Proposal to Prepare
GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OWENS VALLEY GROUNDWATER BASIN
Prepared for
County of Inyo Water Department
Prepared by
William R. Hutchison Independent Groundwater Consultant
July 2018
Cover Letter July 30, 2018
Mr. Bob Harrington, Director Inyo County Water Department 135 S. Jackson Street Independence, California 93526
Subject: LSCE Team Proposal for Support Services to Develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin
Dear Mr. Harrington:
Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers (LSCE), in association with TEAM Engineering and Management Inc., Dr. Bill Hutchison, Pacific Agroecology, Consensus and Collaboration Program (CCP), and ERA Economics (ERA) are pleased to submit this proposal in response to the June 20, 2018 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop a single Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin. To assist the Owens Valley Groundwater Authority (OVGA, exclusive GSA for the Basin) with the development of a GSP, we have assembled this team of highly experienced firms. LSCE will serve as the prime contractor; TEAM will provide local support for many tasks in the scope; Bill Hutchison will support tasks relating to water budget analyses and lead the task related to evaluation of existing groundwater flow models and recommendations; Pacific Agroecology (PAE) will support tasks related to outreach to beneficial users, particularly as related to groundwater dependent ecosystems and fish habitat and ecological considerations; the Consensus and Collaboration Program (CCP) group will lead the preparation of a public engagement plan and activities necessary to comply with SGMA requirements for public outreach and communication; and ERA will prepare a cost and rate study and provide a preliminary evaluation of the economic and financial feasibility of projects and potential management actions.
This proposal includes a scope and budget for developing a GSP to fulfill the requirements of the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the GSP regulations. We also recognize the critical need for the GSP to be compatible with the Inyo County/Los Angeles Long- Term Water Agreement. The proposed scope closely follows the tasks outlined in the RFQ complemented by two potential optional elements described in greater detail.
We anticipate working closely with the OVGA to prepare the GSP, including to scale the GSP content to the budget as needed to align with available funding. The information presented in this proposal addresses the required information as delineated in the RFQ, and the table of contents in the proposal identifies the proposal’s main sections and organization.
The firms comprising the LSCE Team have a long history work in and familiarity with the Owens Valley.
• LSCE’s experience in Owens Valley includes historical projects (late 1980s and 1990s) involving monitoring well construction, aquifer testing to assess impacts of proposed pumping on water levels and spring flow in a wetlands area, and utilizing a groundwater
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin
flow model developed by Dr. Bill Hutchison when he served as Inyo County’s hydrologist and subsequently was a hydrologist at LSCE. LSCE was involved in the development of groundwater management plans for the water resources of the Owens Valley with the objective of protecting the environmental resources of the Valley while providing for surface and groundwater development for export to Los Angeles. • TEAM was founded in 1987 in Bishop, California and has served clients in the Eastern Sierra and the Owens Valley for more than 30 years and continues to do so. • Dr. Hutchison brings substantial knowledge of the historical hydrology of the Owens Valley and technical procedures that have been implemented for nearly 30 years as part of the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement. • PAE’s experience in the Owens Valley region includes development of three regional geodatabases and subsequent analyses for plant species distributions, fish species distributions, and meadow delineations. Dr. David Herbst, PAE Research Biologist, has conducted numerous aquatic habitat studies in the Owens Valley from 1997 through 2012, including Owens Lake basin seeps and springs and flood irrigated ponds and wetlands, stream bioassessment surveys, and surveys of the Upper Owens River related to the distribution of non-native New Zealand Mud Snail. • CCP has facilitated the Owens lakebed advisory committee to help refine a proposed “master project” for the lakebed that would include dust control, habitat enhancement, surface water conservation by accessing groundwater for a portion of the dust control, and public access and recreation elements. CCP has facilitated and managed the GSA formation in Owens Valley. Some team members have offices located in or near the Owens Valley enabling close coordination during GSP development. The LSCE Team will successfully perform the broad range of services that will be critical for the development of a SGMA-compliant GSP and establish the framework for effective long-term management of groundwater resources in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin.
We very much appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal.
______
Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, President Peter Leffler, PG, CHG, Principal Hydrogeologist (530) 661-0109 Project Manager for Owens Valley Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin
Table of Contents
Cover Letter ...... 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 A. Team Firms ...... 2 B. Team Staff ...... 7 C. Recent Experience ...... 16 D. Scope ...... 28 E. Schedule ...... 50 F. Budget ...... 52 G. References ...... 57 H. Meeting Deadlines ...... 60 I. Disclosure ...... 60 J. County of Inyo Contract Acceptance ...... 61 K. Additional Information ...... 61 L. Project Proposal Signatures: ...... 61 Appendix A: Key Staff Resumes ...... 62 Appendix B: LSCE Team Firm Fee Schedules ...... 63
INTRODUCTION LSCE Team Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers (LSCE), in association with TEAM Engineering and Management Inc. (TEAM), Dr. Bill Hutchison, Pacific Agroecology (PAE), Collaboration and Consensus Program (CCP), and ERA Economics (ERA) have assembled this team to provide the County of Inyo Water Department with support services to develop a single Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin on behalf of the Owens Valley Groundwater Authority (OVGA). The LSCE Team understands the OVGA is a joint powers authority formed to implement the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin, and intends to develop a single comprehensive, regulatory compliant GSP for the entire Basin. The OVGA is in the process of becoming the designated, exclusive Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for the entire Basin (notice posted June 27, 2018). While the OVGA attains status as the exclusive GSA, the contract to prepare the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP will be with the County of Inyo Water Department. Recognizing the OVGA intends to become the exclusive GSA, the LSCE Team refers to the OVGA as the designated GSA.
The LSCE Team understands that the OVGA GSA seeks the necessary support to complete technical work and corresponding outreach to develop a compliant, effective, and defensible GSP. Our team is comprised of highly experienced firms with expertise relating to water resources analysis and management. The LSCE Team is pleased to bring a long history of work conducted in the Owens Valley, extending from many decades ago to today. Our team is highly familiar with the provisions of
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 1
SGMA through extensive involvement in SGMA-related work in groundwater basins across California, and we understand the essential requirements that will need to be completed to prepare a complete and successful GSP on behalf of the OVGA.
LSCE will serve as the prime contractor; TEAM will provide local support for many tasks in the scope; Dr. Bill Hutchison will support tasks relating to water budget analyses and will lead the task related to The LSCE Team is pleased to bring a long evaluation of existing groundwater flow models and history of work conducted in the Owens Valley, recommendations; Pacific Agroecology will support tasks related to outreach to beneficial users, extending from many decades ago to today. particularly as related to groundwater dependent Our team is highly familiar with the provisions ecosystems and fish habitat and ecological of SGMA through extensive involvement in considerations; CCP will lead the preparation of a SGMA-related work in groundwater basins public engagement plan and activities necessary to comply with SGMA requirements for public outreach across California, and we understand the and communication; and ERA will prepare a cost essential requirements that will need to be and rate study and provide a preliminary evaluation completed to prepare a complete and of the economic and financial feasibility of projects successful GSP on behalf of the OVGA. and potential management actions.
A. Team Firms The LSCE Team is highly familiar with the provisions of SGMA through extensive involvement in SGMA-related work in groundwater basins across California. This section is organized to include the following:
• Team firm descriptions
• Project contact information
• Team familiarity with Owens Valley Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers (LSCE) Formed in 1980, LSCE is a consulting company with 43 staff persons, with the main office located in Woodland, California. LSCE’s focus is on the investigation, development, use, protection, and management of groundwater resources. LSCE professional staff are experienced in all aspects of groundwater ranging from hydrogeologic interpretation, hydrologic modeling, GIS, and database design, to well and pump station design and construction. LSCE provides a full complement of groundwater resources services, including conjunctive use planning, artificial recharge, analyses of groundwater - surface water (GW-SW) interaction, land subsidence analyses, groundwater modeling, water budget development, and basin safe/sustainable yield determination. LSCE routinely conducts analyses for water budget development and hydrogeologic characterizations, similar to those required for GSP
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development. LSCE’s hydrologic modeling capabilities are a result of extensive experience in the development, calibration, application, and analysis of groundwater flow and transport models (analytical, numerical, and empirical). A sound conceptual understanding of the hydrogeologic system is critical to the success of a hydrologic modeling project, and LSCE excels in hydrogeologic interpretation and conceptualization. Additionally, LSCE’s experience in regional characterization of groundwater conditions and understanding of the many geologic, hydrologic, legal, and institutional factors affecting groundwater provide a vital perspective for groundwater management projects.
LSCE’s experience in Owens Valley includes historical projects involving monitoring well construction, aquifer testing to assess impacts of pumping at a project on water levels and spring flow in a wetlands area, and utilization of a groundwater flow model developed by Dr. Bill Hutchison when he served as Inyo County’s hydrologist and subsequently was a hydrologist at LSCE. LSCE, and especially Dr. Hutchison, were involved in the development of groundwater management plans for the water resources of the Owens Valley with the objective of protecting the environmental resources of the Valley while providing for surface and groundwater development for export to Los Angeles. The analyses and models developed included a groundwater budget for the entire Valley (which included development of recharge estimates), development of empirical models of groundwater levels, development of finite-difference models of groundwater flow, development of concepts related to hydrologic management of the system under environmental constraints, and efforts to develop a simulation model of the entire Los Angeles Aqueduct system that included both surface and groundwater components in order to assess conjunctive management opportunities.
In 1989, the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) retained LSCE to assist in the engineering aspects of designing wells, pump stations and a delivery system to test the effectiveness of applying water to the surface of Owens Dry Lake as a fugitive dust control measure. Similar to the site evaluations conducted at two Vulcan/Lake Minerals sites, a program of test hole drilling, geologic and geophysical logging, multiple completion monitoring well design and construction, and production well design, construction and testing was completed to determine well yields and aquifer characteristics at three sites on the lake bed. Based on those findings, permanent pumping capacities were selected and facilities were designed to deliver water through a transmission pipeline across approximately four miles of the lakebed to a sprinkler application system for the testing of dust control measures. Subsequent groundwater assessment included observation and analysis of aquifer response to intermittent pumping for short periods prior to and during wind events on the lakebed.
