Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported that the state side of San Luis Reservoir has a greater than 50% chance of filling in November, potentially making Article 21 surplus water available as early as November; surcharge negotiations with federal contractors continue with no agreement. The NWS outlook suggests a wetter winter driven by a strong El Niño signal, though warmer temperatures could limit snowpack benefits.
A proposed 20-year water agreement with East Bay MUD drew public concerns about pricing and drought-time access for local agriculture. The board heard comment and prepared to recess to closed session for discussion. A new auditing firm was approved for a three-year engagement.
The board approved $1,917,254 for ADRoP ASR well pumps and motors, higher than estimates due to deeper wells. Staff reported a late 3% CVP allocation increase (now 28% ag / 78% M&I) and expects San Justo full and over 3,000 acre-feet in San Luis. West Hills plant close-out is targeted for mid-September; Hollister wheeling talks start Friday.
The board approved a $129,670 HydroScience amendment for Copper Cove tertiary treatment design work. Staff said a dam raise may not be the most effective approach and is evaluating alternatives pending a water-balance study. In discussion, the GM said staff are preparing for a potentially wet El Niño winter, including drawing down wastewater ponds.
The Salinas Valley Basin GSA board approved Portfolio 3A, but long-term funding and cost allocations remain undecided; preliminary work is funded. Corral de Tierra groundwater levels have declined for roughly two decades, and the Monterey Subbasin had groundwater-level and storage undesirable results in each of the first five SGMA implementation years. Staff reported a recent seawater intrusion advance near Fort Ord; modeling projects further intrusion without new measures.
