Title
Conduct a public workshop to consider issues relating to developing well regulations and provide direction to staff in the drafting of the well regulations (REF120022/Well Ordinance)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Conduct a public workshop to consider issues relative to developing well regulations; and
b. Provide direction to staff in the drafting of the well regulations.
SUMMARY:
The Resource Management Agency (RMA) has assumed a lead role in developing new regulations related to wells. This effort has included coordinating with appropriate agencies/departments, preparing a working document outlining specific issues and options, and conducting stakeholder meetings over the past year. At Board direction, the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) conducted a series of workshops and formulated specific recommendations. These recommendations were presented to the Planning Commission (PC) at a public workshop on September 11, 2013 and on September 28, 2013. Both the AAC and PC received extensive public comment and provided recommendations on a range of issues.
Before proceeding with the development of an actual draft ordinance and technical/administrative manual, and conducting appropriate environmental review, staff requests direction from the Board of Supervisors relative to the issues presented, including consideration of public comment received to date and the recommendations (AAC and PC).
DISCUSSION:
In 2012, a draft well ordinance and administrative manual/guidelines were prepared and circulated for review. A number of issues became apparent. A multi-departmental team was established and a collaborative process initiated involving the agricultural community and other stakeholders for the development of the well regulations.
Over the past year, a multi-departmental staff team including the RMA, Environmental Health Bureau, Monterey County Water Resources Agency and County Couns...
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