns and needs. The IRWM Plan ObjecƟ ves are based on the water resources issues described in the Region, as idenƟ ﬁ ed by the three Sub- Region stakeholder groups. The purpose of introducing the Sub-Region PrioriƟ es is to allow for a ranking to take place within each of the Sub-Regions. The Sub-Region PrioriƟ es stem from the regional objecƟ ves, but speak speciﬁ cally to local issues and what local objecƟ ves are going to be commiƩ ed to in the implementaƟ on of IRWM Projects within each of the Sub-Regions. This approach provides for a discussion of relevant importance and prioriƟ zaƟ on to the regional ObjecƟ ves based on the geographic locaƟ on of the projects. Sub-Region PrioriƟ es Lists A Sub-Region Priority is deﬁ ned as an issue or conﬂ ict (i.e., not a project or single acƟ on) that is taking place in the Sub-Region, which can be resolved through local (or regional) acƟ ons within the control and jurisdicƟ on of local agencies. AddiƟ onally, a Sub-Region Priority meets one or more of the IRWM Plan ObjecƟ ves and results in measurable physical beneﬁ ts. Described more simply, Sub-Region PrioriƟ es are locally driven objecƟ ves that are Ɵ ed to the IRWM Plan’s ObjecƟ ves at the regional level, but hold the emphasis and priority of the Sub-Region stakeholders. In this way, local projects can be formed around objecƟ ves that are meaningful to the Sub-Region, and inherently result in physical beneﬁ ts and synergies with the regional Goals and ObjecƟ ves. The method for determining the Sub-Region PrioriƟ es began with the Sub-Region’s workshop list of issues and concerns. The Sub-Region PrioriƟ es were approved by the Sub-Region representaƟ ves and have the support of the local stakeholders. It is the intent that each Sub-Region takes ownership of these prioriƟ es and updates the list and conƟ nues to prioriƟ ze it to reﬂ ect changes occurring within their Sub-Region over the life of the IRWM Plan. Figure ES–10 shows the relaƟ onship of the Sub-Region PrioriƟ es (on the right) to the speciﬁ c objecƟ ves for each IRWM Plan goal (on the leŌ and middle). Attachment 4 C6 - 36 17 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Goals Abbreviated Objectives Sub-Region Priority Summary San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Vision & IRWM Mission Water Supply Goal 1. Maximize Accessibility of Water 2. Adequate Water Supply 3. Sustainable Potable Water for Rural 4. Sustainable Water for Agriculture 5. Water System WQ Improvements 6. Implement Water Management Plans 7. Conservation/Water Use Efficiency 8. Plan for Vulnerabilities of Water Supplies 9. Diverse Supply (Recycled, Desalination) 10. Support Watershed Enhancement 1. Public Outreach on IRWM Implementation 2. Funding for IRWM Implementation 3. Support Local Control 4. Consider Property Owner Rights 5. Agency Alignment on Water Resources Efforts 6. Collaboration Between Urban, Rural, & Ag 7. DAC Support & Education 8. Promote Public Educational Programs 1. Understand Watershed Needs 2. Conserve Balance of Ecosystem 3. Reduce Contaminants 4. Public Involvement & Stewardship 5. Protect Endangered Species 6. Reduce Impacts of Invasive Species 7. Climate Change on Ecosystems 1. Understand Flood Management Needs 2. Promote Low-Impact Development 3. Enhance Natural Recharge 4. Improve Infrastructure & Operations 5. Implement Multiple Benefit Projects 6. Restore Streams, Rivers, & Floodplains 7. Support DAC Flood Protection 1. Understand Groundwater Issues & Conditions 2. Support Local Groundwater Management 3. Further Local Basin Management Objectives 4. CASGEM Program 5. Groundwater Recharge/Banking 6. Protect & Improve Groundwater Quality Ecosystem & Watershed Goal Groundwater Monitoring & Management Goal Flood Management Goal Water Resources Management & Communications Goal 5 North Coast Priorities 6 North County Priorities 9 South County Priorities 3 North Coast Priorities 4 North County Priorities 5 South County Priorities 3 North Coast Priorities 4 North County Priorities 9 South County Priorities 5 North Coast Priorities 1 North County Priorities 2 South County Priorities 3 North Coast Priorities 5 North County Priorities 4 South County Priorities Figure ES–10. Sub-Region PrioriƟ es Attachment 4 C6 - 37 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 18 North Coast Sub-Region This Sub-Region (Figure ES–11) includes WPAs 1 through 5 and is characterized by its small coastal watersheds and communiƟ es depen- dent on groundwater and local surface water supplies; its communiƟ es, watersheds, water suppliers, and groundwater basins are listed in Table ES–5. Figure ES–12 displays the water resource issues of concern provided by North Coast Sub-Region stakeholders idenƟ fying water reclamaƟ on and water supply as the issues of greatest concern. Both of these issues highlight small coastal communiƟ es not having suffi cient groundwater supplies or sea water intrusion limiƟ ng groundwater basins’ safe yield. Table ES–5. North Coast Sub-Region CharacterisƟ cs WPALocal Governments, CommuniƟ es, Places of Interest WatershedsWater SuppliersGroundwater Basins 1San Simeon • Community of San Simeon • Hearst Ranch • San Simeon-Arroyo de la Cruz • San Simeon CSD*• San Carpoforo Valley • Arroyo De La Cruz Valley • Pico Creek Valley 2Cambria • Town of Cambria• Big Creek–San Carpoforo • Santa Rosa Creek • Cambria CSD*• San Simeon Valley • Santa Rosa Valley • Villa Valley 3Cayucos • Community of Cayucos• Cayucos Creek–Whale Rock Area • Morro Rock MWC • Paso Robles Beach Water AssociaƟ on • CSA 10A • Cayucos Cemetery District • Cayucos Valley • Old Valley • Toro Valley 4Morro Bay • California Men’s Colony • Cuesta College • Camp San Luis