See www.lsce.com for more information about the firm. LSCE Team Partners Complementing the experience of LSCE is a team of highly qualified firms that has joined to assist in completing the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP. Each firm on the LSCE Team serves specific roles in the GSP preparation. TEAM is locally based and experienced in water resources and biological issues and interests in the Basin and will assist in the performance of many GSP tasks. Dr. Bill Hutchison brings substantial knowledge of the historical hydrology of the Owens Valley and technical procedures that have been implemented for nearly 30 years as part of the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement. He will lead the groundwater model review tasks and support various other tasks. PAE will
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 3
assist in evaluation of ecosystem impacts related to potential surface water depletion issues and groundwater dependent ecosystems. CCP is deeply familiar with the water resources issues in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin and will assist with public outreach and meeting facilitation. ERA Economics will prepare a cost and rate study and will assist in the economic analysis of projects and management actions.
TEAM was founded in 1987 in Bishop, California and has served clients in the Eastern Sierra and the Owens Valley for more than 30 years. TEAM has worked on more than 400 diverse projects for over 160 clients to resolve complex regulatory compliance challenges and navigate permitting and environmental compliance requirements. During that time we have established a reputation for responding to our clients’ needs by providing high-caliber professional services in a timely and cost- effective manner. TEAM’s professionals, the majority of which are long-time residents of Inyo and Mono Counties, provide a range of environmental, technical, engineering, and management consulting specialties. Our projects have included numerous groundwater monitoring projects in the Eastern Sierra including projects for Inyo County, Mono County, Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District, Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, Coso Operating Company, and Crystal Geyser Roxane. Our Eastern Sierra clients have found that with our primary office in Bishop, TEAM is positioned to respond to their needs quickly and cost-effectively. TEAM’s vast experience with groundwater monitoring projects and land use in the Owens Valley and surrounding areas, as well as their understanding of the multiple stakeholders and unique jurisdictional relationships in the area, will provide value to the project team proposed herein.
Dr. Hutchison is a hydrogeologist with over 35 years of experience and is based in Texas. He has extensive experience in the development and application of groundwater flow and transport models. His current and previous work has included quantifying the impacts of groundwater pumping on evapotranspiration from phreatophytes, spring flow, induced stream flow, and captured subsurface outflow. From 1985 to 2001, Dr. Hutchison completed several hydrogeologic assignments in the Owens Valley and the surrounding area, many of which involved the development and application of groundwater models. A technical hallmark of the Inyo County/LA Long-Term Water Agreement is the Green Book (a key Technical Appendix to the Water Agreement that describes the technical procedures that implement the policies of the Agreement); Dr. Hutchison is one of the authors of the Green Book.
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 4
Pacific Agroecology, LLC (PAE) was founded in 2010 by Drs. Joshua H. Viers and John N. Williams in Davis, California (Dr. David Herbst is located in Mammoth, CA). We provide expert technical advice, assistance, and guidance in support of strategic planning and project implementation. PAE supports initiatives that work towards the conservation and sustainable development of natural and agricultural ecosystems. PAE’s science-based approach to problem-solving, values the knowledge and socio-cultural elements of the people who live where we work. Because geography and place are of prime concern to us, we develop solutions that work on multiple scales, integrating local, regional and global issues. Dr. Viers’ experience in the Owens Valley region includes development of three regional geodatabases and subsequent analyses for plant species distributions, fish species distributions, and meadow delineations. Dr. David Herbst, Research Biologist, has conducted numerous aquatic habitat studies in the Owens Valley from 1997 through 2012, including Owens Lake basin seeps and springs and flood irrigated ponds and wetlands, stream bioassessment surveys, and surveys of the Upper Owens River related to the distribution of non-native New Zealand Mud Snail.
Consensus and Collaboration Program (formerly the Center for Collaborative Policy) is a fee-for- service, not-for-profit unit of the College of Continuing Education at California State University Sacramento. CCP’s mission is to build the capacity of Californians to use collaborative strategies to develop broadly supported, sustainable solutions to complex public policy challenges. CCP specializes in assessing, designing, and managing collaborative projects. Amongst many policy sectors that CCP serves, CCP is uniquely experienced in water resources having supported the California Water Plan, DWR Water Use and Efficiency Program, the Drought Contingency Program, the Proposition 1 Water Storage Investment Program, the State Drinking Water Program, the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, and of course, SGMA. CCP staff have exceptional content fluency in water policy and have played a prominent role providing facilitation, mediation, governance, public engagement, and strategic advice services to support SGMA implementation. CCP has supported DWR and SWRCB statewide public and tribal engagement to share information, receive input, and cultivate relationships throughout the State. Through DWR and SWRCB SGMA Facilitation Support Services (FSS) programs, CCP has served over 30 GSAs statewide, supporting local public agencies, water suppliers, and other key groups to design and develop formal governance structures and legal agreements, enhance coordination and communication, resolve conflicts, build collaborative problem-solving organizations, engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, and lead the public engagement for numerous GSPs. CCP has facilitated the Owens lakebed advisory committee to help refine a proposed “master project” for the lakebed that would include dust control, habitat enhancement, surface water conservation by accessing groundwater for a portion of the dust control, and public access and recreation elements. CCP has facilitated and managed 32 local assistance cases, including GSA formation and governance and GSP development, in locations as far north as Siskiyou County on the Oregon border, San Diego County on the Mexico Border, several coastal groundwater basins, numerous subbasins in the Central Valley, and Owens Valley.
ERA Economics, LLC is an economic consultancy based in Davis, California with a team of six professionals in the field of agricultural and resource economics including agricultural economists, an agribusiness analyst, and a data engineer. ERA specializes in the economics of agriculture and water resources in California, but has also successfully completed projects in Arizona, Kansas, Hawaii, and abroad in India and Kenya. Building on its initial focus on economic modeling and agricultural
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 5
economic impact analyses, the firm has expanded its services to include feasibility studies, benefit-cost analyses, commodity forecasting, and agricultural Participating Years as Participating market risk assessments. ERA Company Name Staff Office Company Staff clients include a range of Location public agencies, private 38 Lead: 2 entities, and financial service Luhdorff and Scalmanini Woodland, CA companies. See (formed 1980) Support: 6 www.eraeconomics.com for 31 Lead: 2 more information. TEAM (formed 1987) Bishop, CA Support: 1
Together, the LSCE Team 6 Bill Hutchison, PhD Austin, TX Lead: 1 possesses broad technical (formed 2012) skills and qualifications and 8 Lead: 2 the capacity to provide the full Pacific Agroecology Davis, CA range of services needed to (formed 2010) Support: 3 complete the tasks described 26 Lead: 2 CCP Sacramento, CA in the RFP. We are thoroughly (formed 1992) Support: 1 familiar with SGMA and its 5 many components and ERA Economics, LLC Davis, CA Support: 3 requirements, and are (formed 2013) extensively involved in SGMA-related work in other groundwater basins in California. We are pleased to provide a strong team to assist the OVGA with completing a practical and cost-effective GSP on schedule. In addition to the key staff described in the next section, the LSCE Team has the capacity to provide additional support staff as needed to ensure timely delivery of interim and final GSP components. Project Manager and LSCE Principal Contact Information Project Manager: Peter Leffler, PG, CHG, Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers Address: Regus Oakland City Center, 505 14th Street, Suite 945, Oakland, California 94612 Phone and Email: 530-661-0109; [email protected] LSCE President: Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers Address: 500 First Street, Woodland, California 95695 Phone and Email: 530-661-0109; [email protected] LSCE Team Familiarity with Owens Valley As indicated in the firm descriptions above, the LSCE Team brings a long history of work conducted in the Owens Valley, extending from many decades ago to today. Figure 1 illustrates many (but not all) of the locations the Team members have worked, including projects that encompass the entire Owens Valley.
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B. Team Staff Brief background information on key LSCE Team personnel is provided below. Resumes for key Team members are included as Appendix A.
Peter Leffler, PG, CHG, Principal Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Pete has over twenty-eight years of professional experience in groundwater consulting in California with a focus on groundwater resources development, management, and protection. Representative assignments include groundwater basin hydrogeologic characterization, water balances, modeling, and safe yield analyses; monitoring well, test well, and production well design, construction, aquifer testing, and groundwater quality sampling; groundwater impact studies related to treated wastewater disposal; evaluation of percolation pond capacity; groundwater quality studies; groundwater impact studies to support CEQA analyses; expert witness testimony; assessment of groundwater flow and well yields in fractured bedrock; and aquifer storage and recovery feasibility studies. He is currently working on groundwater sustainability plans for Chowchilla and Madera Subbasins, and providing technical review of the alternative to GSP for Niles Cone Subbasin for the City of Hayward.
Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, PH-GW, President/Senior Principal Hydrologist (LSCE) Vicki has more than 30 years of experience in regional groundwater resource management and quality assessments, including groundwater supply sufficiency and availability assessments, design of monitoring networks and programs, long-term groundwater quality monitoring and protection programs for twelve agricultural coalitions in the Central Valley, and groundwater technical assistance to the Central Valley Salinity Coalition since 2009. In 2011, and prior to the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), she worked with a Napa County Groundwater Resources Advisory Committee for two and a half years to educate the Committee on the County’s groundwater resources and to aid County staff and the Committee in community outreach and education efforts. She was the principal-in-charge of the preparation of the Napa Valley Subbasin Alternative to a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (December 2016). In 2017 to present, she has been the principal-in-charge of the development of a groundwater flow model for the assessment of the potential for streamflow depletion in an area of the Napa Valley Subbasin, preparation of a SGMA-related report on an area of the Subbasin that is now a designated SGMA Management Area, and preparation of the SGMA-required Annual Report for the Subbasin. In 1992, she became the Founding President of the Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) and served as a director for 23 years. She co-led the Groundwater Caucus for the Department of Water Resources California Water Plan Update 2013. She is a member of DWR’s Practitioner Advisory Panel that is providing input to DWR on SGMA implementation. In 2017, she contributed input on the Berkeley Law/UC Water paper on groundwater-surface water interactions under SGMA.
Nick Watterson, PG, Senior Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Nick has over 18 years of experience studying surface water and groundwater hydrology. His expertise is in applying geospatial analytical and modeling techniques to characterize surface water and groundwater resources and evaluate changing conditions. His experience spans a broad range of groundwater resource areas including groundwater modeling, quantification of groundwater supply and aquifer storage capacity, characterizing aquifer and well mechanics, well construction design, and evaluation of
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GW-SW interactions. Nick’s recent work includes characterization of groundwater conditions and groundwater model development for GSPs and technical support for SGMA implementation. He has worked on hydrogeologic investigations in the Owens Valley including development and implementation of aquifer testing to characterize aquifer conditions and estimate down valley groundwater flow north of the Owens Lake bed. These aquifer characterization efforts involved overseeing construction of multiple production and monitoring wells and conducting long-term pump testing and analysis and interpretation of test data.
