County to monitor transfers of water

Glenn County is moving toward a groundwater protection ordinance that could regulate out-of-county transfers.

Supervisor Leigh McDaniel brought the proposed ordinance to the board last week when it received its preliminary review.

McDaniel said the board members seemed "comfortable" with the way the draft ordinance is put together and asked the county's water advisory committee to review it.

It will come back to the supervisors in the future for public hearings and possible adoption, he said on Tuesday.

This ordinance, if approved, would work in conjunction with the county's groundwater management plan.

The plan is designed to establish a groundwater monitoring program to address water levels and water quality, to establish an effective groundwater policy and foster prudent groundwater management practices, county officials said.

It was adopted in 2000, but an implementation schedule was not included at that time, officials said.

The objective of this groundwater ordinance is to develop monitoring and management plans of not only the groundwater, but surface water transfers or exports so that they do not adversely impact Glenn County's groundwater supplies.

County officials suggest the proposed ordinance create mechanisms for resolving the impacts and disputes related to direct groundwater transfers between affected parties and that the county's groundwater needs are protected.

Upon approval, the supervisors will periodically review the ordinance and make modifications as needed, the draft document said.

Its purpose also is to ensure the continued availability of groundwater for residential and agricultural use and ensure its extraction does not exceed safe yields.

The draft document also says a lack of groundwater management could lead to lower groundwater levels and increased energy consumption. Increased cost of deepening existing wells and the prospect of new wells being drilled deeper at higher costs.

Other negative consequences include damage to public roads, bridges and canals, and the drying up of surface and subsurface flows leading to the loss or potential loss of riparian and wetland habitat, officials wrote.

Degradation of groundwater quality and the agricultural economy and rural lifestyle of Glenn County residents is cited as well.

Various committees will be involved in the monitoring and implementation of the ordinance to include representatives various county offices, state and federal agencies and the different water districts in Glenn County along with Orland and Willows representatives.

More details will be available when hearings are scheduled.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.