Obispo (NaƟ onal Guard) • County Offi ce of EducaƟ on • County OperaƟ onal Center • City of Morro Bay • Cayucos Creek–Whale Rock Area • Morro Bay • California Men’s Colony* • Cuesta College • Camp San Luis Obispo (NaƟ onal Guard) • County Offi ce of EducaƟ on • County OperaƟ onal Center • City of Morro Bay* • Morro Valley • Chorro Valley 5Los Osos • Community of Los Osos • Morro Bay• Los Osos CSD* • S&T MWC* • Golden State Water Company • Los Osos Valley *RWMG Member Figure ES–11. North Coast Sub-Region Attachment 4 C6 - 38 19 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary North Coast Sub-Region Priorities–Key Issues • Update Water Supply Capital Programs for small coastal communiƟ es with alternaƟ ves analysis and ﬁ nancial requirements. • Conduct Sub-Region study on maximum use of recycled water. • Study the impacts of climate change on coastal community water supplies. • Seek agency cooperaƟ on in regionalizing drinking water, recycled water for irrigaƟ on and wastewater. • Implement water conservaƟ on programs and measures. • Conduct a study on cost-eff ecƟ ve methods of improving wastewater discharge quality including improving source quality (i.e., reduced natural contaminants in groundwater) of potable water. • Understand ﬂ ow needs and watershed funcƟ onality and idenƟ fy priority areas for water supply enhancement and conservaƟ on projects to ensure watershed health. • Conserve the balance of ecosystem funcƟ ons/ services. • Develop a Groundwater Management Plan for all groundwater basins used as drinking water supply. • Create a State-approved groundwater monitoring program at community or Sub-Region level. • Determine the safe yield of coastal aquifers. • IdenƟ fy, protect, and enhance aquifer recharge areas. • DisƟ nguish the root cause of ﬂ ooding problems. • Restore ﬂ oodplains, streams, and rivers. • Promote low impact development projects. • Develop ﬁ nancial programs for drainage and ﬂ ood management projects. • Develop methods to reach out to community on local water-related informaƟ on and dates for Sub-Region meeƟ ngs and workshops. • IniƟ ate inner- and inter-watershed discussions on conservaƟ on and reuse opƟ ons. 19 Figure ES–12. North Coast Public Concerns of Water Resources Issues Attachment 4 C6 - 39 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 20 South County Sub-Region This Sub-Region (Figure ES–15) contains a mixture of small coastal communiƟ es and higher elevaƟ on inland regions dependent on groundwater, and local and State Water Project supplies; it includes WPAs 6 through 9, with communiƟ es, watersheds, water suppliers, and groundwater basins listed in Table ES–7. Figure ES–16 displays the issues of concern provided by the South County Sub-Region stakeholders idenƟ fying groundwater management and ﬂ ood control as the issues of greatest concern. The groundwater management issues are due in part to the challenges of managing the adjudicated Santa Maria Groundwater Basin and water shortage problems. Table ES–6. South County Sub-Region CharacterisƟ cs WPALocal Governments, CommuniƟ es, Places of Interest WatershedsWater SuppliersGroundwater Basins 6San Luis Obispo/Avila • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo • Community of Avila Beach • Port San Luis • City of San Luis Obispo • Irish Hills Coastal Watershed • San Luis Obispo Creek • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo • Avila Beach CSD • Avila Valley MWC • San Miguelito MWC • CSA 12 • Port San Luis • City of San Luis Obispo* • San Luis Obispo Valley • San Luis Valley Sub- Basin • Avila Valley Sub-Basin 7South Coast • Community of Nipomo • Community of Oceano • Palo Mesa Village • City of Pismo Beach • City of Arroyo Grande • City of Grover Beach • Arroyo Grande Creek • Nipomo Suey Creeks • Pismo Creek • Santa Maria River • Oceano CSD* • City of Pismo Beach* • City of Arroyo Grande* • City of Grover Beach* • Golden State Water Company • Nipomo CSD* • Rural Water Company • Woodlands Mutual Water Company • Conoco Phillips • Edna Valley Sub-Basin • Santa Maria River Valley • Arroyo Grande Valley Sub-Basin • Nipomo Valley Sub- Basin • Pismo Creek Valley Sub-Basin 8Huasna Valley • Alamo Creek • Cuyama River • Huasna River • Huasna Valley 9Cuyama Valley • Cuyama River • Cuyama Valley Basin* *RWMG Member Figure ES–13. South County Sub-Region Attachment 4 C6 - 40 21 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary 2 Figure ES–14. South County Public Concerns of Water Resources Issues South County Sub-Region Priorities–Key Issues • Seek agricultural and urban supplemental water supplies. • Study the impacts of sea level rise on coastal community water supplies. • Develop supplemental water supplies. • Evaluate potenƟ al for groundwater banking/conjuncƟ ve use programs and policies (locally or within State Water Project system). • InvesƟ gate opƟ ons for opƟ mizing use of local surface water storage. • Maximize producƟ on and delivery capacity of the local water supply infrastructure (e.g., capacity improvements to Lopez WTP, pipeline pigging, etc.). • Evaluate potenƟ al for enhanced rainfall. • Improved diversiﬁ caƟ on of water supply resources for the South County agencies. • ImplementaƟ on of coordinated regional conservaƟ on programs. • Finalize/Implement AG Creek Habitat ConservaƟ on Plan. • Develop an inventory of diversions from surface water bodies. • Install stream gauges on key regional creeks. • Develop groundwater faciliƟ es or projects that increase operaƟ onal and management ﬂ exibility. • Avoid seawater intrusion (idenƟ fy risk measures/ management thresholds, develop coordinated response). • Develop management tools (conceptual and groundwater ﬂ ow