Barb Dalgish, PG, Senior Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Barb has 13 years of professional experience including ten years in groundwater consulting with LSCE and 3 years as a hydrologist for the USGS. Her experience includes hydrogeologic groundwater studies and evaluations, development and construction of site specific and regional groundwater flow and transport models (with particular focus on salt and nitrate); investigation and assessment of regional geologic and hydrologic conditions for groundwater resource management programs; collection and interpretation of land subsidence data; data management; collection and evaluation of soil, surface water, and groundwater quality data; and aquifer parameter estimation using field and analytical techniques. Her experience includes modeling using both the DWR C2VSim and USGS CVHM model platforms. Recently, Barb developed the numerical groundwater and surface water model for the northeast Napa area to assess the effect of groundwater use on streamflow in the Napa River system and tributaries.
Debbie Cannon, PG, Senior Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Debbie has over 25 years of experience in groundwater hydrology and quality. Her experience includes investigation, evaluation, design, reporting, and implementation of regional and site-specific groundwater monitoring programs; groundwater quality investigations; providing support for projects involving groundwater modeling and litigation; assessment of groundwater resources in valley and coastal California areas; baseline data collection, including development of sampling, monitoring, and analytical protocol, and quality control/quality assurance programs. She is involved in technical support for SGMA implementation in several subbasins.
Nick Newcomb, Project Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Nick has eight years of professional experience in hydrogeology and numerical modeling. He has a background in hydrogeologic conceptualization, regional and local scale groundwater flow and solute transport modeling, and monitoring program design and implementation. He has diverse modeling experience that has included studies analyzing pumping induced impact on groundwater-surface water interaction and montane meadows, local and regional scale solute transport, groundwater overdraft, and subsidence. Recently, Nick has been involved in the development of numerical models used to provide technical support for GSP preparation in the Westside and Delta-Mendota Subbasins.
Jeevan Jayakody, PhD, Project Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Mr. Jayakody has twelve years of experience related to hydrology in saturated and unsaturated zones in various geological and environmental settings. Work experience includes groundwater exploration, water well design, groundwater monitoring, flow modeling, water and soil sampling, borehole logging, environmental impact assessment, geotechnical investigations, geological mapping, and
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geological/numerical data analysis. Academic research experience includes characterizing water flow in the unsaturated zone with special attention to temporal and spatial variability of flow in dual- permeability media.
Andrew Frances, Hydrogeologist (LSCE) Andrew has experience working with GIS analysis and mapping, data collection and analysis, and analytical groundwater flow modeling. His field work experience includes preforming slug tests and pumping tests, geologic mapping, collecting groundwater and surface water samples, and conducting geophysical surveys. With over one year of experience working as a consulting hydrogeologist, most of his work has involved assisting with the development of GSPs.
Naomi Garcia, President/Chief Executive Officer (TEAM) Naomi Garcia will be the Project Manager for TEAM as subcontractor to LSCE for this project. Ms. Garcia is the owner and president of TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc. and has been with the company since 1999. Prior to becoming owner of TEAM in 2015, Naomi was TEAM’s Senior Environmental Scientist and Manager in TEAM’s Mammoth Lakes office for over 12 years. Naomi has experience in land use planning, surface and groundwater availability assessments, multi-agency permitting, and management of large-scale groundwater monitoring and mitigation programs. Naomi has over nineteen years of experience interfacing with local, state and federal agencies related to resource conservation, permitting and regulatory compliance, and is a long-time resident of the Eastern Sierra, currently residing in the Tri-Valley region. Naomi will be the lead on task management, reporting, and quality assurance related to TEAM’s services for this project. She also has experience in meeting facilitation and will be serving as a valuable liaison to local stakeholders in the Owens Valley during the GSP process.
Gregory Foote, Biologist and Senior Environmental Scientist (TEAM) Greg Foote has over 14 years of consulting experience with TEAM. Greg is qualified to conduct many types of Biological Surveys and has experience in coordinating with regulatory agencies and following agency and species monitoring protocols to ensure sensitive biological resources are managed and protected according to Best Management Practices. Greg also has experience conducting and coordinating biological resource assessments intended to comply with CEQA, and he currently acts as Lead Biologist for a large-scale site revegetation project in the White/Inyo Mountains, in conjunction with Caltech and the USFS. He has unsurpassed knowledge of the geographic setting of the Owens Valley, sensitive biological resources, and experience with large scale groundwater data management systems and GIS.
Richard Shore, Staff Geologist (TEAM) Richard Shore, TEAM’s Project Geologist, will play a major role in the groundwater data management and local field reconnaissance for this project. Mr. Shore is currently the project lead for groundwater monitoring and reporting for the Inyo and Mono County Landfills, Crystal Geyser Roxane, and other projects for TEAM. Richard has successfully collaborated with county, state, and federal agencies on multiple projects. Richard is a certified Geologist in Training, is familiar with state and federal guidelines concerning the practice of Geology in California, and has excellent writing and communication skills.
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Bill Hutchison, PhD, PE, PG, Principal Hydrogeologist (Independent Groundwater Consultant) Bill Hutchison has over 35 years of experience. He has extensive experience in the development and application of groundwater flow and transport models. His current and previous work has included quantifying the impacts of groundwater pumping on evapotranspiration from phreatophytes, spring flow, induced stream flow, and captured subsurface outflow. From 1985 to 2001, Dr. Hutchison completed several hydrogeologic assignments in the Owens Valley and the surrounding area, many of which involved the development and application of groundwater models.
Joshua Viers, PhD, Landscape Ecologist and Watershed Scientist (PAE) Josh Viers, CEO and Managing Partner of Pacific Agroecology LLC, is an expert in natural resource management and environmental assessment. He has over 25 years of professional experience in landscape ecology and watershed science. By leveraging geospatial technologies and informatics, Dr. Viers has developed innovative research and development solutions for public and private clientele in a variety of sectors, including conservation, restoration, and sustainability. He is certified by the Water Footprint Network to calculate water footprints for consumers, sectors, and geographic locales. His research portfolio includes spatial analysis of watershed dynamics, remote sensing of sensitive habitats, database development for water resources and freshwater ecosystems, as well as hydroinformatic applications. He developed and led the UC Extension program in GIS for Watershed Analysis, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science and engineering with a focus on water resources and ecosystem services. He serves as a Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, and as campus Director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and co-Director of the UC Water Security and Sustainability Research Initiative. His experience in the Owens Valley region includes development of three regional geodatabases and subsequent analyses for plant species distributions, fish species distributions, and meadow delineations.
John Williams, PhD, Ecologist and Biodiversity Specialist (PAE) John Williams is an ecologist and researcher at the University of California, Davis, and serves as PAE’s Chief Scientific Officer. His work focuses on the nexus of human and natural systems, where he uses an ecological framework to examine topics related to biodiversity, conservation, ecosystem services, the interface between agriculture and natural habitat, and human demographics. His recent work looks at ways to assess and conserve biodiversity in working landscapes, including vineyards, rangelands, coffee plantations, and community forest reserves in both temperate and tropical landscapes. John is also a visiting scholar at the Gifford Center for Population Studies at UC Davis, and recently completed a study on human population growth in the biodiversity hotspots. A resident of Mammoth Lakes, he is intimately familiar with the geography of the Owens Valley region.
Josue Medellin-Azuara, PhD, Managing Partner (PAE) Josué Medellín has extensive experience modeling agricultural production and water resources in California and other locations around the world. He has co-developed several large-scale hydro- economic models for water management in California, including: the Statewide Agricultural Production Model (SWAP) and the California Value Integrated Network model (CALVIN). His expertise includes
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modeling of agricultural production to incorporate extrinsic environmental factors, such as drought, salinity and nitrate management in California’s Central Valley, and adaptation to climate change. His efforts have been instrumental for analyzing food water and energy interactions using agricultural models like SWAP, hydrologic models including CALVIN and WEAP, and economic impact models such as IMPLAN and REMI.
Mehrey Vaghti, Riparian Specialist and Vegetation Community Ecologist (PAE) Mehrey Vaghti guides the implementation and monitoring of ecological process-based restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on riparian systems. She has studied the environmental drivers of riparian vegetation recruitment and establishment throughout California, with over a decade of research in support of ecosystem management objectives. She is a recognized and authoritative expert in the riparian ecology of California’s Mediterranean river systems. She has engaged with numerous resource management agencies and non-governmental organizations in the development of appropriate data capture methods and experimental design to leverage field-level observations into landscape-level decisions. Given her extensive experience conducting vegetation surveys throughout California for California Department of Fish & Wildlife, California Native Plant Society, and others, she is familiar with the flora of the Owens Valley region.
David Herbst, PhD, Research Biologist (PAE) Dave Herbst has been conducting research out of Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory since the late 1980s. He first started scientific research in the eastern Sierra Nevada in 1976, at Mono Lake. Studies of saline lake ecosystems and the ecology and physiology of aquatic invertebrates and algae have been one of the main themes of his research program. Besides work at Mono Lake, other saline lake projects have been done at Owens in California, Abert in Oregon, and Walker in Nevada. In addition to saline lakes, he also studied spring ecosystems in the Great Basin. Along with these desert aquatic environments, his main research has been in streams of the Sierra Nevada. Stream research has included studies of sediment deposition and effects on benthic invertebrates, establishing a monitoring network to detect the effects of climate change on mountain stream hydrobiology, and investigations of the impacts of a variety of disturbance stressors on stream community ecology including livestock grazing and management, forest use practices, acid mine drainage, introduced invasive species (Trout, New Zealand Mud Snails), roads and erosion, and restoration of degraded habitats. The focus of many of these studies has been to provide a scientific foundation to inform management decisions by state and federal environmental and regulatory agencies.
Dave Ceppos, SGMA Program Manager and Managing Senior Mediator (CCP) Dave Ceppos is CCP’s SGMA Program Manager and is a Managing Senior Mediator. Mr. Ceppos has a comprehensive background developing and mediating collaborative problem solving, stakeholder- driven, resource management processes. Mr. Ceppos is also CCP’s Water Program Manager and supervises numerous water management programs including implementation and DWR’s Water Use Efficiency Program and the Water Storage Investment Program. He has supervised CCP’s work in 32 GSAs statewide and is viewed as a prominent expert on facilitating SGMA implementation. He often provides strategic advice for implementing SGMA to state and local agencies, speaks regularly and has published numerous articles on regional collaboration and capacity building. He has served as the lead facilitator and public engagement specialist for the Colusa Subbasin, Yolo Subbasin, Chowchilla
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Subbasin and several GSAs in Butte County. For this project, Mr. Ceppos will serve as CCP’s Principal in Charge.
