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Groundwater authority and Searls Valley Minerals announce settlement, pledge to implement sustainability plan
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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 Ridgecrest will make available approximately 2,000 acre-feet per year of recycled, nonpotable water to replace a comparable volume of high-quality groundwater now used for industrial processes. The announcement also noted the county of San Bernardino pledged "several million dollars" to support drinking water for the community of Trona.
The settlement was described by the statement as preserving the option for Searls to continue participation in adjudication of permanent water rights while ensuring cooperation on regional replenishment and reclaimed-water projects designed to reduce reliance on potable groundwater.
Some residents who called into the meeting expressed skepticism and asked for transparency. Caller Mike Veil said he would not accept the announcement until the authority posted the actual settlement document: "I don't believe what's actually all of that that's been said until I see the actual settlement document," he said on the record and asked that the GA publish the text on its website. Other commenters alleged the agreement relieved Searls of past replenishment-fee obligations; at least one caller requested that the GA and city release the settlement language so the public could verify financial and legal terms.
Council members framed the announcement as a positive step that reduces litigation expense and could conserve substantial legal costs for the agency and its ratepayers. Councilmember Hammond and colleagues said the dismissal of certain lawsuits will save money that otherwise would have been spent on legal defense. Councilmembers also noted the settlement helps move implementation forward on a large and technically complex pipeline/replenishment project that remains a long-term undertaking for the region.
Next steps noted during the meeting: the news release would be published, and council and staff said they would follow up to ensure the settlement document and supporting materials are made available to the public through the Groundwater Authority's channels. Several callers and councilmembers requested the authority post the settlement language and any associated implementation agreements so citizens could review specific obligations and any financial implications for ratepayers or Measure P funds.