models). • Develop a uniform groundwater monitoring program for the South County groundwater basins. • Develop uniform metering and reporƟ ng for all groundwater pumping in the South County. • Increase groundwater monitoring (focused on storage). • Install addiƟ onal dedicated monitoring wells including down hole transducers in high priority areas. • InvesƟ gate and quanƟ fy subsurface ﬂ ows between the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin management areas. • InvesƟ gate and quanƟ fy available storage and reliable yield. • Establish policies to maintain health of the South County’s groundwater basins. • Prepare Salt and Nutrient Management Plan(s) to cover the Sub-Region. • Develop projects to improve the levels of ﬂ ood protecƟ on in urbanized areas. • Increase storm water retenƟ on and percolaƟ on. • Improve collaboraƟ on and data-sharing between urban, agricultural, and rural pumpers. • Maintain collaboraƟ ve eff orts between basin and watershed management groups. Attachment 4 C6 - 41 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 22 North County Sub-Region Along with a growing urban populaƟ on, the North County Sub-Region (Figure ES–13) is predominantly agriculture and naƟ ve lands with a dry arid climate dependent on the larger Paso Robles Groundwater Basin and to a lesser extent both local and State surface water supplies. This Sub-Region includes WPAs 10 through 16, with communiƟ es, watersheds, water suppliers, and groundwater basins listed in Table ES–6. Figure ES–14 displays the issues of concern provided by the North County stakeholders idenƟ fying water supply and groundwater management as the issues of greatest concern. The most signiﬁ cant example of these issues is the debate over how to manage and stabilize water levels in the Paso Robles Basin and associated watersheds for human and environmental needs. Table ES–7. North County Sub-Region CharacterisƟ cs WPALocal Governments, CommuniƟ es, Places of Interest WatershedsWater SuppliersGroundwater Basins 10Carrizo Plain • Community of California Valley • Black Sulphur Spring • Soda Lake • Carrizo Plain 11Rafael/ Big Spring • Upper San Juan Creek • Lower San Juan Creek • Rafael Valley • Big Spring Area 12Santa Margarita • Village of Pozo • Community of Santa Margarita • Santa Margarita Ranch • Upper Salinas–Santa Margarita Area • CSA 23 • Santa Margarita Ranch • Pozo Valley • Rinconada Valley • Santa Margarita 13Atascadero/ Templeton • Community of Templeton • Community of Garden Farms • City of Atascadero • Mid Salinas– Atascadero Area • Garden Farms CWD • Templeton CSD* • Atascadero MWC • Paso Robles • Atascadero Sub- Basin 14Salinas/ Estrella • Community of San Miguel • Community of Shandon • Village of Whitley Gardens • Village of Creston • Camp Roberts • City of Paso Robles • Estrella River • Huer Huero Creek • Lower San Juan Creek • Upper San Juan Creek • San Miguel CSD* • Camp Roberts • CSA 16 (Shandon) • City of Paso Robles* • Paso Robles 15Cholame • Community of Cholame• Cholame Creek • Cholame Valley 16Nacimiento • Heritage Ranch • Community of Oak Shores • Nacimiento River• Nacimiento Water Company • Heritage Ranch CSD* *RWMG Member Figure ES–15. North County Sub-Region Attachment 4 C6 - 42 23 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary North County Sub-Region Priorities–Key Issues • Update Water Supply Capital Programs for small inland water systems with alternaƟ ves analysis and ﬁ nancial requirements. • Seek agricultural, rural, and urban opportuniƟ es, working with other agencies and regional partners, to develop conjuncƟ ve use and drought year water supplies, including private groundwater pumpers. • Pursue water conservaƟ on eff orts in all use sectors and supplemental supply projects (non-groundwater) to reduce dependence on groundwater. • Pursue cost-eff ecƟ ve and technically feasible conjuncƟ ve use projects to increase water supplies for agricultural, rural, and urban water users. • Ensure potable water is available for rural residents. • Seek funding for supplemental water supply. • Develop quanƟ ﬁ able control studies on manmade acƟ ons to improve groundwater quality and/or increase groundwater elevaƟ ons using currently adopted best management pracƟ ces. • Understand watershed funcƟ onality and idenƟ fy speciﬁ c prioriƟ es for ensuring watershed health. • Protect the Salinas River corridor. • Pursue land conservaƟ on projects that protect watersheds. • Improve groundwater monitoring programs with parƟ cipaƟ on from urban and agricultural pumpers to track changes in groundwater levels and groundwater quality. • Establish sustainable yields with an emphasis of improving the larger regional basin. • Seek funding for supplemental water, conjuncƟ ve use and/or groundwater banking programs to provide greater operaƟ onal ﬂ exibility. • Work to balance groundwater basin through demand management and supply opƟ ons. • IdenƟ fy, protect, and enhance aquifer recharge areas. • Perform an assessment study on current water rights within the Paso Robles Basin and Salinas River. • Maintain collaboraƟ ve eff orts with groundwater basin and watershed stakeholders. 