B. Description of Proposed Boundary Modification

1. Short Description

   A jurisdictional basin subdivision of the Paso Robles Area Subbasin at the Monterey County line.
2. Type of basin boundary revision

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

   This request proposes to subdivide the Paso Robles Area Subbasin of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin along the Monterey County line. This jurisdictional basin boundary revision will improve the likelihood of sustainable groundwater management by allowing each County to separate peripheral, county-specific, issues from the implementation of the SGMA.

   Attachment(s):
4. List the existing basin(s)/subbasin(s) to be modified by this request

   • 3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA
5. Provide the proposed name for the new basin(s) or subbasin(s)

   North Paso Robles Area subbasin

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)
   Templeton Community Services District	3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA
   Heritage Ranch Community Service District	3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA
   Monterey County Water Resources Agency	3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA
   	3-004.05 SALINAS VALLEY - UPPER VALLEY AQUIFER , 3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA
   	3-004.06 SALINAS VALLEY - PASO ROBLES AREA

2. Does this application include a combination of requests?

   No

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):

• Agency Act.pdf (106.2kB) Uploaded on 03/30/2016 at 04:35PM

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

Attachment(s):

• BoardOrder_Resolution16-078.pdf (1.1MB) Uploaded on 03/30/2016 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):

• InitialNotification_PasoRoblesAreaMap.pdf (1.2MB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 01:03PM

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

Attachment(s):

• PasoRoblesArea.zip (24kB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 01:48PM

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

Attachment(s):

• SanLuisObispoCountyFCWCD.zip (89.3kB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 10:37AM

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

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency has determined that this basin boundary modification request does not constitute a project under CEQA and will not have a direct physical change on the environment.

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.

The proposed Paso Robles Area Subbasin is bordered on the north by the Upper Valley Aquifer Subbasin, on the east by the Temblor Range, on the west by the Santa Lucia Range, and the southern boundary of the basin will coincide with the Monterey County line.

F. Notice and Consultation

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

Attachment(s):

• BasinBoundaryNotificationList.pdf (6.8kB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 01:59PM

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

A list of stakeholders within the Paso Robles Area Subbasin was obtained from staff at the San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works. The list, which had been compiled for the purposes of identifying GSA-eligible entities, included local agencies, water corporations regulated by the PUC, mutual water companies, and public water systems, among others. The Monterey County Water Resources Agency used this list to identify interested parties and affected agencies/systems for notification of basin boundary modification activities.

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.

A letter was mailed to local agencies, water corporations, mutual water companies, and public water systems on March 31, 2016. Verbal communications with staff from San Luis Obispo County also occurred on multiple occasions in the preceding months.

Attachment(s):

• SGMA_PasoRoblesBasinBoundary_NotificationLetter.pdf (274.3kB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 01:07PM

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.

The proposed basin boundary modification was discussed at four public meetings: two meetings of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors (February 23 and March 22, 2016); one meeting of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (February 29, 2016); and one meeting of the Basin Management Planning Committee of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (March 9, 2016).

Attachment(s):

• 02-23-16_BOS.pdf (201.3kB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 12:53PM
• 02-29-16_BOD.pdf (1.2MB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 12:53PM
• 03-09-16_BMP.pdf (8.4MB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 12:54PM
• 03-22-16_BOS.pdf (165.5kB) Uploaded on 03/31/2016 at 12:54PM
• 01-25-16_BOD.pdf (1.3MB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 08:57AM

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.

Attachment(s):

• BasinBoundaryComment.pdf (8.1MB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 08:53AM

G. General Existing Groundwater Management

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

Sustainable groundwater management can be achieved by implementing activities and projects that maintain and improve groundwater levels, including but not limited to: reducing groundwater pumping; increasing overall water supply; increasing water reuse or recycled water supply; protecting and increasing groundwater recharge; and, limiting future increases in groundwater pumping. Sustainable groundwater management can also be achieved by protecting water quality in the confined aquifer by ensuring proper construction of groundwater wells. Protection of adverse impacts to surface water will involve monitoring river stage and unconfined aquifers near the Salinas River and evaluating the potential impact of agricultural return flows on groundwater quality.

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

The proposed boundary modification will allow the GSA within each county to design and implement projects on a scale that is appropriate for the size of the subbasin, while still maintaining a level of coordination between the basins. Having slightly smaller subbasins that are contained within one county will enhance opportunities for stakeholder involvement, allowing the GSA to obtain input for sustainable groundwater management objectives and facilitating communication between the GSA and local communities, which will be essential for implementing sustainable groundwater management.

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

Groundwater level monitoring within the proposed basin has a long history, which will continue in both the unconfined and confined aquifer systems. The Bradley and North Gabilan Subareas of the Paso Robles Area Subbasin lie within the proposed North Paso Robles Area Subbasin. Groundwater levels in the Bradley Subarea do not indicate substantial declines. Maintaining high groundwater levels in this area will involve continued monitoring and reporting and possibly considerations to reestablish a cloud seeding program in the area. Within the North Gabilan Subarea, there is limited groundwater level data, but no groundwater problems or issues have been identified in the subarea. Continued monitoring and reporting on groundwater levels in this area will help to inform sustainable management.

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.

Reporting for CASGEM is not expected to be impacted. Currently, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency reports CASGEM data for the Monterey County portion of the Paso Robles Area Subbasin; reporting for the remainder of the subbasin is covered by the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. Since this boundary modification will subdivide the Paso Robles Area subbasin along the County line, monitoring and reporting for CASGEM will continue as it has in the past.

H. Local Support

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

Attachment(s):

• SGMA_PasoRoblesBasinBoundary_NotificationLetter.pdf (274.3kB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:00AM

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.

To date, no agencies have submitted comments or documents.

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

To date, no agencies have submitted comments or documents.

4. Subdivision basin boundary modification requests provide information demonstrating that the proposed boundary modification is supported by at least three-fourths of the local agencies and public water systems in the affected basins. Attach supporting documents or outline supporting evidence below.

To date, no agencies have submitted comments or documents.

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.

Attachment(s):

• PRB-Modeling Update-Executive Summary.pdf (1.5MB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:52AM
• PRB-Modeling Update-Final Report.pdf (4.3MB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:52AM
• NorthPasoRoblesArea_HydrogeologicConceptualModel.pdf (369.9kB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:31AM

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.

Attachment(s):

• 201103 - Paso Basin Final GMP.pdf (14.3MB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:06AM

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

The GSA for the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin, which will include the North Paso Robles Area Subbasin, will coordinate sustainable groundwater management activities with whichever entity becomes the GSA for the portion of the Paso Robles Area that lies within San Luis Obispo County.

M. Technical Studies for Jurisdictional Subdivision Modifications

1. Groundwater level monitoring programs, historical and current groundwater level trends, and areas of significant groundwater level declines.
2. Groundwater quality issues within the proposed and existing basin that may impact the supply of usable groundwater, including a map of known impacted sites and areas, mitigation measures planned or in place, and a description of the impact to the water budget.
3. Inelastic land surface subsidence within the proposed and existing basin including a map of known subsidence areas, historical trends within known land subsidence areas, and a description of impacts to the basin or subbasin water budget.
4. Groundwater-surface water interactions within the proposed and existing basin demonstrated through maps and/or a written description.
5. A map identifying the recharge areas in the proposed and existing basin.

Attachment(s):

• GWLDiscussion.pdf (756.1kB) Uploaded on 04/01/2016 at 09:44AM