The December between election years is traditionally a slow month. Not so in 2013 — at least not on the waterfront. Consider:
Driven by a resurgent drought and reports of San Joaquin Valley subsidence, the State Water Resources Control Board will spend the first half of next year examining how best to address/regulate groundwater supply and quality. We have until Dec. 18 to comment on the outline.
The administration’s overarching policy guide, the California Water Action Plan, is scheduled for mid-month release.
If you believe in coincidences, the Bay Delta Conservation Plan final draft is also due for rollout at about the same time.
Meanwhile, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board meets this week to consider key elements of its own groundwater protection process.
A copy of the State Water Board’s groundwater regulatory concept paper and materials:
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/groundwater/workplan.shtml