23 Figure ES–16. North County Public Concerns of Water Resources Issues Attachment 4 C6 - 43 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 24 Plan Update Process The 2014 IRWM Plan is a living document that will change over Ɵ me. It documents current and relevant water resources issues facing the Region. The goal is to keep the plan current by incorporaƟ ng new informaƟ on as it becomes available. For example, water resources informaƟ on contained within Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs), new capital improvement project lists, and DWR IRWM Plan Guidelines are expected to change over Ɵ me. The update frequency of the IRWM Plan for re-adopƟ on by the Region’s stakeholders is planned to be every ﬁ ve years. The Ɵ me in-between each update is spent on a myriad of criƟ cal and required tasks to ensure compliance with the IRWM Plan requirements and its implementaƟ on, assuming a funding source is available to support this eff ort. Outreach eff orts during the intervening years should strive to keep the IRWM Plan and related acƟ viƟ es fresh in the minds of RWMG member agencies, Sub-Region stakeholders, DACs, and project sponsors. How the IRWM Plan Update meets the 2012 IRWM Plan Guidelines and Plan Review Process As the 2014 IRWM Plan was developed, the RWMG considered the list of November 2012 DWR IRWM Guidelines to ensure acceptance and approval by the State. Figure ES–17 shows how the San Luis Obispo 2014 IRWM Plan is organized. Table ES–8 summarizes where the secƟ ons meet the DWR Guideline Standards. A more detailed review table is provided in Appendix Q of the IRWM Plan. IRWM Plan Organization SecƟ on A. IntroducƟ on SecƟ on B. Governance, Stakeholder Involvement, and Outreach SecƟ on C. Region DescripƟ on SecƟ on D. Water Supply, Demand, and Water Budget SecƟ on E. IRWM Goals and ObjecƟ ves SecƟ on F. Resource Management Strategies SecƟ on G. Project SolicitaƟ on, SelecƟ on and PrioriƟ zaƟ on SecƟ on H. Project IntegraƟ on and AlternaƟ ves SecƟ on I. Plan Beneﬁ ts and Impacts SecƟ on J. Plan Performance and Monitoring SecƟ on K. Data Management SecƟ on L. Financing Strategies SecƟ on M. Technical Analysis SecƟ on N. RelaƟ on to Local Water and Land Use Planning SecƟ on O. Planning CoordinaƟ on SecƟ on P. Climate Change SecƟ on Q. Plan ImplementaƟ on and Maintenance AcƟ viƟ es SecƟ on R. References Figure ES–17. IRWM Plan SecƟ ons Attachment 4 C6 - 44 25 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Table ES–8. DWR IRWM Plan Update Standards Reference DWR IRWM Plan Standard SecƟ on Where Addressed Governance B Region DescripƟ on C, D Goals & ObjecƟ ves E State Resource Management Strategy F IntegraƟ on H Project Review Process G Impacts and Beneﬁ ts I Plan Performance and Monitoring J Data Management K Finance L Technical Analysis M RelaƟ on to Local Water Planning N RelaƟ on to Local Land Use Planning N Stakeholder Involvement B, E, F, G, K, Q CoordinaƟ on O Climate Change P Governance/Stakeholder Outreach The governance and stakeholder outreach process which guided the preparaƟ on of this IRWM Plan is based upon two documents created to deﬁ ne governance and parƟ cipaƟ on in the local IRWM program. The San Luis Obispo County Region Inte- grated Regional Water Management Program ParƟ cipants Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) and essen- Ɵ al governance structure inclusions. Based upon this MOU, the Region’s Program ParƟ cipants developed a CommunicaƟ ons and Outreach Plan – further deﬁ ning details of governance, outreach, and communicaƟ ons processes uƟ lized to prepare the 2014 IRWM Plan. IRWM Memorandum of Understanding IRWM Communications & Outreach Plan Attachment 4 C6 - 45 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 26 Governance Structure The MOU deﬁ nes the purpose of the RWMG, its membership, other Program Par- Ɵ cipants, and each parƟ cipant’s role and responsibility in program development and implementaƟ on. Figure ES–18 illustrates the IRWM Plan’s governance and organizaƟ onal structure, as well as funcƟ onal relaƟ onships of the various IRWM Program ParƟ cipants. Decisions are made at the RWMG meeƟ ngs and then elevated to the District’s (Lead Agency) Board of Supervisors as-needed for ﬁ nal approval and coordinaƟ on with DWR. Stakeholder Involvement and Public Outreach Process Public and stakeholder involvement have been integrated into the decision-making process in a manner that ensures educaƟ on, awareness, balanced opportunity to parƟ cipate, and clear communicaƟ on conduits. One of the goals of the public and stakeholder involvement was to strengthen overall regional capacity for carrying on the goals of IRWM throughout future years. CommunicaƟ ons and Outreach One of the two IRWM governance guidance documents is the CommunicaƟ ons and Outreach Plan. The CommunicaƟ ons and Outreach Plan is a simple guide on how com- Figure ES–18. IRWM Governance Structure Attachment 4 C6 - 46 27 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary municaƟ on will ﬂ ow and be managed through the life of the IRWM Program. The purpose is stated as follows: The purpose of the Outreach Plan is to saƟ sfy DWR outreach requirements and build a solid, inclusive, and representaƟ ve agency, stakeholder, and DAC base that is supporƟ ve of the aims of the IRWM Plan. The CommunicaƟ ons and Outreach Plan built upon the MOU that idenƟ ﬁ es the IRWM Program ParƟ cipants (RWMG, WRAC, RWMG Working Group, ImplementaƟ on Affi liates and stake- holders) involved in the IRWM Plan Update, and describes the planned and periodic communicaƟ ons that will occur between the enƟ Ɵ es. The County’s IRWMP Plan website (hosted at www.slocountywater.org ) shown on Figure ES-20 was used as a repository of informaƟ on for the RWMG members, stake- holders, and the public. Key Plan development milestones and decision processes were documented in a series of brochures like the ones shown on Figure ES–19 to elevate the awareness of these accomplishments. Climate Change Consistent with DWR IRWM Guidelines, Climate Change Analysis is now considered a criƟ cal component in the plan- ning and implementaƟ on of water resources management projects and programs. The 2012 IRWM Guidelines require that