Meagan Wylie, Lead Mediator (CCP) Ms. Wylie is a Lead Mediator and Facilitator with CCP. Working out of CCP’s Southern California office, Ms. Wylie provides facilitation, project management, stakeholder outreach and coordination, public engagement, collaborative strategic planning services, and stakeholder assessments to local, state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGO). She has focused educational and professional experience on marine and coastal issues, water supply and management, natural resource management, ecosystem dynamics, and climate adaptation planning. Her expertise focuses on community development, policy analysis, facilitation, and mediation on issues involving local governance, natural resources and economic development. Ms. Wylie served as the Project Manager for SGMA implementation in the San Diego regions for the San Luis Rey Basin, San Diego River Valley Basin, and Borrego Valley Basin. She has also been project coordinator for the following other SGMA cases: Turlock Subbasin, Kaweah Subbasin, Kern Subbasin, and Upper Ventura Basin. She has been facilitator and staff coordinator for numerous SGMA statewide public engagement efforts sponsored by DWR and SWRCB including the Basin Boundary Modification regulatory public meetings and the State SGMA Fee Assessment public meetings. She has worked on and co-authored SGMA Tribal Statewide guidance and worked specifically in Tribal SGMA issues in the San Luis Rey and San Diego River Valley cases. She has co-authored published articles on SGMA with other CCP colleagues. Ms. Wylie will serve as CCP’s Project Manager.
Alex Cole-Weiss, Associate Facilitator (CCP) Alex Cole-Weiss brings five years of experience in resource management issues and facilitation services. She uses her community planning and facilitation experience to support often highly technical discussions to foster productive and collaborative problem-solving dialogues. Ms. Cole-Weiss operates internal SGMA meetings with CCP project managers to support efficient exchange of resources and information; offers strategic advice and support; provides program and project-specific management support; develops meeting summaries and draft documents for statewide operations and local assistance projects; and provides meeting logistical support and implementation. For this project, Ms. Cole-Wesis will provide general support services, such as meeting documentation, materials development support, logistics planning, and administrative support.
Duncan MacEwan PhD, Principal Economist (ERA) Duncan specializes in the economics of water resources and agriculture, applied mathematical modeling, and statistical analysis. Some of his current projects include benefit-cost analyses, feasibility studies, agricultural impact analyses, and water valuation and risk assessments. Duncan is an expert in agricultural economic analysis to support feasibility studies and economic impact analyses related to water management and project development. He remains actively engaged in developing economic methods and has published on topics including the impacts of sustainable groundwater management, water quality management, and calibrated economic modeling methods.
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Kabir Tumber, Agricultural Economist (ERA) Kabir is the third generation on his family’s peach and walnut orchards in Yuba County and grew up working in the family business. He previously worked at HarvestMark Inc. as a business consultant to produce companies including Kroger, Tanimura & Antle, Del Monte, and Raley's. As an economist with the University of California Cooperative Extension he collected crop market data and published reports on market conditions and economic returns for major California crops, and co‐authored three peer‐ reviewed journal articles on the wine grape market with the director of Wine Economics at UC Davis. Prior to rejoining ERA in 2017, Kabir analyzed international and domestic market data for grapes and melons as a senior commodity analyst at Robison Fresh. Miranda Driver, Research Associate (ERA) Miranda joined ERA in 2015 supporting economic analyses through surveys, outreach, data management, report preparation, and agricultural market research. She led ERA’s data analysis and survey outreach for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s rulemaking process for the California cannabis regulations Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessments (SRIA). Miranda has 8 years of experience in agricultural policy and economics and serves on several agricultural advisory committees in Yolo County and has held leadership roles for the Farm Bureau. She has worked with a range of agriculture organizations and has an in depth understanding of the unique requirements, regulations, and concerns facing this industry. In addition to her position at ERA, Miranda is a founding partner of CalAgJobs, an agricultural policy, job hub, and recruiting service. Team Organization and Roles The composition and structure of the proposed LSCE Team are presented on the staffing and organizational chart (Figure 2) and Table 1 below. Working under the administrative direction of the Owens Valley Groundwater Authority, the LSCE Team would be co-led by Pete Leffler, Principal Hydrologist for LSCE, and Vicki Kretsinger Grabert president and senior principal hydrologist for LSCE. Pete Leffler would take the lead project manager role, as LSCE is the proposed lead firm for contracting and administrative purposes. Vicki Kretsinger Grabert would provide support in project management efforts with emphasis on GSP document production and meeting coordination. Key Team support personnel include technical task leaders Naomi Garcia (TEAM), Bill Hutchison, Nick Watterson (LSCE), Barb Dalgish (LSCE), Debbie Cannon (LSCE), Joshua Viers (PAE), Duncan MacEwan (ERA) and Dave Ceppos (CCP). Additionally, John Williams (PAE) and Josue Medellin Azuara (PAE), and David Herbst (PAE) will support the development and evaluation of projects and management actions relative to potential ecosystem impact issues. A pool of support staff and subject matter specialists from each of the firms on the Team is available for additional technical support across a broad range of water resources and engineering disciplines.
Table 1 also includes 2018 billing rates for key staff.
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Figure 2. LSCE Team Organizational Chart
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Table 1. LSCE Team Staff for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP Development
Qualifications Primary Project Roles and Responsibilities
Project
Availability 2018
Years (% of full- Rate Project Certification1 Exper- time) Role Model Project ience Actions Monitoring DataMgmt Water Budget GSP Production Hydro. Concept. Projects Mgmt & Oversight/Advisory Outreach & Meetings Key Staff Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers Vicki Kretsinger Principal in Charge; PW-GW 30+ 10% $205 Sr. Prin. Hydrologist Team • • • • • • Management Pete Leffler Principal in Charge; PG, CHG 28 25% $202 Prin. Hydrologist Team • • • • • • • • Management Nick Watterson Sr. Technical PG 18 20% $182 Sr. Hydrogeologist Lead; HCM • • • • • • • Barb Dalgish Technical PG 13 Lead; • • • • 15% $182 Sr. Hydrogeologist Modeling Debra Cannon Technical PG 25 Lead; • • • 10% $182 Sr. Hydrogeologist Monitoring Nick Newcomb 8 Modeling 10% $155 Project Hydrogeologist •
Jeevan Jayakody Data PhD 12 15% $155 Project Hydrogeologist Management • Andrew Francis 3 Monitoring 15% $130 Staff Hydrologist • TEAM Engineering and Management Naomi Garcia Project 19 Manager, • • • • • • 20% $175 Principal Facilitation Gregory Foot Biological Resources, 14 Basin Setting, • • • 20% $145 Sr. Environmental Scientist Data Management Richard Shore Data GIT 6 management, • • • • • 35% $130 Staff Geologist Monitoring Bill Hutchison Bill Hutchison PE, PG 30+ Modeling 10% $200 Prin. Hydrogeologist (Texas) • • •
ERA Economics Duncan MacEwan PhD 12 Economics 10% $165
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Qualifications Primary Project Roles and Responsibilities
Project
Availability 2018
Years (% of full- Rate Project Certification1 Exper- time) Role Model Project ience Actions Monitoring DataMgmt Water Budget GSP Production Hydro. Concept. Projects Mgmt & Oversight/Advisory Outreach & Meetings Prin. Economist • Kabir Tumber 12 Economics 10% $165 Agricultural Economist • Miranda Driver 8 Economics 10% $165 Research Associate • Pacific Agroecology
Joshua Viers PhD $200 Principal • • • • Josue Medellin-Asuara PhD $200 Principal • • • John Williams PhD $100 Associate Scientist • David Herbst PhD $188 Senior Research Ecologist • • • Mehrey Vaghti Monitoring $90 Assistant Scientist • • Consensus and Collaboration Program
Dave Ceppos Outreach & 31 $208 Senior Mediator Meetings •
Meagan Wylie Outreach & 13 $163 Lead Mediator Meetings •
Alex Cole-Weiss Outreach & 4 $134 Associate Facilitator Meetings •
C. Recent Experience The LSCE Team has completed a diverse array groundwater studies and is currently involved in GSP preparation and SGMA related work for GSAs in groundwater basins throughout California. This section summarizes recent work relevant to the requested services outlined in the SOQ.
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Overview of SGMA-Related Experience The key to developing an effective GSP will be to meet DWR’s GSP requirements while developing a plan that reflects the region’s water supply needs and priorities.
The LSCE Team’s approach to developing and managing the GSP for the OVGA GSA is based on:
• Our Team’s collective significant experience working in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin;
• Our current experience with the Proposition 1 grant application process and GSP Workplans;
• Our current work related to GSP development for other basins, including conducting analyses of groundwater conditions, designing monitoring networks and establishing sustainable management criteria, preparing water budgets and determining sustainable yield with modeling and other tools, characterizing groundwater dependent ecosystems and planning and design of GW-SW monitoring facilities; and
• Our previous and current work on other water resources planning and management efforts in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin.
Based on the breadth of our Owens Valley Groundwater Basin experience, we believe managing the following critical paths will define the success of the GSP development and approval process.
The LSCE Team understands that the OVGA GSA seeks the necessary support to complete technical work and corresponding outreach to develop a compliant, effective, and defensible GSP. While SGMA requires completion of a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin by January 31, 2022, a compliant GSP, including a well-founded monitoring network and analytical tools, also provides the scientific foundation that the OVGA GSA can utilize in the future for multiple other purposes and programs. The GSP can be developed with the goal of strategic opportunities to be gained for enhancement of basin sustainability. The compliant but also strategic and value-based GSP will address SGMA requirements; however, it can also be used for and will be integral to addressing other water resources management needs, including ecological habitat protection.
In summary, our understanding of GSP requirements and approach to develop a compliant, strategic and value-based GSP will ensure the OVGA GSA ultimately receives a GSP that meets regulatory requirements and provides the foundation for enhancing sustainability.
In this section, we provide a brief overview of SGMA-related services. A table highlighting the Team’s groundwater management and SGMA-related experience is presented in Table 2 and selected featured projects are described following the table.
SGMA LSCE has extensive experience with groundwater management services, including developing numerous Groundwater Management Plans in accordance with the California Water Code, AB 3030, and SB 1938.
