Water Action Plan Committee Workshop
The Governance Committee Water Action Plan Workshop began at 1:30 p.m. The objective of the Water Action Plan Workshop with the Governance Committee was introduced by the WMC Chair, which was to establish the process for the development of the Water Action Plan. The time line was reviewed. The draft Water Conservation/Supply Reconnaissance Study ("the Reconnaissance Study") Report is due August 9 (final due October 15, 1999). The draft Water Action Plan is scheduled for completion by December 13, 1999 (final due January 10, 1000). Work to develop the Water Action Plan can begin once the draft Reconnaissance Study Report is available.
Mr. Dwyer, of Boyle Engineering, gave the same presentation regarding the short list of alternatives that he presented at the state meetings held in June. Following the presentation, the Executive Director chaired/moderated the remainder of the workshop.
The agenda item regarding potential considerations that may need to be addressed in the development of a Water Action Plan was reviewed and discussed. It was suggested the bullet item "Economics versus politics" be changed to "Cost effectiveness" with subtopics such as social, economics, environmental, proportionality, other considerations, etc. The subject of proportionality was discussed. While no percentages of water from each state were set, it was recognized the drafters of the draft Water Action Plan need to consider the issue of proportionality. Proportionality will be further addressed in the final Water Action Plan, if the proportions in the draft Water Action Plan are not adequate.
The draft Water Action Plan will be formulated using the time period 1975-1994. The effects of low water supply conditions on the alternatives' average yields were discussed. It is anticipated the "grading" of the Water Action Plan may incorporate a longer time period or some other analysis to examine these effects.
Peer review of the Water Action Plan was discussed. The question of whether the Water Action Plan fits the technical requirements to be peer reviewed was raised. The decision to peer review the Water Action Plan was deferred to a later date.
No other items for consideration in the development of the Water Action Plan were identified. This list of items for consideration will be referred to by those selected to draft the Water Action Plan when preparing the initial Water Action Plan.
After a break for 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the workshop continued with the discussion of who drafts the Water Action Plan. It was identified the states' contract with Boyle Engineering provides funds ($110,000) for Boyle to provide technical assistance during the development of the Water Action Plan. This assistance includes performing additional analysis, answering questions, and preparing a Water Action Plan report. It was also recognized the group formed to draft the Water Action Plan must have the appropriate authority and commitment of time, if the Water Action Plan is to be developed as scheduled. After considerable discussion, it was decided to form a committee to draft the Water Action Plan. The committee will consist of:
- Working group appointed by members of the Governance Committee with John Lawson as Chair;
- 10 members (one appointed by each member of the Governance Committee by August 2, 1999, including the Chair); and
- Working group is open to participation to all interested parties.
The names of the designees are to be submitted to the Executive Director by August 2, 1999, with copies to the Governance Committee Chair and John Lawson.
Concern was expressed with regard to creating another group to develop the Water Action Plan when the structure already exists in the WMC for such a task. The above approach to formulating a Water Action Plan will be revisited as an agenda item to the Governance Committee meeting on July 14 to provide the Governance Committee members the opportunity to further discuss this proposed approach amongst themselves.
The remaining agenda items not addressed at the workshop were delegated to the Water Action Plan Committee. These agenda (refer to enclosed agenda) items included:
- Process for approval of the Action Plan
- Potential schedule for drafting and approving the Action Plan;
- Format for developing the Action Plan;
- Format and level of detail of the Action Plan; and
- Assistance.
The Governance Committee will approve the final Water Action Plan.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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