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Groundwater authority and Searls Valley Minerals announce settlement, pledge to implement sustainability plan
Summary
At the Nov. 19 Ridgecrest City Council meeting staff read a statement that the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority and Searls Valley Minerals reached a settlement resolving certain lawsuits and agreeing to work with the authority to implement the valley's groundwater sustainability plan; some residents demanded the settlement be posted for review.
Councilmember Hammond read a statement at the Nov. 19 meeting announcing a settlement between the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) and Searls Valley Minerals, saying both sides had "reached a comprehensive settlement agreement marking a significant step toward achieving groundwater sustainability in the Indian Wells Valley." The statement said the companies dropped and dismissed, with prejudice, separate lawsuits and that Searls agreed not to challenge the scientific and technical findings of the valley's mandated groundwater sustainability plan and will instead work with the authority to implement the plan.
The release said Searls will coordinate where and how it acquires water for its operations and that the city of…
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