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Advisory board reviews updated Blackwater scoping study on MID settlement; legal review of MID MOU to be handled by outside counsel
Summary
The Water Agency Advisory Board reviewed an updated Blackwater Engineering scoping study on the MID settlement and was asked to forward questions to staff; county staff said outside counsel will be retained to review a related MID MOU.
Mariposa County’s Water Agency Advisory Board received an updated scoping study from Blackwater Engineering on the MID settlement water‑allocation options and was asked to submit questions and comments to staff for a planned follow-up presentation.
Sam Servini, who presented the update, said Blackwater’s latest draft (February 2025) expands sections on fish hatcheries and groundwater infiltration at the board’s request and that the advisory board should forward technical comments to staff member Tenille for consolidation.
“This is basically the second draft of this scoping study,” Servini said. “The board can review it, they can send comments and questions to Tenille, and we will move those forward to Blackwater for response.”
Members discussed whether the scoping phase is complete or whether further edits would be prudent. Staff cautioned that repeatedly revising the scoping study would consume funds intended for a later feasibility study; the recommended next step is for the advisory board to identify one or more scoping items it wishes to pursue with a feasibility study.
Separately, the board discussed a proposed MID memorandum of understanding (MOU) that is under legal review. County staff said an item will be placed on the Board of Supervisors agenda to retain outside counsel to perform the review; the retention process will take time and the review is expected to take several weeks.
“We have an upcoming board item to retain an attorney to do that,” a county staff member said. “It’s gonna take some time… 60 days at least, to get that person onboard, get them familiar with the MID settlement, familiar with the proposal.”
Members asked Blackwater to attend the board’s May meeting to present the scoping study and answer clarifying questions directly. The advisory board did not adopt a formal motion to move the scoping study to final at the meeting but directed staff to gather comments and to schedule Blackwater for the next meeting if members want direct responses.