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LSCE has developed basin management objectives (BMOs), prepared an Alternative to a GSP, evaluated the basis for delineating a SGMA Management Area, established appropriate monitoring protocols for detecting changes in groundwater levels, groundwater quality, and land subsidence, and delineated recharge areas for various management areas in the state. LSCE has also, in March 2018, submitted to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) a SGMA report relating to the establishment of a Management Area and a SGMA Annual Report, as required of entities that submitted Alternatives to a GSP in December 2016. The skill set and hydrogeological and water resources understanding used for preparing GWMPs and Alternatives to GSPs directly translates to the GSP requirements. Recently LSCE, ERA, and CCP have teamed together on two SGMA-related projects in the Central Valley. This has included a variety of SGMA-related work for both the Chowchilla and Madera Subbasins, including data acquisition and data gap assessment, preliminary description of the Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model (HCM) and groundwater conditions, development of preliminary basin boundary water budgets, and evaluation of projects and management actions; and we are developing GSPs for each of the two subbasins for submittal by January 2020.
Preparing a successful GSP requires several specific areas of expertise, including: local knowledge, technical skill sets, and familiarity with DWR planning processes. TEAM and Bill Hutchison have substantial experience with the hydrogeologic setting, groundwater management, and habitat sensitivity in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin. Furthermore, they possess a robust understanding of the unique jurisdictional relationships and stakeholders in the area. Work in the groundwater basin has included numerous groundwater and habitat studies, which have involved substantial coordination within the local, state, federal and tribal regulatory framework.
Groundwater System Modeling LSCE and the Team have extensive groundwater modeling experience and have utilized many different modeling platforms for analysis of both groundwater quantity (flow modeling) and groundwater quality (transport modeling). The Teams’ modeling expertise will be utilized to evaluate existing groundwater models for use for the Owens Valley Groundwater Subbasin.
LSCE, Dr. Hutchison, and TEAM have developed many local area and regional (basin) scale models to simulate groundwater flow and solute transport for assessing groundwater conditions and evaluating potential projects and management actions relevant to achieving sustainable groundwater management. LSCE is currently developing several basin scale groundwater models for use in GSPs, including in Madera, Chowchilla, and Westside subbasins; and we have also developed or reviewed groundwater models used to support two Alternatives to GSPs (Napa Valley, Niles Cone). LSCE is also experienced working with USGS and DWR regional models (e.g., California Central Valley wide models such as the Central Valley Hydrologic Model (CVHM) and C2VSIM) in developing water budgets and to provide model inputs for new local refined models. Dr. Hutchison and TEAM have been involved in development and/or review of several of the groundwater models developed for use in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin. Our teaming partners have extensive knowledge of the details of groundwater models that have been developed in Owens Valley. Overall, the LSCE Team will bring a wealth of local and SGMA-related experience related to the groundwater modeling related tasks for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP.
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Projects, Management Actions and Economic and Financial Feasibility Analyses Overall, the RFQ indicates that groundwater conditions in the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin are sustainable. A key factor to maintaining and enhancing sustainability are projects and management actions that ensure water resources supplies and demands remain in balance and provisions are made to prepare for and mitigate climatic uncertainties. Reconnaissance-level economic and financial feasibility analyses are useful for quickly screening projects to identify which alternatives provide the greatest economic benefit to stakeholders (e.g., growers, the GSA, or the regional economy) and where project revenues are able to cover project costs. Importantly, economic and financial analyses acknowledge that the most beneficial alternatives may vary across different areas in the Basin. The economic benefits of institutional or structural water supply projects acknowledge these differences to compare within and across feasible alternatives. Technical feasibility studies and cost analyses establish a range of potential institutional and structural management alternatives that are specific to individual areas, and economic and financial feasibility analyses establish the range of benefits and potential revenue streams inclusive of all stakeholders and areas under sustainable groundwater objectives. Additional Projects Completed by the LSCE Team Table 2 presented below lists some of the projects the firms on the LSCE Team have completed and aspects of each project that relate to required work for the Owens Groundwater Basin GSP development.
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Table 2. Summary of LSCE Team Related Project Experience
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Table 2. Summary of LSCE Team Related Project Experience (cont.)
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Project Descriptions Napa County Groundwater and Surface Water Projects (LSCE) LSCE has been working for Napa County since 2009 and the work is ongoing. Key aspects of these services include:
• SGMA assistance including preparation and submittal of a GSP alternative demonstrating existing sustainable groundwater management • Broad technical assistance to improve understanding and management of water resources • Gathering available groundwater-related data, developing water resources data management system, identifying data gaps, and providing recommendations for water resources monitoring • Developing updated hydrogeologic conceptualization and characterization of conditions including eight geologic cross-sections • Refining and further
characterizing areas of greater recharge potential. • Analysis of the potential for GW-SW interactions • Installation of five shallow, dual- completion groundwater monitoring facilities to evaluate GW-SW interactions • Presentation of analyses and interpretations through reports and associated GIS and graphical products • Designation of a Management Area and related SGMA report • Submittal of first SGMA Annual Report
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SGMA and GSP-Related Services for Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins (LSCE, ERA, CCP) LSCE, ERA, CCP have been working for Madera County since 2017 and continue to work for the County on tasks related to the preparation of two separate GSPs (and other SGMA-related tasks) for the Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins. Key aspects of these services completed to date for each subbasin include:
• Data compilation involving acquiring and receiving data from public and local entities on all data types needed for the GSP analyses (e.g., groundwater level, water quality, well locations, well construction details, groundwater pumping, water use, land use) • Identification of GSP data gaps and future needs • Preparation of HCMs for both subbasins using information obtained through the data request and based on previous studies, supplemented by additional work related to new cross-section development and updating the aquifer parameter database • Description of the geologic setting and hydrostatigraphy, subbasin lateral and vertical boundaries, evaluation of existing geologic cross-sections, preparation of new geologic cross- sections, interpretation of groundwater levels and development of maps of groundwater level contours, storage change, groundwater quality, land subsidence, and groundwater-surface
water interaction • Identification of Management Area considerations and highlighting advantages and disadvantages of designating Management Areas for the GSP • Development of historical basin-wide water budgets and estimates of overdraft based on quantification of surface system and groundwater system inflows and outflows and groundwater storage change over a representative hydrologic base period • Successful preparation of DWR Proposition 1 grant applications totaling five million dollars for GSP preparation and groundwater monitoring facilities • Develop list of potential projects and management actions to achieve basin sustainability. Evaluate the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of various projects and management actions to develop priority ranking.
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Technical Support for GSP Preparation for the Westside Subbasin (LSCE) Since 2015 to present, LSCE has provided Westlands Water District with technical support for GSP development. Key aspects of these services include:
• Compiling existing hydrogeologic data (lithology, well construction, groundwater pumping, land use, surface water deliveries, subsidence) from the Westside Subbasin and surrounding GSAs • Development of a hydrologic conceptual model of the Westside Subbasin used in quantifying groundwater conditions, historical water budgets, and groundwater flow directions • Construction and calibration of a new basinwide numerical groundwater flow and solute transport model using MODFLOW-OWHM • Development of a data management system that incorporates monitoring data and produces GIS-based information for electronic submittals to stakeholders and regulatory agencies • Successful preparation of DWR Proposition 1 grant applications totaling 2.5 million dollars for GSP preparation and groundwater monitoring facilities
Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring and Reporting for the Hay Ranch Hydrologic Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, Pose Valley, Inyo County (TEAM) TEAM has served as the objective, third-party monitor for management of the Inyo County Hay Ranch Conditional Use Permit CEQA EIR’s Hydrologic Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (HMMP). TEAM has reported to the Inyo County Water Department to monitor the Rose Valley groundwater basin’s response to pumping at the Hay Ranch property by COC. Project duties include: monitoring and sampling groundwater wells;
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designing, installing and monitoring surface water flow measurement devices; developing basin-wide hydrographs; project database management; and monthly, quarterly and annual project reporting.
Since 2009, TEAM has managed a network of more than 20 pressure transducers and surface flow measuring flumes, and conducts monthly monitoring events at 30 monitoring points including locations at private residences and businesses, Little Lake Ranch, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, and BLM property. Project trigger levels and groundwater mitigation measures required by ICWD’s Conditional Use Permit have been managed effectively by TEAM during the course of this project.
TEAM’s reputation for professionalism and objectivity has enabled project stakeholders, be they project proponents or opponents, to accept the credibility of the hydrologic data collected for the Hay Ranch Project’s HMMP. This project has consistently been managed under budget and within all project deadlines. (2009 to present)
Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement for Routine Maintenance Activities by the Inyo County Road Department, Inyo County Public Works (TEAM) TEAM is currently assisting Inyo County Public Works with development of a long-term Agreement with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, under their Lake and Streambed Alternation Program, for routine maintenance conducted by the Inyo County Road Department. The project included development and management of a County-wide GIS data system of intersection of surface water features with Inyo County Maintained Mileage, identification of sensitive environmental resources associated with road-stream intersections, and preparation of a CEQA Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration including mitigation measures for protection of sensitive resources in Inyo County. (Currently in progress)
Texas v. New Mexico Litigation (Dr. Hutchison) Dr. Hutchison is one of the expert witnesses for the State of Texas on litigation brought by the State of Texas regarding alleged Rio Grande Compact violations. At issue is the effect of groundwater pumping in New Mexico on Rio Grande flows in the El Paso area in the context of the 1938 Rio Grande Compact. (2102 to present)
Update to Groundwater Availability Model for the Northern Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (Dr. Hutchison) Principal Hydrogeologist for a team of consultants developing an updated flow model for the Northern Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (GMA 11 area of Texas). The updated model will address documented issues with the current model related to outcrop area calibration, surface water- groundwater interactions, and application to long-term predictive simulations. (2017 to present)
Groundwater Management Activities in Kinney County, Texas (Dr. Hutchison) Completed a management plan update, reviewed permit applications, and initiated a data collection effort in Kinney County for the Kinney County Groundwater Conservation District. Currently developing an updated groundwater flow model of Kinney County that will be used for general management initiatives and rules revisions. (2013 to present)
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Cumulative Impacts and Sustainability Analysis for Yolo County (PAE) PAE is currently under contract to the County of Yolo to provide technical analysis and strategic recommendations related to the preservation and long-term sustainability of agriculture in Yolo County and Solano County, particularly in the Yolo Bypass and Cache Slough. Primary objectives are to help the county sustain agricultural production and to maintain public benefits of farming while also meeting other objectives, such as flood control; provision of wetlands and riparian habitat for endangered species, migrating waterfowl, and shorebirds; and helping mitigate policy constraints from integrated water and groundwater management activities. (Currently in progress)
Carbon Inventory of Vineyard Blocks and Adjoining Wildlands with Annual Increment Analysis on Fetzer Properties (PAE) PAE recently completed a comprehensive carbon assessment for quantifying ecosystem services for Fetzer Vineyards and their land holdings in Mendocino County, California. As part of a first of its kind multiyear analysis (2016-2018), PAE collected field data from vineyards and adjoining wildlands to quantify standing biomass carbon and soil carbon. This effort will allow the client to satisfy accounting requirements for carbon markets and identify methods for change in viticultural practice. While results are confidential, a unique aspect of this study was the differentiation of conventional versus organic versus biodynamic production. This project relied on PAE’s expertise in ecosystem and biodiversity accounting. (2016 to 2018)
Feasibility of Yuba County Water Agency to Fund Restoration Projects within the Yuba River Watershed (PAE) PAE contracted to the South Yuba River Citizen’s League to conduct a technical analysis to evaluate the feasibility of Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) to fund various restoration scenarios, including scenarios that may involve reductions in hydropower generation. As per the ongoing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing and associated processes (e.g., The Yuba Salmon Partnership Initiative), this analysis provided detailed information useful to stakeholder discussion for river and riparian restoration within those processes and forums. In addition, PAE was asked to identify information gaps and decision support tools that may be developed to help refine current and future analyses of particular scenarios of change to the proposed hydropower project. (Completed July 2015)
Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins GSA Formation and Development Support (CCP) CCP has provided GSA formation and GSP development support to the adjacent Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins under both DWR facilitation support services, and through current private sector technical consultant services. The facilitation goals for both Subbasins regarding GSP development is to assist GSAs in reaching consensus on potentially contentious water management topics arising from diverse beneficial uses and users of groundwater. An additional goal of
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facilitation support is to ensure consistent stakeholder outreach and communication messaging by all GSAs within the Subbasin.
