B. Description of Proposed Boundary Modification

1. Short Description

   This request is for the basin boundary modifications for the proposed Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin.
2. Type of basin boundary revision

   • Scientific External
   • Scientific Internal
   • Jurisdiction Internal
   • Jurisdiction Consolidation
3. Provide a narrative overview of the boundary modification request and how the resulting modification would affect likelihood of sustainable management.

   See attached. Many attachments in this submission are excerpted from a report prepared for Soquel-Aptos Groundwater Management Committee titled Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin Boundary Modification that can be accessed at http://www.midcountygroundwater.org/sites/default/files/uploads/FINAL_boundarymodification.pdf

   Attachment(s):

   Narrative of how Resulting Modifications will Affect Sustainable Management.pdf (287.1kB) Uploaded on 03/16/2016 at 09:37AM

   Type of Basin Boundary Revision.pdf (917.9kB) Uploaded on 03/16/2016 at 09:37AM
4. List the existing basin(s)/subbasin(s) to be modified by this request

   • 3-021 SANTA CRUZ PURISIMA FORMATION
   • 3-026 WEST SANTA CRUZ TERRACE
   • 3-001 SOQUEL VALLEY
   • 3-002 PAJARO VALLEY
5. Provide the proposed name for the new basin(s) or subbasin(s)

   The proposed name for the consolidated basin is the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin and the proposed number for the consolidated basin is 3-1 based on the Bulletin 118 number currently used for the Soquel Valley Basin.

C. Initial Notification and Combination of Requests

1. Was an initial notification submitted to the Department?

   Yes
   List of submitted initial notification for the selected basin(s)/subbasin(s).

   Local Agency	Potential Basin(s)/Subbasin(s)
   Soquel-Aptos Groundwater Management Committee	3-026 WEST SANTA CRUZ TERRACE
   Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency

2. Does this application include a combination of requests?

   Yes

   If yes, describe:

   The proposed Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin and the proposed Santa Margarita Basin that will be a basin modification request by Scotts Valley Water District (HydroMetrics WRI, 2016) will share a common boundary. However, it is not practical for the two requesting agencies to submit a combined request as separate reports for each of the basins have been prepared because there are a number of aspects to the modification requests for each basin beyond the common boundary. Separate reports were necessary to present the relevant information for the modification to the requesting agencies as well as to solicit local input in each basin. However, the requesting agencies coordinated on the common boundary via use of the same consulting firm to prepare the modification requests, the common boundary is consistent between the two requests, and the supporting information for the common boundary is the same in the two requests. This prevents duplicative and conflicting requests as needed for DWRs consideration.

D. Required Documents for All Modifications

1. A copy of the statutory or other legal authority under which the requesting agency was created with specific citations to the provisions setting forth the duties and responsibilities of the agency.

Attachment(s):

• Third Amendment to the JPA.pdf (2.2MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:37PM
• 1-28-16 Revised Mid-County Groundwater Agency JPA.pdf (429.4kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:37PM

2. A copy of the signed resolution adopted by the requesting agency formally initiating the boundary modification request process.

Attachment(s):

• Certified copy of resolution 15-01.pdf (855.3kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:38PM

3. A map of adequate scale (no greater than 1:24,000; e.g., 1:10,000 is not acceptable) showing the proposed modified basin boundary in relation to the existing Bulletin-118 basin boundary and the local agencies that are within or bordering the existing and proposed basin.

Attachment(s):

• Figure 1.pdf (428.2kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 09:49AM

4. A GIS shapefile of the proposed modified groundwater basin boundaries. Download Existing B118 basin shape file | DWR Spatial Data Standards

Attachment(s):

• SCMC_Basin_poly.zip (176.6kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 11:22AM

5. A GIS shapefile of the political boundaries of any affected or adjacent local agency. Download water agency shape file

Attachment(s):

• political boundaries.zip (674kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 05:02PM

6. Any information, if necessary, to enable DWR to satisfy the requirements of a responsible agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

The basin boundary modification is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project under CEQA. Even if the basin boundary modification constitutes a project, it would be exempt because there it is no possibility that it will have a significant effect on the environment. On behalf of SAGMC, County staff filed a notice of exemption on February 5, 2016. The notice of exemption is provided in the attached sheets.