IRWM Plans address both adaptaƟ on to the eff ects of climate change and miƟ gaƟ on of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission resulƟ ng from IRWM project implementaƟ on. As a result, the Region idenƟ ﬁ es and prioriƟ zes the Region’s vulnerabiliƟ es to climate change, ranking project impacts and idenƟ fying potenƟ al miƟ gaƟ on and adaptaƟ on responses. In the process of evaluaƟ ng climate change for the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan area, a Vulnerability Assessment Checklist was prepared that considers GHG emissions be- tween possible project alternaƟ ves occurring in the Region. As part of this analysis and with the knowledge of the three Sub-Regions (i.e., climate and socio-economic variables), each Sub-Region is examined individually using a list of quesƟ ons intended to beƩ er understand the unique vulnerabiliƟ es of climate change. Each Sub-Region includes a set of categories Figure ES–19. SLOC IRWM Plan Update Brochures Figure ES–20. SLOC IRWM Plan Update Website San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Update A Report on Current Activities Completed–Implementation Grant Update The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Conservation District submitted a Proposition 84 Round 2 Implementation Grant to the California Department of Water Resources requesting $7.5 million to fund a portion of six separate projects with a total project cost of $22.5 million. The projects included in the application were selected from a list of over 20 projects identiÀ ed at the Project Solicitation Workshop held on October 3, 2012. These projects address several critical water resources issues in the area and contribute towards meeting the current IRWM Plan Objectives. Several water resources management actions emerged to address critical water issues inclu d i n g : stabilize declining levels in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin; improve environmental stewardship; and address critical water supply and quality nee d s of disadvantaged communities (DAC). Five of the six projects are shown o n the map below. The application also included a feasibility and design project t o help meet critical water needs in San Simeon (see note below). The Depar t m e n t of Water Resources expects to release À nal funding awards in Fall 2013. There will be another call for projects/programs this coming quarter. San Luis Obispo County stakeholders will be asked to submit the project/pr o g r a m solicitation “short” forms deÀ ning projects/programs that help to meet the IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives. VOLUME 3—APRIL 2013–JUNE 2013 Location of Projects in Implementation Grant Application N L U I S OBISPO COU N Upcoming Events CALL FOR PROJECTS COMING SOON! IRWM Program Participants, the RWMG will be collecting project/program solicitation forms in June/July. Be on the look out for Call for Projects July 2013 (Date TBD) Sub-region Workshops in North Coast, North County, and South County Key topics include: Sub-region priorities and project review process and criteria August 2013 (Date TBD) RWMG Meeting Key topics include: project review process and criteria, initial project selection screening, and resource management strategies A DAC IS DEFINED BY DWR AS FOLLOWS: “For the purposes of Proposition 84 funding, a DAC is de¿ ned as “a community with a median household income (MHI) less than 80% of the Statewide average.” There is a ¿ nancial opportunity for most RWMGs to seek out DACs in their region, as most State grants either give special consideration or preferences for projects that serve DACs, or have funding percentages set-aside for projects that support DACs.” The IRWM Region contains four DACs: San Simeon, Oceano, San Luis Obispo, and San Miguel. San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Update A Report on Current Activities ACTIVITIES COMPLETED Phase 1a and Phase 1b of Project Solicitation Process In July 2013, the IRWM Region Stakeholders submitted their Project A b s t r a c t s for consideration as part of the IRWM Plan development. The Project Abs t r a c t s (Phase 1a) included both project concepts and projects progressing t o w a r d implementation. A total of 90 concept/project forms were submitted i n t h e categories shown on the pie chart below. DISCUSSION AT RWMG MEETING The initial review and draft scoring methodology discussed at the A u g u s t Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) Meeting resulted in an inf o r m a t i v e discussion on the need to focus on the IRWM Objectives as the primary s c o r i n g criteria. Action items coming out of the meeting included a request for a l l p r o j e c t sponsors to À ll the Phase 1b Objectives Worksheet out prior to the À nal ranking as outlined in the Ranking Methodology Paper. The approved project ranking process (see À gure on page 2) establishes how projects are included in the IRWM Plan, and identiÀ es the top ranked projects. CREATING THE PROJECT LIST As shown on the project ranking process, the concepts and projects are ra n k e d t o create an initial Project List, which is submitted to the Region’s Stakeh o l d e r s f o r public comment. The Project List will be reviewed and adopted in the O c t o b e r RWMG meeting prior to progressing to Phase 2. VOLUME 4—JUNE 2013–OCTOBER 2013 Important DWR Activities Proposition 84 Implementation Grant Round 2 results: Draft Funding Recommendations were released indicating that grant funding was not awarded to SLO County IRWM Region. Round 3 Implementation Grant application deadline is currently scheduled for end of 2014 or early 2015. Draft CDWR IRWM Plan Review Process