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GOALS AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
Table of Contents
Management
of Groundwater Supplies
Actions,
Procedures, Performance and Avoidance for Plan Implementation
Methodology
for Tracking District Progress in Achieving Management Goals
Goal
1 – Management Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Quantity of Useable
Groundwater by Encouraging the Most Efficient Use
Management
Objective 1.1: Establish a Water Level Monitoring Program
Management
Objective 1.2: Set and Enforce Maximum Allowable Production Limits
Management
Objective 1.3: Implement Well Permitting Process
Goal
2 - Management Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Quantity and Quality of
Useable Groundwater by Controlling and Preventing Contamination and Waste
Management
Objective 2.1: Establish a Water Quality Monitoring Program
Management
Objective 2.2: Assure Proper Closing, Destruction, or Re-Equipping of Wells
Management
Objective 2.3: Encourage Plugging of Abandoned Wells
Management
Objective 2.4: Control and Prevention of Water Waste
Goal
3 – Management Strategies Under Drought Conditions
Management
Objective 3.1: Curtailment of Groundwater Withdrawal
Goal
4 – Promote Water Conservation
Management
Objective 4.1: Emphasize Water Conservation Program
Goal
5 – Implementation of Public Relations and Educational Programs to Assist in
Accomplishing Goals 1 through 4
Management
Objective 5.1: Produce and Disseminate Quarterly Newsletter
Management
Objective 5.2: Provide News Releases to District Media
Management
Objective 5.3: Provide Public Information Boards at District Office
Management
Objective 5.4: Provide Public Information Displays at Fairs/Meetings
Management
Objective 5.5: Offer Public Information Access via Internet
Management
Objective 5.6: Provide Classroom Presentations
Management
Goals Not Applicable to the District
The
Control and Prevention of Subsidence
Addressing
Conjunctive Surface Water Management Issues
Addressing
Natural Resource Issues Which Impact the Use and Availability of Groundwater
and Which Are Impacted by the Use of Groundwater
Future
Activities, Plans And Programs
Management of Groundwater Supplies
The District will manage the supply of groundwater within the District in order to conserve the resource while seeking to maintain the economic viability of all resource user groups, public and private. In consideration of the economic and cultural activities occurring within the District, the District will identify and engage in such activities and practices that, if implemented, would result in a reduction of groundwater use. An observation network shall be established and maintained in order to monitor changing storage conditions of groundwater supplies within the District. The District will make a regular assessment of water supply and groundwater storage conditions and will report those conditions to the Board and to the public. The District will undertake, as necessary, and cooperate with investigations of the groundwater resources within the District and will make the results of investigations available to the public upon adoption by the Board.
The District will adopt rules to regulate groundwater withdrawals by means of spacing and production limits. The District may deny a well construction permit or limit groundwater withdrawals in accordance with the guidelines stated in the rules of the District. In making a determination to deny a permit or limit groundwater withdrawals, the District will consider the public benefit against individual hardship after considering all appropriate testimony.
The relevant factors to be considered in making a determination to deny a permit or limit groundwater withdrawals will include:
1. The purpose of the rules of the District
2. The equitable distribution of the resource
3. The economic hardship resulting from grant or denial of a permit or the terms prescribed by the permit
In pursuit of the District’s mission of protecting and managing the resource, the District may require reduction of groundwater withdrawals to amounts which will not cause harm to the aquifer. To achieve this purpose, the District may, at the Board’s discretion, amend or revoke any permits after notice and hearing. The determination to seek the amendment or revocation of a permit by the District will be based on aquifer conditions observed by the District. The District will enforce the terms and conditions of permits and the rules of the District by enjoining the permit holder in a court of competent jurisdiction as provided for in Section 36.102, Texas Water Code.
A contingency plan to cope with the effects of water supply deficits due to climatic or other conditions will be developed by the District and will be adopted by the Board after notice and hearing. In developing the contingency plan, the District will consider the economic effect of conservation measures upon all water resource user groups, the local implications of the degree and effect of changes in water storage conditions, the unique hydrogeologic conditions of the aquifers within the District and the appropriate conditions under which to implement the contingency plan.