Attachment(s):

• NOE_Submitted.pdf (625.1kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:43PM

E. General Information

1. Describe the lateral boundaries of the alluvial aquifer or aquifers that form the groundwater basin and the definable bottom of the basin. The description must be in terms that are clear, definite, and sufficiently detailed to allow an authoritative map of the proposed basin boundaries to be plotted using the given description.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• Lateral Aquifer Boundaries and bottom.pdf (429.4kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 09:30AM

F. Notice and Consultation

1. List all local agencies and public water systems affected by the basin(s) modification request.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• Figure 4.pdf (412.3kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 09:53AM
• List of Local Agencies and Public Water Systems Affected by the Basin Modification.pdf (210.7kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:45PM

2. Explain the methods used to identify interested local agencies and public water systems in the affected basin(s):

We used Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to visualize the extent and overlap of the above agencies and systems with the Bulletin 118 basins affected by these proposed modifications.

3. Provide information regarding the nature of consultations with affected or interested agencies. Attach and cite any copies of correspondences with local agencies and public water systems and/or any other persons or entities consulted.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• alt_boundary_emails.pdf (451.6kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:51PM
• Combined Basin Modification Notice.pdf (773kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:51PM
• Nature of Consultation.pdf (213.8kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 09:52AM
• Sample_Support_Letter Both.pdf (98.6kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 09:55AM
• Ricker_email.pdf (224.8kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:03AM

4. Provide a summary of all public meetings at which the proposed boundary modification was discussed or considered by the requesting agency. Attach and cite any copies of agendas and notices published.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• Summary of Public Meetings.pdf (146.5kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:52PM
• 01-21-16 Agenda SAGMC.pdf (78kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:52PM
• 01-21-16 SAGMC Packet_5.1attach1.pdf (1.4MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:52PM
• 08-20-15 BIG Agenda.pdf (81.7kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 08-20-15BIGMinutes_secured.pdf (124.9kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 09-17-15 SAGMC Agenda_FINAL.pdf (74kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 09-17-15 SAGMC Packet.pdf (1.2MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 11-12-15 SAGMC Agenda_secured.pdf (79.4kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 12.2.2015 Minutes_Small Water Systems Forum.pdf (203.5kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• 11-12-15 SAGMC Packet.pdf (6.3MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• City_12-08-15_agenda_item21.PDF (158.8kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• County_20160112_Agenda_item38.pdf (750.7kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• CWD_Agenda_151215.pdf (275.6kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• SAGMC Minutes 09-17-15_secured.pdf (331.6kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• SAGMC Minutes November 12 2015.pdf (111.2kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• Stakeholder_mtg_12-10-15.PDF (512.1kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM
• SWSF_Agenda_20150930.pdf (59.3kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:53PM

5. Attach a copy of all comments regarding the proposed boundary modification received by the requesting agency and a summary of any responses made by the requesting agency.

Besides letters of support or opposition from affected agencies and systems, a number of comments were received. These comments and response to comments are provided in the attached.

Attachment(s):

• Recieved Comments Complete.pdf (2.1MB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:21AM
• Purisima_MWC.pdf (794.1kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 04:54PM

G. General Existing Groundwater Management

1. Explain how sustainable groundwater management exists or could likely be achieved in the basin:

See attached

Attachment(s):

• How_sust_mgmt_exists_or_could_be_achieved.pdf (136.5kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:24AM

2. Explain how the proposed boundary modification would affect the ability of adjacent groundwater basins to sustainably manage groundwater in those groundwater basins.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• how_mod_will_affect_adj_basins.pdf (160kB) Uploaded on 03/16/2016 at 09:40AM

3. Provide a historical summary of the sustainable management of groundwater levels in the proposed basin(s) or subbasin(s).

See attached

Attachment(s):

• Historical Summary of the Sustainable Management.pdf (922.2kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 10:01AM

4. Discuss potential impacts to state programs resulting from the proposed boundary modification, including, but not limited to, the California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM), Groundwater Management Plans developed pursuant to AB 3030, Groundwater Sustainability Plans developed pursuant to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, any applicable state or regional board plans, and other water management and land use programs.

