Title
Consider receiving an update from Matt Turrentine, a Director on the Board of Shandon-San Juan Water District/Shandon-San Juan Groundwater Sustainability Agency, regarding water right applications filed with the California State Water Resources Control Board to appropriate water from the Nacimiento and Salinas Rivers; and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Receive an update from Matt Turrentine, a Director on the Board of Shandon-San Juan Water District/Shandon-San Juan Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Shandon) regarding water right applications filed with the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to appropriate water from the Nacimiento and Salinas Rivers; and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Under California law, the SWRCB regulates all post-1914 appropriative water rights. This process includes the issuance of new water rights, and the licensing and monitoring of water put to beneficial use.
In February 2021, two water right applications were filed with the State Water Resources Control Board for appropriation of water at Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Dam on the Salinas River and at the Nacimiento Reservoir. Both applications were filed by the Shandon-San Juan Water District and propose to appropriate 14,000 acre-feet of water through both direct diversion and storage in the existing reservoirs. The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) owns and operates the Nacimiento Reservoir, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers owns the Salinas Dam and it is operated by the County of San Luis Obispo.
In May of 2021, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey, the Board of Supervisors of MCWRA and the MCWRA Board of Directors submitted a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board opposing the two applications (see attachment 1). San Luis Obispo County also submitted a similar letter.
In early January 2022, Mr. Turrentine reached out to General Manager Brent Buche with a request for him to provide an update on Shandon’s applications and this BOD meeting is the first opportunity that could be scheduled.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
FINANCING:
None identified at this time.
Prepared by: Elizabeth Krafft, Deputy General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Brent Buche, General Manager (831) 755-4860
Attachment:
1. Letters of Opposition