August 25, 2015

Mr. Hafen

noted that there were no changes in the Growth Control Section L. He also suggested that the original long list of proposed items be placed in Section M so people realize that the plan may continue to evolve. Walt Kuver suggested that the current version be referred to as “stage one.” Oz Wichman felt that about 150 of those proposed items overlapped with each other. After discussion, it was determined that the Groundwater Committee shall have a final review of the plan (Draft 4) at the next meeting in September due to the number of changes made during the current meeting. A joint meeting between the Groundwater Committee and the Water Board will follow sometime in October so that the Water Board can review and comment on the finished product. Kenny Bent suggested additional items that should be included in this plan. Walt Kuver wished to see a regrouping by priority of objectives in Chapter 5 that will make the plan easier to understand. He will relay his suggestions to staff. Gregory Hafen had concerns with reopening a “can of worms” by setting priorities for each item. This could lead to further delays in finalizing the document. He noted that all of the 13 items were equally important. More discussion ensued among staff and members about adding additional items. Mr. Hafen explained that implementation of the current plan will determine when a “stage two” may become necessary. Mr. Bent felt that time should be taken to consider other ideas and the committee did not need to rush this plan along in order to begin implementation. Oz Wichman emphasized that the ultimate customer was Jason King and his staff. We have utilized Jason King’s guidance in formulating this document and continue to do so. The plan gives the community an opportunity to have some control over the future of water resources in Basin 162. Before sending the plan to Mr. King it must be reviewed by the Water District Governing Board and BOCC. We take the risk that everything can become unraveled during either of these reviews if there is a vote by those boards to deny the plan. He related that most of this document gets implemented by the DWR and PRPC through county code. The final goal is to have the plan 5 Groundwater Advisory Committee August 25. 2015 adopted by the DWR as a plan for the entire community. (Ms. Barnett excused herself from the remainder of the meeting at this time.) Gregory Hafen explained that Nye County was directed to come up with a plan by the State Engineer in order to prevent Basin 162 from being declared a Critical Management Area under the auspices of AB 419. Mr. Wichman was not sure if that was the case, but he was certain that a groundwater management plan must be accepted by the State within 10 years of the basin being declared a CMA. There was continued discussion about whether or not Mr. King had given an ultimatum to Nye County.

Mr. Wichman

asked John Guillory from the DWR if Basin 162 would be designated a CMA in the future. Mr. Guillory could not answer that question but he knew Jason King was looking forward to reviewing the plan. Mr. King is giving the community an opportunity to find solutions on a local level so that the State does not have to intervene. Frank Carbone discussed the timeline for completion of the plan if additional items continue to be added to the priority list. Walt Kuver questioned how some of the priority items could be implemented. Mr. Carbone related that the BOCC is the group that will control the implementation process.