The District will employ all technical resources at its disposal to evaluate the resources available within the District and to determine the effectiveness of regulatory or conservation measures. A public or private user may appeal to the Board for discretion in enforcement of the provisions of the water supply deficit contingency plan on grounds of adverse economic hardship or unique local conditions. The exercise of said discretion by the Board shall not be construed as limiting the power of the Board.
Actions, Procedures, Performance and Avoidance for Plan Implementation
The District will implement the provisions of this plan and will utilize the provisions of this plan as a guidepost for determining the direction or priority for all District activities. All operations of the District, all agreements entered into by the District and any additional planning efforts in which the District may participate will be consistent with the provisions of this plan.
The District will adopt rules relating to the permitting of wells and the production of groundwater. The rules adopted by the District shall be pursuant to Chapter 36, Texas Water Code and the provisions of this plan. All rules will be adhered to and enforced. The promulgation and enforcement of the rules will be based on the best technical evidence available.
The District shall treat all citizens with equality. Citizens may apply to the District for discretion in enforcement of the rules on grounds of adverse economic effect or unique local conditions. In granting of discretion to any rule, the Board shall consider the potential for adverse effect on adjacent landowners. The exercise of said discretion by the Board shall not be construed as limiting the power of the Board.
The District will seek the cooperation in the implementation of this plan and the management of groundwater supplies within the District. All activities of the District will be undertaken in cooperation and coordinated with the appropriate state, regional, and local water management entities.
Methodology for Tracking District Progress in Achieving Management Goals
The District will prepare and present an annual report to the Board of Directors on District performance with regard to achieving management goals and objectives. The presentation of the report will occur within 60 days of the end of each fiscal year. The first annual report will be prepared upon completion of the year after which the management plan is certified by the Texas Water Development Board. The report will be prepared in a format that will be reflective of the performance standards listed following each management objective. The report will include the number of instances in which each of the activities specified in the District’s management objectives was engaged in during the fiscal year. Each activity will be referenced to the estimated expenditure of staff time and budget in accomplishment of the activity. The notations of activity frequency, staff time and budget will be referenced to the appropriate performance standard for each management objective describing the activity, so that the effectiveness and efficiency of the District’s operations may be evaluated. The Board will maintain the report on file for public inspection at the District’s offices upon adoption. This methodology will apply to all management goals contained within this plan.
Goal 1 – Management Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Quantity of Useable Groundwater by Encouraging the Most Efficient Use
The District will manage the supply of groundwater within the District based on the District’s assessment of water supply and groundwater storage conditions. The District will monitor groundwater conditions closely through water level and water quality monitoring programs and will continue to maintain and update the District’s database, which was begun in 2002. Computer modeling projects may be utilized in the future which could also aid in the decision making process by this District in the management of groundwater.
The District will adopt rules to regulate groundwater withdrawals by means of spacing and production limits. In addition the District may choose to identify areas within the District which, based on its monitoring programs are potential groundwater depletion or drought sensitive areas. These areas when identified may require specific District rules to ensure that groundwater supply is maintained and protected.
Management Objective 1.1: Establish a Water Level Monitoring Program
Establish a water level monitoring network by first, identifying the wells to be monitored, and secondly, by annually measuring the depth to water in those wells; record all measurements and/or observations; enter all measurements into District’s computer data base; file specific locations of wells in the District’s filing system. Establish a baseline by using existing wells, preferably those for which the District already has some historical data, in all major and minor aquifers where wells are available.
Performance Standards
1.1.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the percent of water level monitoring wells for which measurements were recorded each year.
• the number of data records entered into District’s data base each year.
• the number of wells in the water level measurement network each year.
• the number of wells added to the network, if required, each year.
Management Objective 1.2: Set and Enforce Maximum Allowable Production Limits
Annually, the District will investigate all reports filed by District constituents, on forms provided by the District, regarding pumpage of groundwater in excess of the maximum production allowable under the District’s rules. Investigation of each occurrence shall occur within 30 days of receiving the report. Each case will be remedied in accordance with District rules.
Performance Standards
1.2.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of reports investigated each year.
• the average amount of time taken to investigate reports each year.
• the number of incidences where violations occurred and violators were required to change operations to be in compliance with District rules each year.