is out for Public Review and Comment with comments due by October 18, 2013. The Plan Review Process is pass or fail. Eligibility to submit a Round 3 Implementation grant application is dependent on a DWR-approved IRWM Plan. http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/ docs/Guidelines/PRP%20_fnl%20 draft__20130904.pdf Upcoming Events OCTOBER 2, 2013 RWMG Meeting OCTOBER 18, 2013 Call for Full Project Descriptions TBD Sub-Region Workshops R WM PLAN UP D A T E er Groundwat and Monitoring aMonitoring ntmeManagem 22% WaWaWaaWaWatetetetetr rSuSuSSpppppppppppppppplyylylylylylylylyylyylyyyyyWWW 34343433%%%%% EcEososososoosysysyyyyteteteeteetmmmmm ananddd WWaWWaWWateteteeersrshehehhehhdddd 2121%% Floodd Managemment 12%% Water Resources Management and Communication 11% CONCEPT/PROJECT FORMS SUBMITTED BY PROJECT CATEGORY g p San L A Repo Comple The San L Conserva Round 2 Departm million t with a to The pro were sel identiÀ eÀ held on address in the a the cur resour stabili enviro of dis the m help of W Ther N L U I S OBBISPPOOCOOU N Upcoomiingg EEveents CALL FOR PROJECTS COMING SOON! IRWM Program Participants, the RWMG will be collecting project/program solicitation forms in June/July. Be on the look out for Call for Projects July 2013 (Date TBD) Sub-region Workshops in North Coast, North County, and South County Key topics include: Sub-region priorities and project review process and criteria August 2013 (Date TBD) RWMG Meeting Key topics include: project review process and criteria, initial project selection screening, and resource management strategiesmanagement strategies San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Update A Report on Current Activities ACTIVITIES COMPLETED Phase 1a and Phase 1b of Project Solicitation Process In July 2013, the IRWM Region Stakeholders submitted their Project Abstracts for consideration as part of the IRWM Plan development. The Project Abstracts (Phase 1a) included both project concepts and projects progressing toward implementation. A total of 90 concept/project forms were submitted in the categories shown on the pie chart below. DISCUSSION AT RWMG MEETING The initial review and draft scoring methodology discussed at the August Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) Meeting resulted in an informative discussion on the need to focus on the IRWM Objectives as the primary scoring criteria. Action items coming out of the meeting included a request for all project sponsors to À ll the À Phase 1b Objectives Worksheet out prior to the t À nal ranking as Àoutlined in the Ranking Methodology Paper. The approved project ranking process rr(see À gure on page 2) establishes how projects are included in the IRWM Plan, À and identiÀ es the top ranked projects.À CREATING THE PROJECT LIST As shown on the project ranking process, the concepts and projects are ranked to createacreate an initian initial Prol Proojecoject List, t List, whichiswhich is submittsubmitted tothed to the Regione Region’sStakes Stakeholdersholders forfor public cpomment. TThe Project List will be reviewwed and aed and adopted idopted in the Ocn the October tober RWMG meeRWMG meetingpriting priiriortopror to progressinogressin Phg to Phase 2. VOLUME 4—JUNE 2013–OCTOOBER 220133 Important DWR Activities Proposition 84 Implementation Grant Round 2 results: Draft Funding Recommendations were released indicating that grant funding was not awarded to SLO County IRWM Region. Round3ImplementationRound 3 Implementation Grant application deadline is currently scheduled for end of 2014 or early 2015. Draft CDWR IRWM Plan Review Process is out for PublicReviewand Commt Upcoming Events OCTOBER 2, 2013 RWMG Meeting OCTOBER 18, 2013 Call for Full Project Descriptions TBD Sub-Region Workshops R W RR MPLAN UP D A TAA E Water Resources M Attachment 4 C6 - 47 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 28 and a scoring system to assist in prioriƟ zing projects intended to address the vulnerabili- Ɵ es based on the level of impact and the ability to miƟ gate for climate change in whole or in part. PrioriƟ zaƟ on of each Sub-Region is as follows: Priority RaƟ ng 1 – signiﬁ cant vulnerabiliƟ es that have far-reaching impacts, are very likely to occur, have a willingness to pay and can be addressed through well-deﬁ ned near-term projects where/when feasible. Priority RaƟ ng 2 – signiﬁ cant vulnerabiliƟ es with a high adapƟ ve capacity and can be addressed through speciﬁ c projects and planning studies and/or monitoring programs where/when feasible. Priority RaƟ ng 3 – less than signiﬁ cant vulnerabiliƟ es for consideraƟ on in future long- term projects and planning studies and/or monitoring programs where/when feasible. Shown in Table ES–9 are the raƟ ng categories and their ranking for each Sub-Region. The lisƟ ng of vulnerabiliƟ es begins below the table. Table ES–9. Sub-Region Vulnerability RaƟ ng Categories and Ranking Sub-Region RaƟ ng Categories RaƟ ng North Coast Sub-Region Inadequate Storage Capacity 1 Saltwater Intrusion and Coastal InundaƟ on 1 Ecosystems and Habitat 2 Water Quality 2 Water Demand 3 Flooding 3 South County Sub-Region Decreased Water Supply 1 Coastal InundaƟ on 1 Water Demand 2 Water Quality 2 Ecosystems and Habitat 2 Flooding 2 North County Sub-Region Water Supply 1 Water Demand 1 Water Quality 2 Ecosystems and Habitat 2 Flooding 3 Attachment 4 C6 - 48 29 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Project Identiﬁ cation and Selection Process Project SolicitaƟ on Process San Luis Obispo County stakeholders have been acƟ vely engaged in the IRWM Plan Update’s project solicitaƟ on and review process. From June to December 2013, water resources con- cepts