Santa Cruz County is the CASGEM reporting agency for all basins in the County and will continue to serve that role after basin modification. The County reports data for CASGEM from a number of wells in the proposed Santa Cruz Mid-County, Santa Margarita, and Pajaro Valley Basins. The County does not include wells from the proposed West Santa Cruz Terrace Basin and proposed Santa Cruz Purisima Basin, as it considers those areas unimportant as a groundwater resource. This is in line with the expected reprioritization of these two basins as low or very low priority in the 2017 update of Bulletin, discussed in G-2. The Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the proposed Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin will replace the AB 3030 Groundwater Management Plan for the area (see G-3).

H. Local Support

1. Provide any evidence that sufficient information was provided to affected agencies and systems regarding the proposed boundary modification.

Santa Cruz County emailed letters on behalf of SAGMC to affected water agencies and public water systems on December 14, 2015. The letters included a map of the proposed modifications, a link to a website with the resolution initiating the boundary modification request, the available draft of this modification request report, and the GIS files defining the proposed basin boundaries, and information on providing comments and resolutions or letters of support or opposition. A copy of the letter, cover letter, and sample letter of support is provided in the attached sheets.

Attachment(s):

• Combined Basin Modification Notice.pdf (773kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:10PM
• Sample_Support_Letter Both.pdf (98.6kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:38AM

2. Provide a list of all affected agencies and affected systems that submitted comments and/or documents in support or opposition to the proposed boundary. The agency submitting their support or opposition for a boundary modification must provide a copy of a resolution formally adopted by the decision-making body of the affected agency or system or a letter signed by an executive officer or other official with appropriate delegated authority who represents the agency or system. Attach copies of the resolution and/or signed letter detailing the support or opposition submitted.

The following affected agencies and systems provided resolutions or letters of support: Central Water District Resolution No, 11-15 City of Santa Cruz Resolution No. NS-29,035 County of Santa Cruz Resolution No. 12-2016 Soquel Creek Water District Resolution No. 15-25 Scotts Valley Water District Resolution No. 16-15 Pure Source Water Inc. January 18, 2016 Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency will consider approving a resolution of support at its Board of Directors meeting March 16, 2016. A copy of this resolution will be provided when available assuming resolutions of support can be submitted during the public comment period as indicated by DWR. (UPDATE 3/18/16: Signed resolution of support 2016-03 from Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency is uploaded.)

Attachment(s):

• CWD_Mid County Groundwater Basin Res 11_15.pdf (721.5kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• Mid Co County Resolution.pdf (529.6kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• PureSource Support for Basin Boundary Modification.pdf (132.4kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• Purisima_MWC.pdf (794.1kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• Resolution No. NS-29035 - City Supporting Basin Boundary Adjustment.pdf (444.9kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• SqCWD_15-25 signed.pdf (1MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• SVWD 16-15 Mid County Groundwater.pdf (83.3kB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:14PM
• PVWMA 2016-03 Signed.pdf (824.7kB) Uploaded on 03/18/2016 at 12:00PM

3. Provide any evidence that rebuts any opposition to the proposed boundary modification.

The attached sheets below contain responses to comments that include rebuttals to opposition to this boundary modification. Please note that the comments in the Purisima Mutual Water Company letter of opposition were addressed with the final basin boundary modification being submitted.

Attachment(s):

• Recieved Comments Complete.pdf (2.1MB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:39AM
• Purisima_MWC.pdf (794.1kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 10:39AM

I. Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model

1. Principal aquifer units within requested basin.
2. Lateral boundaries of the proposed basin, including:
   1. Geologic features that significantly impede or impact groundwater flow.
   2. Aquifer characteristics that significantly impede or impact groundwater flow.
   3. Significant geologic and hydrologic features and conditions of the principle aquifer units, as appropriate, including information regarding the confined or unconfined nature of the aquifer, facies changes, truncation of units, the presence of faults or folds that impede groundwater flow, or other groundwater flow restricting features.
   4. Key surface water bodies, groundwater divides and significant recharge sources.
3. Recharge and discharge areas within the basin.
4. Definable bottom of the basin or subbasin.

