Meeting of the California Water Commission - October 20, 2021
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As a result of the COVID-19 emergency and pursuant to Government Code 11133, the October 20, 2021 California Water Commission meeting will not have a physical location. This will be a remote-only meeting, conducted via a web-based videoconferencing service called Zoom. The Commission remains committed to transparency. Members of the public will be able to listen to and watch the meeting and comment if desired.
Registration is not required to provide public comments. Members of the public who wish to comment during the meeting can do so by joining on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88378490641?pwd=QVpWWkJuNGUyT3V2czR6TjlXMEZBZz09). More detailed instructions on how to use Zoom and participate in the meeting can be found on the public participation guide.
Alternatively, members of the public can offer verbal comments by telephone by calling one of the numbers below:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Closed Session
The Commission may hold a closed session, as authorized by Government Code §11126(e), to confer with and receive advice from its legal counsel regarding potential litigation, and as authorized by Government Code §11126(a).
4. Approval of September 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes
5. Executive Officer's Report
The Executive Officer will report on various matters addressed since the previous Commission meeting.
6. Commission Member Reports
This is an opportunity for members to disclose any meetings or conversations related to Commission business since the previous Commission meeting.
7. Public Testimony
Although no formal Commission action will be taken, the Commission offers an opportunity for the public to address the Commission on items of interest that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction, but that do not appear on the agenda.
Water Code §79757 states that a project is not eligible for Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) funding unless, by January 1, 2022, the applicant has the project’s draft environmental document out for public review; the Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has received commitment of at least 75% of the non-public benefit cost share; the feasibility documents are complete; and the Commission makes a finding that the project is feasible. Commission staff will present for the Commission’s consideration a staff report and recommendation regarding the Harvest Water Program’s continuing eligibility documents and feasibility. The Commission will determine whether the project is feasible based on staff information, consistent with the WSIP regulations and as required by Water Code §79757.
Water Code §79757 states that a project is not eligible for WSIP funding unless, by January 1, 2022, the applicant has the project’s draft environmental document out for public review; the Director of DWR has received commitment of at least 75% of the non-public benefit cost share; the feasibility documents are complete; and the Commission makes a finding that the project is feasible. Commission staff will present for the Commission’s consideration a staff report and recommendation regarding the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project’s continuing eligibility documents and feasibility. The Commission will determine whether the project is feasible based on staff information, consistent with the WSIP regulations and as required by Water Code §79757.
Correspondence Received Regarding This Item:
10. Consideration of Division of Safety of Dams Enforcement Regulations (Action Item)
The Department of Water Resources’s (DWR’s) Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) has developed proposed regulations to impose administrative civil penalties, punitive reservoir restrictions, and other actions to ensure compliance with California’s Dam Safety Program. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published on May 21, 2021. DSOD staff will present the proposed regulations for Commission approval.
Correspondence Received Regarding This Item:
11. Groundwater Trading: Overview of Out-of-State Discussions and Emerging Themes
Commission staff will share information shared by out-of-state representatives in conversations with staff and review information that has been shared in groundwater trading panels during Commission meetings, including the main themes that have emerged from discussions. This overview is part of the Commission’s consideration of well-managed groundwater trading programs to support Water Resilience Portfolio Action 3.6.
12. Consideration of Items for Next California Water Commission Meeting
13. Adjourn
*The Commission may break for lunch as needed.*
Written comments regarding specific items on this agenda will be provided to the Commissioners as part of their meeting packets if they are received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18. Staff will make every effort to provide comments received after this deadline electronically, but we cannot make any guarantees.