and projects/programs were solicited from stakeholders. Altogether, agencies, organi- zaƟ ons, and individual stakeholders submiƩ ed 91 abstracts for the 2013 call for projects and programs. Stakeholders submiƩ ed abstracts that should add value to the Region’s integrated management of water resources in the areas of water supply, groundwater management, ﬂ ood management, ecosystem restoraƟ on, and general water resources management. Compiling the Full Project List The submiƩ ed projects were reviewed and iniƟ ally ranked in accordance with the RWMG-approved project review guidelines (follow the IRWMP quicklink at www.slocountywater.org ). Some submiƩ als were either not IRWM-related or were integrated into another project submiƩ al. Of the 91 submiƩ als, 81 were added to the Full Project List - 52 of those were classiﬁ ed as concepts and 29 were classiﬁ ed as projects/ programs. Concepts, programs, and projects from the 2007 IRWM Plan were also reviewed, 34 of which were added to the Full Project List as well. As a result of this project screening, the 2013 IRWM Plan Full Project List includes 115 projects. CreaƟ ng the Final IRWM Plan Project List On October 2nd, 2013, the IRWM review process and resulƟ ng Full Project List was present- ed to the RWMG. Various integraƟ on opportuniƟ es were noted at that meeƟ ng. The RWMG asked the RWMG Working Group (and Project Sponsors) to meet and integrate/ﬁ nalize the IRWM Plan Project List (includes both the Full Project List and Project Short List). The RWMG Working Group held that public meeƟ ng on October 16th, 2013 to review the IRWM Plan Project List. The whole process and resulƟ ng integrated IRWM Project List was published as a brochure (Volume 5) and sent out to the RWMG and interested stakeholders in order to seek input, inform the public, and solicit comments. This brochure memorializes the results of this six month process to develop both the Full Project List and the Project Short List to be included and evaluated in the IRWM Plan. Why Two Lists? The purpose of having two lists is to saƟ sfy the State’s requirements of an IRWM Plan (Final IRWM Project List), and to constantly maintain a list of the region’s most current projects for use in selecƟ on upon noƟ ﬁ caƟ on of regional or local funding opportuniƟ es (Full Project List). The Full Project List is updated on an as-needed basis (at a minimum of every two years) such as was described earlier with the emergency drought project solicitaƟ on. All projects included on this list are considered to be a part of the IRWM Plan and will be considered for future funding and implementaƟ on opportuniƟ es. Attachment 4 C6 - 49 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 30 Figure ES–21 visually describes how the collecƟ on of projects from the 2007 IRWM Plan, the 2012 project solicitaƟ on, the Phase 1 2013 Project Abstracts (and ObjecƟ ve Worksheet), and the Phase 2 Project Long Forms were combined to form the Full Project List and which was further screened to create the Project Short List. Figure ES–21. Project SolicitaƟ on and SelecƟ on Process Attachment 4 C6 - 50 31 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary Financing Strategies To date, the IRWM Planning eff ort has been funded through the District. The District serves as the approving body and lead agency for the IRWM Plan’s development and implementaƟ on. While the District is governed by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, its Board members and shared County staff act separately, depending on as- signed responsibiliƟ es, on behalf of both the County of San Luis Obispo and the District. The District receives local funding through its general property tax allocaƟ ons and from revenues provided by parƟ cipaƟ ng agencies, organizaƟ ons, and other parƟ es beneﬁ Ɵ ng from District services. Both the District and DWR provide funding for developing and updaƟ ng the IRWM Plan. DWR funding for planning and implementaƟ on of the IRWM Plan has historically been obtained through the District’s applicaƟ on for publically sup- ported grants issued as part of ProposiƟ ons 50 and 84; both being water bond measures voted by the people of California to support integrated water resources management in the State. Local Agency Funding Sources of local funding in the IRWM Region are constrained for direct use in implement- ing new capital projects and management programs idenƟ ﬁ ed in the IRWM Plan. This includes sources of funding that RWMG member agencies will use to meet maintenance and operaƟ ons obligaƟ ons for IRWM projects. Each member that seeks grant funding to supplement local funding programs will need to demonstrate that maintenance and operaƟ ons funds are to be commiƩ ed to the projects. Proof of local funding can be ac- complished through an adopted capital improvement plan, other engineering feasibility studies and reports, rate studies, or an approved funding program adopted pursuant to California requirements. Grants Like other regions of the state, the IRWM Region has a limited ability to pay for further projects or programs. With numerous areas of the Region being designated in the 2010 census as low income (i.e., in addiƟ on to State designated DACs), there is a limited ability to raise local revenue. This makes grants and loans an important element in leveraging the limited local ﬁ nancing capacity. Fortunately, grants and/or loans are available from Ɵ me to Ɵ me that can facilitate implementaƟ on of IRWM Plan projects and programs. One of the keys for successful pursuit of grants for project implementaƟ on includes having well-developed projects to the appropriate level of detail that meet grant