1. Penalty Policy for Over-Pumping Is Being Developed — Board to Vote on Options Next Meeting The board had an extensive discussion on how to penalize landowners who exceed their groundwater allocation. Two options will be brought to the May meeting for a formal vote: (1) leave the current policy as-is (12 months to cure over-pumping with no upfront penalty payment), or (2) require payment of the $500/acre-foot penalty within 90 days of notice, with 12 months to cure the over-pumped credits through means such as purchasing credits from another landowner, banking surface water for recharge, or forfeiting future allocation. If a landowner cures within the cure period, the penalty payment would be refunded or credited. The board also discussed potentially capping how much a landowner can borrow against future allocations and having the GSA play a more active role in managing water transfers. No action was taken at this meeting.
Already have an account? Sign In
