OWRB Allocation Formula change

Several members of CPASA were in attendance at the OWRB hearing conducted 2/3/03 regarding a proposed change to the allocation formula to be used to determine whether pumping will interfere with stream flow.

The section on presumption relating to degradation or interference contained the following:  "a proposed use is not likely to degrade or interfere with springs or stream emanating in whole or in part from water originating from the sensitive sole sourcegroundwater basin or subbasin [82:1020.9(A)(2)(d)] if the total amount requested by the application is equal to or less than 25% of the mean annual recharge that can be attributed to the lands dedicated to the application; provided that the Board may impose terms and conditions to manage actual withdrawals to prevent degradation or interference.

According to the CPASA members present, the final version simply recites requirements of SB288 and avoids any suggestion of permitting a % of recharge.

Stay tuned: it may come up later and be submitted as Emergency Rule.