Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/467731
9 2 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a r - A p r 2 015 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m ter basins are identified, which will change the practical use and value of such rights. + Well owners will certainly be required to register their wells and will need to file periodic reports on groundwater produc- tion. They will likely be required to file reports on groundwater qual- ity and other parameters as well. There may also be de minimis exceptions for low-yield wells. + Producers will likely be charged a fee by the GSA to support the groundwater regulatory structure, and will need to spend funds to meet the expected monitoring and reporting requirements. + Well owners will be required to comply with all ordinances, rules and regulations established by the basin GSA and will face enforcement action if they do not. a 50-year period and it thereafter requires all of the GSPs to conform to this standard, thereby reduc- ing in many basins the amount of groundwater available for use. It is too early to know exactly wheth- er, when and where this scenario might play out. PRACTICAL IMPACTS Although the exact nature and e x t e n t o f f u t u r e g r o u n d w a t e r extraction limits in particular basins is impossible to fully identify at this time, some predictions about the new law can be made: + The law will likely lead to limita- tions on a landowner's right to extract groundwater in medium- and high-priority basins. + Existing groundwater rights will likely be conditioned in the future as adverse impacts to groundwa- Stay tuned for further develop- ments as this complicated ground- water regime is implemented by California's state agencies and the newly formed GSAs. Califor- nia's groundwater users and many others will be closely tracking whether this new regime effec- tively meets the goals of providing reliable groundwater supplies and promoting sustainable groundwa- ter use. Buzz Hines and Skip Spaulding are environmental law partners at Farella Braun + Martel LLP. Both frequently assist wine industry cli- ents with environmental law coun- seling and compliance advice. For more information, send an e-mail to rhines@fbm.com or sspaulding@ fbm.com, or visit www.fbm.com. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. Implementation of the new law will take time. During this ramp-up period, there are a number of avenues to pursue to stay abreast of developments and possibly help shape the eventual implementa- tion of this legislation. First, monitor DWR public notices and join appli- cable listserves. Doing so will provide information on DWR efforts to prioritize groundwater basins, and will also provide current information on DWR's progress on development of GSPs, Alternative Management Plans (AMPs) and best management practices. Second, get involved in the local GSA process. There will be publically noticed initial hearings and meetings before the GSAs are formed. For some, it may make sense to seek appointment to the local GSA, or to become involved in applicable GSA advi- sory committees. Third, associate with stewardship councils, watershed organizations and industry associations that will help provide information and shape policy and regulatory direction. Finally, because groundwater sustainability will continue to be a key issue in local land use planning and decision-making, these forums will provide opportunities to be involved and track progress under the new legislation. – B.H. and S.S. HOW TO GET INVOLVED 40th Anniversary Celebration – Save 40%! Vineyard & Winery Management magazine is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. In honor of that milestone, we're passing a special offer on to you. Sign up today or renew for a two-year subscription and you'll save 40%. www.vwmmedia.com/subscribe40 40th 20 NORTH AMERICA'S LEADING INDEPENDENT WINE TRADE PUBLICATION NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 WWW.VWMMEDIA.COM