More specifically, CCP worked with the GSAs to identify and assess stakeholder individuals and groups from a diverse range of beneficial users affected by SGMA compliance and then developed a Stakeholder Communication and Engagement Plan for each Subbasin. The Stakeholder Communication and Engagement Plan includes Subbasin key messages, venues for stakeholder engagement, methods and tools for engaging stakeholders, schedule of notices to stakeholders (i.e. a messaging calendar), and summaries of process for reporting Communication and Engagement highlights to GSA workgroups
This work also includes meetings with the GSA Workgroups and the Coordination Committee of the GSAs (see below) to define and agree on key messages, coordinate with GSA staff to identify venues, engagement resources, and confirm the messaging calendar.
Likewise, CCP is supporting the setup of each Subbasin’s Coordination Committee. This includes defining the Coordination Committee roles and responsibilities, membership, timelines. The Coordination Committee is tasked primarily with developing: 1) Coordination Agreements, including policy and data decisions; and 2) work plans and timeline for completion of GSP coordination tasks. (2017 to present)
Borrego Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan Support (CCP) Under the leadership of Project Manager Meagan Wylie, CCP is supporting the Borrego Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) in the implementation of their Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). CCP (under Ms. Wylies’ leadership) has supported the Borrego stakeholders since the inception of their GSA in all matters of internal governance, public engagement, SGMA education and similar. Currently, CCP works with the GSA’s Core Leadership Team, the GSP Consultant Team, the full GSA Board, and the GSA’s citizen Advisory Committee (AC) supporting implementation of the GSP. The Core Team (CT) acts as the daily leadership group setting the GSP schedule and process, managing consultant activities, and advising the decision making Board of Directors. The AC provides input throughout GSP development and implementation. All input from interested parties and the public at large is received at the AC meetings and used to help formulate recommendations made to the CT and ultimately the GSA. In support of this work, Ms. Wylie facilitates AC discussions including topics such as: GSA governance; Basin Setting and associated water budget; Management Areas; Sustainable Management Criteria; Basin Monitoring; Proposed Projects; and Management Actions. Ms. Wylie works with the Core Team to ensure agenda topics are coordinated with the GSP timeline as development of the GSP progresses.
Similarly, the GSA and its CT are responsible for collaborating on public outreach including coordinating activities of the AC. As part of this task, the facilitator will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating group discussions for each GSA and Core Team meeting. The facilitator will work with the GSA and CT to ensure each discussion is coordinated with the GSP timeline as development of the GSP progresses. (Currently in progress)
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Agricultural Economic Impact Analysis of Changes in the Agricultural Groundwater Pumping Charge (Open Space Credit), Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose, CA, (ERA) Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) engaged ERA to evaluate the economic impact of proposed increases in the volumetric agricultural groundwater charge paid by irrigators in South County. ERA developed an economic model of Santa Clara County agriculture that was used to analyze the direct and total economic impact of higher groundwater pumping charges. Economic impacts were expressed in terms of crop switching, land idling, and fiscal impacts on grower net income and regional economic activity (jobs and tax revenues). Through a rigorous economic analysis, ERA was able to explain the likely economic cost of increased groundwater pumping charges and facilitate a constructive dialogue between SCVWD and agricultural stakeholders in the county. Based on the economic analysis, the SCVWD Board ultimately decided to leave the agricultural groundwater pumping charge unchanged. (2013-2014)
D. Scope The LSCE Team has prepared the following scope, which is organized according to the tasks requested to be addressed in the RFQ. Each task is followed by a summary of the task deliverables. Additionally, we present two optional tasks. One optional task is a detailed evaluation of up to three major projects or management actions. The other optional task is preparation of a comprehensive technical memorandum and associated data that definitively provide a current status on the composition and condition of GDEs in the Owens Valley area as focused on fresh/saline aquatic ecosystems and affiliated terrestrial habitats, such as riparian areas, wetlands, and meadows.
Task 1 Initial Site Visit
Task Description Four to five members of the LSCE Team will attend a public meeting with the OVGA Board, a kick-off meeting with staff, and potentially conduct field site visits. The goals are to develop a common vision among OVGA Board members, the LSCE consultant team, and basin stakeholders regarding the work ahead and final deliverable (groundwater sustainability plan). Specifically, the meetings will discuss GSP requirements, goals and objectives, and an outline of the approach.
Deliverables Task deliverables will include meeting agendas, presentation materials, and a site visit summary.
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Task 2 Public Engagement Plan
Task Description As part of LSCE Team, CCP will take the lead role to support the OVGA and develop the Public Engagement Plan. The Engagement Plan offers a valuable early benefit to the OVGA in that it is a functional tool that will inform early stage GSP outreach activities, and it is a product that should be included in the GSP submission as proof of compliance with required GSP regulations.
Capitalizing on our embedded experience supporting the creation of the OVGA GSA, and our work preparing engagement plans with other basins and GSAs, CCP will work with the OVGA to review and potentially update the list of stakeholders, groups, and organizations to engage through the GSP’s development process. CCP will work with the OVGA to define key and consistent messaging about the SGMA process. As per § 354.10 of the GSA Regulations, the Engagement Plan will include at a minimum, the following information:
• A description of the beneficial uses and users in the basin, including the land uses and property interests potentially affected by the use of groundwater in the basin, the types of parties representing those interests, and the nature of consultation with those parties;
• A description of the Agency’s decision-making process;
• Opportunities for public engagement and a discussion of how public input and response will be used by the OVGA; and
• A description of how the OVGA encourages the active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic elements of the population within the Basin. In addition to these required elements, a section in the Engagement Plan that sets the stage to describe methods the OVGA will use to inform the public about progress implementing the GSP is also eventually required as per the regulations and, therefore, is beneficial to include outright. Beyond these required elements, there is significant “value-add” for the OVGA to also include the following in the Engagement Plan:
• OVGA key messaging about SGMA;
• A summary of Brown Act requirements to inform staff and consultants of such information, ensure that engagement activities are compliant and ensure that the OVGA is less likely to be subject to legal challenges of the GSP based on procedural deficiencies;
• A summary of venues for stakeholder engagement, including points of contact, room options and requirements, and similar;
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• A schedule of notices to stakeholders (i.e., a web-based messaging calendar), media outlets, publication dates, points of contact;
• Workforce projections to implement the Engagement Plan;
• Potential annual budgets for outreach and engagement;
• A summary of the process for reporting Communication and Engagement highlights to the OVGA Board and other associated groups. The benefit of the second set of bullets above is that they require limited additional costs to discuss and include, yet with this information the Engagement Plan becomes a tool that goes beyond meeting state GSP requirements; it will provide a functional, operational tool that practically informs the OVGA’s work.
This task will likely include meetings with the OVGA and/or a dedicated workgroup assigned to oversee outreach to define and agree on items proposed above, coordination with GSA staff to identify venues, engagement resources, and confirm the messaging calendar. This task will also include time for our team to present the Engagement Plan to the OVGA Board and/or workgroup.
Deliverable The task deliverable will be a Public Engagement Plan.
Task 3 Data and Document Compilation, Review, and Management
Task Description The LSCE Team will prepare a detailed data request for distribution to the County, OVGA, and other basin stakeholders. Items to be requested will include (but are not necessarily limited to): tabular and spatial data, reports, models, plans, monitoring plans, reporting protocols, technical standards, studies, and court documents relating to the hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, ecosystems (i.e., vegetation, fisheries and other biota) of Owens Valley. Data anticipated to be collected include (but are not necessarily limited to): geologic maps, geologic cross sections, groundwater elevations, groundwater quality, water balance, well construction, aquifer test data, groundwater pumping, groundwater use, surface water data, climatic data, land use, vegetation maps/data, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries surveys or related data, and digital elevation models. It is anticipated that data will be quite variable in terms of format, completeness, quality, and utility. The acquired data will be evaluated relative to GSP requirements, and data gaps will be identified. A data management system (DMS) will be developed that allows for: entry of data from ongoing
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monitoring programs, GSA member accessibility, and facilitation of annual report submittal to DWR. The DMS would likely use an Access format for GSP purposes. Recommendations would be made for future use of the database along with considerations related to public/other entity access.
Deliverable The task deliverable will be a data management system for documents, maps, and data related to development and implementation of the GSP.
Task 4 Develop Interagency Agreements
Task Description The LSCE Team will assist with development of coordination and data sharing agreements with agencies involved with managing groundwater in the basin that are not subject to SGMA (i.e., LADWP, Native American Indian tribes (Tribes herein), and federal agencies). We understand that lands owned by LADWP are subject to the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement and considered adjudicated for the purposes of SGMA (and thus not subject to inclusion in a GSP). Similarly, Tribal lands/reservations and federal lands are not subject to SGMA. However, these entities likely have data that are critical for GSP development and the interests of all are best served with inclusion of their data in the GSP. This task will include development of agreements needed to facilitate coordination and data sharing, and/or data aggregation where necessary to preserve confidentiality. The budget for this task assumes a coordination/data sharing agreement patterned after related GSP coordination agreements will be positively received by other parties for consideration and acceptance with nominal modifications needed to finalize the agreements and implement timely data sharing efforts.