Management Objective 1.3: Implement Well Permitting Process
Issue water well drilling permits for the drilling and completion of non-exempt water wells in the District within 30 days of application, or as soon thereafter as possible. Randomly inspect new well drilling sites to be assured that the District’s completion and spacing standards are met. Send written notification to the well owner if the well fails to meet standards within 30 days of inspection. The Board will vote on final approval of the permit at the next scheduled meeting and insure that well completion standards have been met.
Performance Standards
1.3.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of permits issued each year in Fayette County.
• The number of on-site inspections performed of all wells for which District staff have reason to question compliance with District rules.
• the number of permits field checked each year.
• the number of letters mailed to permit applicants requesting applicant to provide additional information or make changes to comply with District rules.
• the number of these letters which result in changes to comply with District rules and the number of cases still open at year-end.
Goal 2 - Management Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Quantity and Quality of Useable Groundwater by Controlling and Preventing Contamination and Waste
Management Objective 2.1: Establish a Water Quality Monitoring Program
The District staff will obtain water quality samples for analysis from wells to be determined in order to track water quality changes in the District, and will resample a representative group of the wells sampled the previous year. The results of the tests will be published and entered in to the District’s computer data base, and will be made available to the public.
Performance Standards
2.1.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of samples collected and analyzed each year
• the percent of previously sampled wells that were sampled in the current testing year.
• the number of analyses entered into District’s computer data base each year.
Management Objective 2.2: Assure Proper Closing, Destruction, or Re-Equipping of Wells
The District staff will inspect all sites reported as being open or improperly covered in a timely manner and follow through to assure proper closing or repair.
Performance Standards
2.2.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of open, improperly covered, or deteriorated wells reported and inspected each year.
• the number of letters of notification of an open hole or deteriorated well mailed to well owners and/or operators each year.
• the number of wells the District required to be closed each year.
Management Objective 2.3: Encourage Plugging of Abandoned Wells
Field inspect each reported well abandoned or replaced, and assure proper closing under Water Well Drillers’ Rules or that the well is re-equipped in accordance with District rules.
Performance Standards
2.3.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of reported wells abandoned or replaced each year.
• the number of reported wells destroyed and noted on the topographic map each year.
• the number of reported wells re-equipped in accordance with the District’s rules each year.
Management Objective 2.4: Control and Prevention of Water Waste
The District will investigate all identified wasteful practices within a reasonable number of working days of identification or complaint received, depending upon the magnitude of the wasteful practice.
Performance Standards
2.4.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of wasteful practices identified and the average number of days District personnel took to respond or investigate after identification or complaint received.
• the actions taken to resolve the identification or complaint received.
Goal 3 – Management Strategies Under Drought Conditions
Management Objective 3.1: Curtailment of Groundwater Withdrawal
The annual amount of groundwater permitted by the District for withdrawal from the portion of the aquifers located within the District may be curtailed during periods of extreme drought in the recharge zones of the aquifers or because of other conditions that cause significant declines in groundwater surface elevations. Such curtailment may be triggered by the District’s Board based on the groundwater elevation measured in the District’s monitoring
well(s).
Performance Standards
The District shall pass rules specifying under what conditions the annual amount of groundwater permitted by the District for withdrawal from the aquifers located within the District may be curtailed.
3.1.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on any situations where the measurements obtained from the water level monitoring network were utilized to identify and anticipate, if possible, any situations that may require curtailment of groundwater withdrawal.
Goal 4 – Promote Water Conservation
Management Objective 4.1: Emphasize Water Conservation Program
The District will develop and sponsor a water conservation education curriculum, available upon request for all schools within the District. The District will utilize the methodologies listed under Goal 5 in order to raise public awareness of the necessity and importance of a water conservation program.
Performance Standards
4.1.a. Annually report to the Board of Directors on:
• the number of schools where water conservation education curriculums are presented each year.
• the number of water conservation articles presented to the public via the various methodologies outlined in Goal 5.
4.1.b. Promote and/or implement groundwater banking, recharge projects, rainwater harvesting and aquifer storage and recovery projects, where appropriate and cost-effective, to address areas with declining groundwater levels. Promotion of these projects may be accomplished through articles published in at least one of the District’s quarterly newsletters.
