Butte County Water Advisory Committee

September 25, 2008

Minutes  

Start-up

 Sub-unit representatives in attendance:  Catherine Cottle, Angel Slough; Nora Todenhagen, Chico Urban Area; Carol Perkins, Durham-Dayton; Dave Sieperda, Llano Seco; Toni Ruggle, North Yuba; Gene Harris, Richvale; Mike Edwards, Thermalito; Ted Trimble, Western Canal; Jim Brobeck, Foothill-Mountain at-large; Robin Huffman, Town of Paradise at-large; Gary Cole, Cherokee Watershed Alliance at-large; Barbara Hennigan, Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance at-large; Nani Teves, Little Chico Creek Watershed Alliance at-large; Rocky Donati, Agriculture at-large.  

Sub-unit representatives not in attendance:  Bernoy Bradford, Biggs-West Gridley; Mark Orme, Butte; Gary Kerhoulas, Butte Sink; Myron Openshaw, Cherokee; Rick Ponciano, Esquon and Pentz; Les Heringer, M & T; J Knight, Vina; Hayden Wasser, City of Biggs at-large; Tom Nickell, City of Chico at-large; Jim Prouty, City of Oroville at-large; Chuck Kutz, Butte Creek Watershed Conservancy at-large.  

Others in attendance:  Greg Silva, California Water Service; Paul Gosselin, Kristen McKillop, Lynne Pillus.  

Motion by Gene Harris, second by Jim Brobeck to approve the minutes as presented.  Motion carried 12-0-1.  Robin Huffman abstained.  

WAC Updates

 Kristen talked about the WAC positions that will expire in January and will need to be reappointed by the Board.  The positions open are the Environmental at-large, the Pentz sub-inventory unit which Rick Ponciano is covering currently and Biggs-West Gridley.  Mark Orme wishes to continue as the Butte representative, Gary Kerhoulis would like to continue as Butte Sink representative, Myron Openshaw has not responded for the Cherokee sub-unit, Carol Perkins has not responded for Durham-Dayton, Dave Sieperda will continue for Llano Seco, Gene Harris will continue for Richvale, the City of Chico, City of Oroville, Town of Paradise and Little Chico Creek Watershed have not responded.  Some of the representatives were recently appointed, but the date of expiration is based on the original terms. New letters of recommendation will be required, even for those who already occupy the position.   

Summer Measurements  

Kristen presented the Groundwater Level Monitoring Report.  She suggested viewing the charts on the department website as they are in color there and may be more informative than the black and white copies that were handed out.  The link to the report can be found at  http://www.buttecounty.net/waterandresource/WellMonitoring.htm.  

Drought and Water Management  

Paul said that Butte County had put together a Drought Preparedness and Management Plan as part of the Integrated Plan.  It was not intended just for drought years, but to keep track of information and conditions in advance of droughts.  The first three years of a drought the plan calls for the Drought Task Force to be convened and compile any available information.  Much of this information is consistent with that used in assessment of water resources.  If the drought worsens, the Task Force may involve other county and state agencies.  The Task Force has met twice, and another meeting is scheduled in November.  

He reported that a Report of Abnormal Groundwater Levels form is available to the public.  The department is collecting those reports to see if there are any trends developing.  The form is available on the department website.  

Paul pointed out that many orchards are stressed due to the dry spring, which may impact production next year.  Also, the dry spring and early dry weather contributed to the severity of the fires.    The Department of Agriculture has declared an Ag emergency for rangeland with a County estimated impact of over $1 million.  The State is looking ahead to start piecing together a drought water bank planning exercise in 2009.   

Mike Pembroke spoke about changing flat rate services to metered services.  Historically there is a 15% to 20% decrease in water usage when that changeover occurs, but with 11,000 customers the conversion will take time.  Mike Edwards mentioned that their water supply quality is suffering because it is being drawn from a lower level in the lake.  

The next drought task force will be in November, hopefully before the next WAC meeting.  

Wrap up  

Kristen reported that DWR will do their fall measurements in October.  The next WAC meeting is scheduled for November 20.  She would like to start scheduling individual meetings with representatives right after the October measurements are taken and the summary data received.  She encouraged everyone to start scheduling meetings the first of November.  The due date for BMOs is January 1^st, which will leave time to meet with the TAC if necessary.  BMO’s should be presented to the Water Commission in March in order to be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors by April.  

Motion by Gary Cole, second by Gene Harris to adjourn.  Motion carried 13-0.