funding requirements. Attachment 4 C6 - 51 Executive Summary | San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 32 Plan Implementation An adapƟ ve management process has been adopted to create a balance between a stable Plan that guides acƟ on, and a resilient Plan that allows for responding to changed circumstances. The approach to updaƟ ng and amending the IRWM Plan is intended to ensure its eff ecƟ ve implementaƟ on over Ɵ me and to make the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan a living document. Changes to regional and Sub-Region planning assumpƟ ons and prioriƟ es, to State and federal legislaƟ ve and/or policy (i.e., responsiveness to the California Water AcƟ on Plan), or climate condiƟ ons could create a need to update the list of projects and programs. Areas of uncertainty that could drive a Plan update include liƟ gaƟ on, changes in on-farm water use pracƟ ces, State and federal coastal plans, and major changes in land use that would have an eff ect on the Region’s water use. As a result, the IRWM Plan Update schedule provided in Figure ES–22 provides for periodic and on-going acƟ viƟ es with one or more taking place each year to maximize effi ciencies and uƟ lizaƟ on of staff and ﬁ nancial resources. Plan Performance and Monitoring The IRWM Plan legislaƟ on and DWR standards require that IRWM Plans include per- formance measures and a monitoring program to document progress towards meeƟ ng IRWM Plan ObjecƟ ves, and a methodology that the RWMG can use to oversee and evaluate implementaƟ on of plan and projects. The purpose of the Plan Performance and Monitoring strategy is to document how the IRWM Plan ObjecƟ ves are to be measured and how the projects will be overseen and evaluated in order to ensure the anƟ cipated IRWM Plan objecƟ ves are being met. IRWM Plan Structure In response to the stated accomplishments and challenges facing the State and San Luis Obispo County Region, the 2014 IRWM Plan contains a set of publicly supported strate- gies for addressing those challenges with projects, programs, and policies that will help the Region meet statewide prioriƟ es and regional needs. The IRWM Plan also describes potenƟ al impacts and beneﬁ ts of the projects, programs and policies, and how they will be ﬁ nanced and monitored to ensure the intended objecƟ ves are met. In the end, the document must address speciﬁ c requirements in the DWR IRWM Guide- lines (DWR, November 2012). The IRWM Plan’s organizaƟ on (shown in Figure ES–17) is intenƟ onally structured around the State requirements to assist in the review and approval of the document. Attachment 4 C6 - 52 33 San Luis Obispo 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan | Executive Summary 20142015201620172018Activities Plan Update Activities Update Public Outreach Methodology Adapt Procedures and Methodologies to Changing Technologies Provide Public Notice and Reason for IRWM Plan Update Modify Goals, Objectives, and/or Governance* Evaluate State RMS and Update List of WMSs, if Needed Update Sub-Region Water Demand and Supply Analysis Based on 2015 UWMPs Revise Project Ranking and Integration Methodology* Re-evaluate Existing Full Project List and Conduct Call for Projects, If Needed Revise Implementation Priorities Methodology* Re-evaluate Benefits/Impacts Discsussion of Projects Update Monitoring Measures and Performance Measures to Closely Tie with Goals and Objectives Update DMS and Related Information Update Discussions and Inclusion Relative to Local Planning Update Stakeholder Involvement Discussions Update Coordination Update Finance Alternatives and Options for Final Project List Re-Adopt IRWM Plan Plan Reporting and Compliance Activities Provide Biennial IRWM Plan Performance Report Provide Biennial Project Benefit Monitoring Reports Identify Needed Compliance Modifications from Update CDWR Guidelines or Review and Compliance Comments * Constitutes Plan Re-Adoption Figure ES–22. IRWM Plan Update Schedule Attachment 4 C6 - 53 MODIFIED JULY 28, 2014 PROJECT CONTACT SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT IRWM Program Manager County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Public Works County Government Center, Room 206 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 (805) 781-5252 PWD@co.slo.ca.us REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT GROUP San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District California Men’s Colony Cambria CSD City of Arroyo Grande City of Grover Beach City of Morro Bay City of Paso Robles City of Pismo Beach City of San Luis Obispo Central Coast Salmon Enhancement Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Heritage Ranch CSD Land Conservancy Los Osos CSD Morro Bay National Estuary Program Nipomo CSD Oceano CSD Templeton CSD San Miguel CSD San Simeon CSD S&T Mutual Water Company Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District For additional information about the 2014 IRWM Plan and access to the electronic documents associated with this effort, visit: http://www.slocountywater.org/ San Luis Obispo County 2014 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Executive Summary SAN LUIS OBISPO REGION’S IRWM PLAN VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS IRWM PLAN VISION Create a united framework among SLO County Stakeholders for sustainable water resource management. IRWM PLAN MISSION Facilitate regional plans, programs, and projects to further sustainable water resource management. 2014 IRW M P L A N S A N L U I S O BISPO CO U N T Y Prepared by GEI Consultants with support from Fugro Consultants, Dudek, Gutierrez Consultants, and Hollenbeck Consulting Attachment 4 C6 - 54