Goal 5 – Implementation of Public Relations and Educational Programs to Assist in Accomplishing Goals 1 through 4
Management Objective 5.1: Produce and Disseminate Quarterly Newsletter
Each year, 4 quarterly newsletters are produced for distribution to District constituents who request a free subscription, and other interested parties. Articles will strive to discuss methods to enhance and protect the quantity of usable quality ground water within the District.
Performance Standards
5.1.a. Annually document number of newsletters published.
5.1.b. Annually document the circulation of the newsletter during that year.
Management Objective 5.2: Provide News Releases to District Media
Each year, news releases discussing methods to enhance, conserve and protect the quantity of usable quality ground water are written and distributed to all print and electronic media within the District. This may also include radio public service announcements discussing methods to enhance, conserve and protect the groundwater.
Performance Standards
5.2.a. Annually document number of news releases prepared and distributed to local and regional media detailing methods to enhance and protect the quantity and quality of usable ground water within the District.
Management Objective 5.3: Provide Public Information Boards at District Office
Each year, the District makes well information, technical reports, brochures, and other printed information available to the public in the District office.
Performance Standards
5.3.a. Annually document the number of publications made available to the public via the information boards.
5.3.b. Annually document the number of the items printed and/or photocopied for public distribution.
Management Objective 5.4: Provide Public Information Displays at Fairs/Meetings
Each year, the District will place informative displays at regional fairs, farm shows, and professional meetings to address the protection and enhancement of usable quality groundwater in the District.
Performance Standards
5.4.a. Annually document the number of the displays placed at regional fairs, farm shows, and professional meetings within the District’s service area.
Management Objective 5.5: Offer Public Information Access via Internet
The District will make information about water and water conservation available to the public via its home page on the Internet. This information will be continuously updated.
Performance Standards
5.5.a. Annually document the number of “hits” the District web site receives.
Management Objective 5.6: Provide Classroom Presentations
Upon request by instructors, District staff or Board members will assist area classrooms in presenting information about ground water quality, quantity, and water conservation to public school students. The District will make films and videos on a wide-range of water-related subjects available through the District office. Eventually, the District will develop a conservation education program and its accompanying curriculum in public and/or private schools within its service area.
Performance Standards
5.6.a. Annually document the number of classroom presentations made or classroom and audio-visual materials provided.
5.6.b. Annually document the names of participating schools and any feedback from students/teachers.
Management Goals Not Applicable to the District
The Control and Prevention of Subsidence
The geologic framework, the population level, and the current groundwater demands of the District preclude any significant subsidence from occurring. This management goal is not applicable at this time to the operations of the District.
Addressing Conjunctive Surface Water Management Issues
Except as provided in Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, the District has no jurisdiction over surface water. The District shall consider the effects of surface water resources as required by Section 36.113 and other state law.
Since the District’s boundaries fall within the bounds of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the District will establish communications and share information with LCRA, as well as with the Cummins Creek Water Control and Improvement Project. These two entities are now receiving the District’s quarterly newsletter. Additionally, the District will regularly invite these two entities to the District Board meetings, and a District representative will attend at least one of their meetings per year.
Addressing Natural Resource Issues Which Impact the Use and Availability of Groundwater and Which Are Impacted by the Use of Groundwater
This management goal is not applicable to the operations of the District, as there are at this time no known natural resource issues which impact groundwater in Fayette County. However, there is a concern about the possibility of oil and gas contamination. The District will investigate any reported contamination and work with the Railroad Commission to insure that any contamination is minimized or eliminated.
Future Activities, Plans And Programs
The District is always open for suggestions which will help in the conservation and protection of water. This section of the Management Plan is provided to identify plans, programs, services, and activities the District may develop in the future. Some of the items included in this list may be in some stage of development only through the association it may have with current activities of the District. Other items may only be suggestions and never be developed. All activities, plans and programs of the District have been developed after consideration and approval of the Board based on the benefit to the residents and the financial and staff capabilities of the District. The items listed below are not in any particular order of preference or need.
• Enhance and/or develop mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities,
• Develop groundwater modeling capabilities,
• Develop display of water quality and quantity information,
• Expand or enhance water level and water quality observation well program as needed,
• Develop additional public education programs,
• Develop additional public school education programs,
• Develop more extensive library of groundwater data,
• Develop additional exchange of information between the District and water well drillers and pump installers,
• Develop or acquire new or revised pamphlets, publications or brochures for distribution.
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