Deliverables The task deliverables include the agreements between the GSA and agencies, and documentation of the agreements in the GSP.
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Task 5 GSP and GSA Information
Task Description This task includes descriptions of various components in the GSP. These descriptions will include GSA governance, GSP area, existing water resources monitoring and management programs, land use, groundwater dependent ecosystems, additional GSP elements, and documentation of communications with beneficial users and the public.
Deliverable The task deliverable includes a GSP chapter describing GSA information and the GSP area (Reg. 358.4).
Task 6 Basin Setting
Task Description The four components of Basin Setting under SGMA are the hydrogeologic conceptual model (HCM), groundwater conditions, water balance, and management areas. Many previous studies have been conducted that include data and analyses relevant to the basin setting components. Most notable are the series of reports completed by the USGS in the 1980s and 1990s that were the work products of a cooperative agreement between the USGS, LADWP, and Inyo County during development of the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement. Of these various studies, Hollett and others (1991) and Danskin (1998) provide the most comprehensive information for use in this task. Other important studies include more recent work by MWH related to groundwater conditions in the Owens Lake area (e.g., MWH, 2012). Numerous resources are available for depiction of freshwater, riparian and other groundwater dependent ecosystems, including some authored by our team (e.g., Sada & Herbst 2001; Santos et al. 2014; Viers et al. 2013). Some of the key references for the Basin Setting are listed below:
Danskin, W.R. 1998. Evaluation of the Hydrologic system and Selected Water-Management Alternatives in the Owens Valley, California. USGS Water Supply Paper 2370-H, 187 p. note: obtainable at: https://ca.water.usgs.gov/archive/reports/wsp2370/
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Hollett, K.J., Danskin, W.R., McCaffrey, W.F., and Walti, C.L. 1991. Geology and Water Resources of Owens Valley, California. USGS Water Supply Paper 2370-B., 86p. note: obtainable at: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/wsp2370B
Other reports in this series are obtainable at: https://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects/owens/resources/refs.html
MWH, 2012, Final Report on the Owens Lake Groundwater Evaluation Project.
Sada, D. W., and Herbst, D. B. 2001. Macroinvertebrates and environmental characteristics of Owens Valley springs, Inyo County, California. Bishop: City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Santos, N. R., Katz, J. V., Moyle, P. B., and Viers, J. H. 2014. A programmable information system for management and analysis of aquatic species range data in California. Environmental Modelling & Software, 53, 13-26.
Viers, J.H., Purdy, S.E., Peek, R.A., Fryjoff-Hung, A., Santos, N.R., Katz, J.V.E., Emmons, J.D., Dolan, D.V. and Yarnell, S.M. 2013. Montane meadows in the Sierra Nevada: changing hydroclimatic conditions and concepts for vulnerability assessment. Center for Watershed Sciences Technical Report (CWS-2013-01). University of California, Davis, CA.
This task will mainly involve review and synthesis of previous studies (those listed above and many others) to develop the HCM, groundwater conditions, and water balance for the basin. The HCM will describe the groundwater system in terms of the structural geology, hydrostratigraphy, recharge and discharge areas, aquifer parameters, lateral and vertical basin boundaries, and water quality using text, tables and graphics (maps, cross-sections, 3-D images, etc.). DWR’s BMP on HCMs will be used as guidance, along with LSCE’s and Team member’s experience preparing Basin Setting sections for GSPs in other basins. Much of the effort will focus on updating the information contained in Hollett and others (1991) and Danskin (1989).
Groundwater conditions will be described in terms of groundwater elevation contour maps, depths to water, groundwater flow directions (horizontally and vertically), well hydrographs, interaction between groundwater and surface water, and groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs). PAE will take the lead in reviewing the recent state-wide mapping of GDEs by The Nature Conservancy and DWR as per their expertise in freshwater and riparian ecosystems of the region. Corrections and additions will be delineated and described in the basin setting narrative, along with description of previous studies related to GDEs and as they relate to groundwater-surface water interaction and management.
Previous water balance studies and data will be reviewed, synthesized, and utilized to develop basin- wide and management area water budgets. The water balance study will include evaluation of data gaps to provide guidance for future work.
The consultant team will work with the OVGA to develop management areas for the basin. Management area considerations are anticipated to include the HCM, jurisdictional boundaries, land
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and water use, and existing water management programs. It is likely that the area previously considered for the basin boundary modification (Mono County portion of the Tri-Valley area) will become one of the management areas. The Owens Lake area may also warrant consideration as a management area. After management areas are established, the LSCE Team will then evaluate water balances by management area in addition to the Basin as a whole. The GSP will also include descriptions of the HCM and groundwater conditions for each management area.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task will be a GSP chapter describing the Basin Setting.
Task 7 Sustainable Management Criteria
Task Description The four components of Sustainable Management Criteria under SGMA are the sustainability goals, measurable objectives, minimum thresholds, and undesirable results. The Inyo County/LA Water Agreement and other previous studies, along with work on previous tasks in this study, will provide important input related to this task. The Agreement signed in 1991 set baseline vegetation conditions (1984-1987), and manages future groundwater pumping to avoid significant adverse effects. The overall pumping management strategy links production wells with 22 soil/vegetation monitoring sites that have 100 meter vegetation transects and neutron probe access tubes. Monitoring includes monthly soil water measurements, and measurement of vegetation leaf area and species assemblage. Well operational status is tied to calculated plant water requirements. The monitoring types/locations, procedures, protocols, methodologies, and thresholds for significant adverse effects will be thoroughly evaluated in establishing GSP sustainable management criteria.
Establishment of representative GSP monitoring sites and appropriate measurable objectives/minimum thresholds to maintain and/or enhance the sustainability of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin will be a complex task involving substantial discussions and interactions between the LSCE consultant team and the County, OVGA, and basin stakeholders. Furthermore, undesirable results need to be defined for each sustainability indicator by the OVGA with input from the County and basin stakeholders. The LSCE consultant team will provide the needed technical input and participate in discussions with the OVGA in terms of providing technical opinions and recommendations, but ultimately the OVGA must set measurable objectives and minimum thresholds and establish definitions of undesirable results. Overall, the development of sustainable management criteria for a groundwater basin can be expected to be a relatively long and challenging process, but is one of the most critical steps in developing a GSP.
Deliverable The deliverable will be a GSP chapter describing the sustainable management criteria.
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Task 8 Progress Report Public Meeting
Task Description A public meeting with the OVGA Board will be held at approximately the half-way point of GSP preparation. The goals of the meeting will be to present work completed to date, describe next steps in the GSP preparation process, and receive public feedback and comments on work completed to date. It is anticipated that three to four members of the LSCE Team will attend the meeting.
In addition, if desired by the OVGA, we will utilize CCP’s extensive SGMA and general public meeting facilitation expertise to support the design and delivery of this meeting. The meeting would be conducted consistent with approaches described in the Engagement Plan (Task 2). It would be conducted compliant with the Brown Act even though it is envisioned by the OVGA to function differently than a standard Board meeting. Our team will:
• Prepare the draft and final agenda;
• Work with staff and potentially OVGA Board members to prepare speaking points and presentations;
• Work with staff to prepare meeting materials;
• Coordinate and do set up for the meeting location (if warranted);
• Facilitate the meeting;
• Take notes during the meeting;
• Conduct meeting debrief with OVGA staff and others as appropriate; and
• Prepare a draft and final meeting summary. Deliverables The task deliverables will include meeting agenda, presentation materials, and meeting summary.
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Task 9 Develop/Refine Monitoring Program
Task Description There are several monitoring programs active in the basin serving a wide variety of objectives. Existing monitoring programs include: LADWP, CASGEM, Inyo County Water Department, Tri- Valley Groundwater Management District, Inyo and Mono County landfills, Fish Slough Subbasin, Swall Meadows CSD, CG Roxanne Groundwater Monitoring and Mitigation Program and tribal groundwater monitoring programs. The existing monitoring programs provide good coverage of the basin, but the programs serve a variety of specific local objectives. This task will describe the physical, jurisdictional, and administrative aspects of these programs, identify and address data gaps, and assess the applicability of GSP sustainability criteria. The need for improvements to the existing monitoring programs (including monitoring related to GDEs) will be evaluated, and monitoring protocols will be developed for the six key sustainability indicators. DWR BMPs will be consulted for guidance in this task.
Deliverable The task deliverable will be a GSP chapter describing monitoring networks, protocols, and recommended improvements for the purpose of enhancing sustainability.
Task 10 Local/Specific Studies to Develop Projects/Management Actions
Task Description Task 10 encompasses a series of local and/or specific studies, each of which may result in recommended future studies, projects, and/or management actions to enhance basin sustainability. Each study would be conducted as described below, and will include recommendations for future studies, projects, and management actions resulting from that particular study.
Deliverables Deliverables will include work plans, budgets, schedules, CEQA and permitting requirements, and priority rankings relative to proposed future studies, projects, and management actions that may be derived from the various local/specific studies described below.
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Task 10.1 Cost and Rate Study
Task Description The LSCE Team (ERA Economics in particular) will work with the GSA and Basin stakeholders to establish the cost of current and future estimated GSP implementation costs and satisfy GSP regulation § 354.6.e. Implementation costs will include any administrative, monitoring, updating, or technical services costs, but it will not include the cost of major projects or management actions that might be recommended in the GSP. For example, the costs for development of a new basin-wide groundwater model (if recommended) will be included, but the assessment of economic feasibility and costs for a large-scale project (such as construction of a large recharge basin or an engineered solution of persistent high groundwater levels) will not be included under this particular task. The cost and feasibility of major projects and management actions will be assessed individually in order to ensure that the GSP satisfies the regulations § 354.44.b.8 and § 355.4.b.5 (see Optional Subtask 10.10).