The department may waive this requirement for an internal boundary modification if the requesting agency is able to demonstrate that the proposed boundary modification is unlikely to affect sustainable groundwater management.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model.pdf (727.1kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 10:06AM

J. Technical Studies for External Scientific Modifications

1. A qualified map that depicts the lateral boundaries of the aquifers that define the basin or subbasin.

Attached is a USGS (Brabb) map of the Mid-County area. Also attached is a Figure 6 of a modeled outcrop extent from a recent conceptual model update presented in Soquel-Aptos Groundwater Flow Model: Subsurface Model Construction (HydroMetrics WRI, 2015b).

Attachment(s):

• USGS_Brabb_1997.pdf (5.6MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:18PM
• Figure 6.pdf (407.9kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 10:09AM

2. A technical study that provides subsurface data that demonstrates the vertical thickness and relevant physical properties of the alluvial aquifer or stacked series of alluvial aquifers.

Referenced documents can be found at URL at links beginning with "Appendix H." The reference list associated with the full report is also repeated here in the attachments.

URL: http://www.midcountygroundwater.org/resource-library

Attachment(s):

• Technical Information for Scientific Modifications.pdf (696.2kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 10:17AM
• Hstrat_memo_TAC_V2.pdf (7.5MB) Uploaded on 03/16/2016 at 04:54PM
• References_list.pdf (252.9kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 11:15AM

K. Technical Studies for Internal Scientific Modifications

1. A qualified map depicting structural geologic features that could significant impact or impede lateral groundwater flow.

See attached

Attachment(s):

• USGS_Brabb_1997.pdf (5.6MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:23PM
• Barriers and Impediments to Groundwater Flow.pdf (3.3MB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 11:03AM

2. Geologic and hydrologic evidence of groundwater conditions by attaching or providing a URL to any of the following:
   1. Historical and current potentiometric surface maps, groundwater levels, groundwater recharge and discharge areas of the aquifer system within the vicinity of the proposed boundary modification.
   2. Aquifer performance testing results demonstrating basin boundary condition response.
   3. Water quality information of the aquifer system including but not limited to general water quality parameters and isotopic analysis.
   4. Supporting certified geophysical studies.
   5. Any other pertinent information.

See attached. Referenced documents can be found at http://www.midcountygroundwater.org/resource-library at links beginning with "Appendix H" A list of references used in the complete report is also repeated in the attachments to this section.

Attachment(s):

• Geologic and Hydrologic Evidence of Groundwater Conditions.pdf (518.8kB) Uploaded on 03/15/2016 at 10:24AM
• References_list.pdf (252.9kB) Uploaded on 03/11/2016 at 11:38AM

L. Technical Studies for All Jurisdictional Modifications

1. A water management plan that covers or is in the immediate vicinity of the proposed basin or portion of the proposed basin and satisfies the requirement of Water Code sections 10753.7(a) or 10727 by attaching one of the following:
   1. An adopted groundwater management plan, a basin wide management plan, or other integrated regional water management program or plan.
   2. Management pursuant to an adjudication action.
   3. One or more technical studies that cover the relevant portion of a basin or subbasin and adjacent areas.

URL: http://www.midcountygroundwater.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Groundwater%20Management%20Plan%202007%20Final%20Complete%20with%20Figures.pdf

Attachment(s):

• GWMP.pdf (16.9MB) Uploaded on 03/10/2016 at 05:27PM

2. A statement of the existing and planned coordination of sustainable groundwater management activities and responsibilities where required.

SAGMC is currently undertaking the formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) to manage the consolidated basin. As the Soquel Valley and Pajaro Valley basins have been classified as critically overdrafted basin, SAGMC expects that the consolidated Santa Cruz Mid-County basin would also be a critically overdrafted basin. The GSA would be formed with the expectation that it would develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) by 2020 as required by SGMA for critically overdrafted basins. Based on its ongoing relationships with groundwater management agencies in the Santa Margarita Basin and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, SAGMC is committed to developing the inter-basin coordination agreements required for the GSP.