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Tule Subbasin probation, GSA reconfigurations discussed by Tulare County Water Commission
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Summary
Commissioners discussed the Tule Subbasin's probation status, public agencies' moves to form standalone GSAs to avoid state fees and reporting under the State Water Resources Control Board's good-actor provision, and facilitation assistance from DWR for unresolved issues.
Tulare County commissioners discussed ongoing state oversight of groundwater sustainability in the Tule Subbasin and local agency responses to avoid state intervention.
County staff reported that the Tule Subbasin remains in probation while neighboring basins such as the Coachella Basin (noted in the meeting as having avoided probation) proceed with corrective measures. Staff said many public agencies previously participating in the East Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) are planning to form standalone GSAs to avoid fines or reporting obligations tied to the State Water Resources Control Board's use of the good-actor provisions.
Commissioners and staff described a mix of actions: some GSAs are using facilitation services from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to address specific technical and policy issues; some public agencies are preparing the organizational changes needed to leave the East Tule JPA-based GSA and become independent GSAs; and county staff said the remaining public agencies are determining how to move forward under probation.
One county staffer noted the state board had used one of two available exemptions to exempt some GSAs from fees and reporting and that other GSAs are still working to meet the requirements necessary to avoid resumed probationary enforcement. Commissioners expressed concern about time: staff noted the county has already used several months since the probationary hearing and that the clock is running on making demonstrable progress to stave off state intervention.
No formal actions or votes were taken; the discussion was an informational update on the status of local GSAs and state oversight in the Tule Subbasin.
