Panel requests CV‑SWAT presentation, seeks anonymized data transparency and agrees next steps

Panelists told staff they want early exposure to the models and data pipelines that coalitions use to convert grower reports into estimated leaching. Thomas and others explained that in the Central Valley coalitions take growers' A and R reports, select a CV‑SWAT simulation that matches local soil, crop and management conditions, and estimate leaching from that simulation; the modeling output then informs groundwater assessments.

"These modeling tools provide a lot of flexibility," Thomas said; he and multiple panelists urged the staff to invite a CV‑SWAT presentation soon so the panel can assess how model outputs relate to A‑minus‑R reporting. Panelists also raised transparency concerns: panelists said Central Coast anonymized dashboards that allow public viewing of anonymized field‑level A‑minus‑R data are useful for building trust, and they asked staff to explore similar anonymized public access for other regions.

On process, State Water Board staff (Annalisa Kiher) said the panel should aim for a December draft to permit a 30‑day public review, or use Jan. 14 as a workshop to review public comments and then finalize the report in February or March. Panelists agreed to volunteer two‑person drafting teams to prepare question responses and to review drafts live at subsequent meetings.

Attribution: Quotes and paraphrases are taken from the panel meeting transcript and include staff and panelists who spoke during the discussion.