Having established the likely GSP implementation costs, the LSCE Team will develop a rate study to assess and allocate any fees that are required to cover the cost of implementing the GSP. The rate study includes two components, a financial evaluation and projection of revenues required to cover GSP implementation costs, and development of an equitable cost allocation between the different stakeholders (ratepayers) in the Basin. The financial projection will develop a spreadsheet model of GSP implementation capital and operating costs over time and the associated total revenue requirements to meet these costs. The LSCE Team will work with the GSA and Basin stakeholders to develop an equitable cost allocation to ensure that different ratepayer classes pay a proportionate share of the GSP implementation cost. The cost allocation will be based on a combination of factors, including benefits received by different classes of stakeholder, localized sustainability concerns identified during the GSP process, and willingness and ability to pay assessments. The combined cost allocation and rate study will satisfy § 354.6.e and ensure a fair allocation of GSP costs and sustainable financial foundation.
Deliverables The deliverable for this task includes a technical memorandum that summarizes the cost and rate study that satisfies the GSP requirements.
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Task 10.2 Assessment, Reconciliation, and Consolidation of Groundwater Models
Task Description Several groundwater models have been developed over the last 30 years for various parts of the region. The RFQ contemplates the review of these models and evaluating the need to consolidate the models into a basin-wide model. A brief history of model development in the region, and previous reviews of those models, for each of the areas of interest (Owens Valley, Owens Lake, and Tri-Valley area) is provided below, followed by a proposed scope of work to complete this task.
Owens Valley A brief historical summary of previous studies related to groundwater modeling in the main portion of Owens Valley Groundwater Basin is provided below. These studies will be reviewed and summarized in more detail in the GSP section that describes groundwater modeling.
• The earliest models were developed as part of a cooperative effort between LADWP and Inyo County. These preliminary models were completed in 1988 and were used, in part, to assist the development of the regional USGS model. • The original USGS model from the 1980s was published as Danskin (1998), and was calibrated from 1963 to 1984. This model was completed under a cooperative agreement between the USGS, LADWP, and Inyo County. • In 2001, the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission retained TEAM Engineering & Management to develop local scale groundwater models for the Bishop, Big Pine, and Lone Pine Reservations that were based, in part, on the regional USGS model. The initial phase of this work yielded local-scale models of the Bishop and Big Pine areas in 2001. • In 2002, TEAM’s local-scale model for the Lone Pine Reservation was completed after incorporating data and information from the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control district’s work in the Owens Lake area. More details on these efforts are presented below in the discussion of Owens Lake area models. • In 2003, a cooperative effort by the USGS, LADWP, and Inyo County to update the regional groundwater model was completed. This effort included updating the model input files to reflect conditions up to 2003, conducting a post-audit to evaluate how the regional model performed in predicting recent groundwater conditions through 2003, and running various groundwater management test scenarios to evaluate potential future groundwater conditions in the Owens Valley. This effort specifically did not include recalibrating the model.
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• In 2004, TEAM Engineering & Management completed a review of the updated USGS model for the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission. The results of this review served as a basis for updating the Bishop and Big Pine local-scale models that were developed in 2001. • In 2006, TEAM Engineering & Management completed updates of the Bishop and Big Pine local-scale models based on the updated USGS model. • In 2007, Inyo County developed a five-layer steady-state model of the Bishop and Laws area. The model was calibrated to 2006 conditions and used to evaluate impacts of proposed new wells and used to evaluate the impact of McNally Canals on the water table in Laws. Owens Lake A brief historical summary of previous studies related to groundwater modeling in the Owens Lake area of Owens Valley Groundwater Basin are described below. These studies will be reviewed and summarized in more detail in the GSP section that describes groundwater modeling.
• The Desert Research Institute completed two groundwater flow models for the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (Wirganowicz, 1997 and Schumer, 1997). • CDM completed a groundwater flow model for LADWP and Inyo County in 1999. • As part of its work associated with the development of the Lone Pine local-scale model for the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission in 2001, TEAM Engineering & Management reviewed the two Desert Research Institute models and the CDM models. It was concluded that these efforts generally suffered from deficiencies in the conceptual model of the groundwater flow system, and development of the Lone Pine area model was delayed until results from aquifer tests from Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District wells were evaluated. These results were subsequently used to improve the Lone Pine area model, specifically to evaluate the impact of Owens Lake groundwater pumping on the Lone Pine reservation. • In 2012, MWH completed a groundwater model of the Owens Lake area for LADWP. This model was completed to investigate the feasibility of using groundwater for a portion of the dust mitigation activities on Owens Lake. This model had been originally developed in 2009 and was subsequently updated and improved based on input from a Blue-Ribbon review panel. The model was calibrated as a steady-state model. Transient calibration was limited to aquifer test data. Tri-Valley Area (Benton Valley, Hammil Valley, and Chalfant Valley) A brief historical summary of previous studies related to groundwater modeling in the Tri-Valley area are described below. These studies will be reviewed and summarized in more detail in the GSP section that describes groundwater modeling.
• In 2001, TEAM Engineering & Management, working as a subcontractor for MHA and utilizing hydrogeologist and LSCE Team member Bill Hutchison, developed a preliminary groundwater model for the Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District. This preliminary groundwater model was developed as one of the initial steps in the evaluation of a proposed groundwater export project by USFilter. The focus of the model was on testing the
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conceptual model of the occurrence and movement of groundwater in the Tri-Valley area, and to test previous estimates of groundwater inflow and outflow advanced by other consultants, specifically those retained by USFilter. • In 2016, Inyo County prepared a document that was submitted to the California Department of Water Resources in support of a request from Inyo and Mono counties to subdivide the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin into two subbasins: the Tri Valley Groundwater Subbasin and the Owens Valley Groundwater Subbasin. The document provided some review comments on the preliminary groundwater model from 2001, most notably on the estimated hydraulic conductivities, assumed pumping in the Laws area, basin underflow to the Laws area, and the outflow from Fish Slough. Proposed Scope Relative to Groundwater Modeling This task includes reviewing the various models with the objective of providing recommendations related to the use of the models to advance the GSP process. These recommendations may take the form of recommending that a particular model could be used as developed, that a particular model should be enhanced or updated prior to use, or that two or more models be consolidated into a basin-wide model. It is also possible that, after the review is completed, that a recommendation would be made to develop a new model that covers the entire area of interest. Among the issues that need resolution during the early portions of the planning process that are important contextual components for reviewing the models are:
• How is sustainability going to be defined? • How many management areas will need to be considered? • In which geographic areas will surface water-groundwater interactions need to be quantified? • Which groundwater dependent ecosystems intersect with the modeling domain? For scope development and budget purposes, it is assumed that the overall groundwater model review will result in up to three models to be reviewed in detail (tentatively, the updated USGS model of Owens Valley, the MWH model of Owens Lake, and the TEAM Engineering & Management model of the Tri-Valley area). The review will include running the models and developing up to seven pumping sensitivity runs of each model to develop a quantitative understanding how changes in pumping affect groundwater elevations, surface water flows, and other components of the groundwater budget (e.g., evapotranspiration and boundary flows).
Deliverable The deliverable for this task will be a technical memorandum and GSP report section that documents the review of each of the models, the pumping sensitivity simulations, and details recommendations and a workplan for future groundwater modeling efforts.
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Task 10.3 Coordination/Compatibility with Water Agreement
Task Description The LSCE Team recognizes the importance and significance of the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement as a foundational document for surface water and groundwater management in Owens Valley. We also understand that lands managed under the Agreement are considered adjudicated with respect to SGMA.
The Inyo-LA Water Agreement signed in 1991 provides for a long-term groundwater management plan for Owens Valley and Inyo County with establishment of policy and technical oversight committees to implement the agreement. The Agreement has provisions to balance groundwater pumping in well fields with local recharge to avoid significant adverse effects to groundwater- dependent vegetation. The Agreement includes a technical appendix known as the “Green Book” that provides locations of groundwater level monitoring wells, vegetation monitoring sites, wells linked to each vegetation monitoring site, methods for locating additional monitoring wells/sites, type of monitoring to be conducted, and standard procedures for analysis/interpretation of data. The Agreement also provides for avoidance of significant adverse effects on water quality and levels in private wells, procedures for determination of significant adverse effects and mitigation plans, provisions for turning LADWP production wells off and on, annual operations plans, groundwater recharge facilities, and various other groundwater management components.
It will be critical for the GSP to be coordinated with the Agreement, and we understand that the LSCE Team will be provided with data, documents, and analytical tools available through the Agreement. This task will include development of a cross-comparison table between the Agreement and the GSP. The purpose of this table will be to demonstrate how the two documents relate to each other and to demonstrate consistency/compatibility between the GSP and the Water Agreement.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task includes a cross comparison table between the Water Agreement and the GSP requirements.
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Task 10.4 Coordination with Other Landowners
Task Description This task will utilize the extensive experience of LSCE Team member CCP to support coordination and engagement with federally recognized Tribal governments and the federal government (as well as potentially any land and water management associated with State lands). Under §10723.2, SGMA defines specific information about how entities defined as “sovereign” are to be addressed by a GSA. We will strictly adhere to said requirements and will provide specific guidance and support on said steps. It should be noted that as a governing agency, the OVGA may find need and/or benefit to conduct formal, government to government consultation with the Tribes. Such activities will benefit greatly from proactive, strategic discussions with the Tribes to define mutual understanding of formal requirements under such an effort, and more specific and unique “rules of engagement” describing how the Tribes and the OVGA will work together. Each Tribe is different and under SGMA, federally recognized Tribes have unique standing. Proactively recognizing and engaging the Tribes’ interests, whether unified amongst all Tribes, or unique to a specific Tribe or Tribes will be of significant long-range benefit to the OVGA’s SGMA implementation. While it is not necessarily appropriate for a consultant team to participate directly in a formal consultation, our team will be available to work with the OVGA and respective Tribes (as warranted) to prepare for such consultation events.
Deliverable The deliverables for this task include preparation of background materials for meeting purposes, meeting agendas, and development and communication of meeting protocols.
Task 10.5 Monitoring Improvements
Task Description This task will build off work completed under Task 9 related to development and refinement of the monitoring program. The data gap assessment related to the monitoring program developed under Task 9 will be reviewed to determine the recommended improvements to the overall GSP monitoring program. This task will also need to consider the Sustainable Management Criteria (e.g., representative monitoring points, minimum thresholds, measurable objectives, definition of undesirable results for each sustainability indicator) developed under Task 7. Recommended improvements to the monitoring program will be developed to ensure that the six sustainability
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indicators are adequately monitored, and so that overall basin sustainability can be characterized and demonstrated.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task includes a GSP chapter that summarizes current monitoring, sustainable management criteria, and recommended monitoring program improvements in the relevant chapter(s) of the GSP.
Task 10.6 Groundwater Development at Owens Lake
Task Description LADWP’s ongoing program related to groundwater development in the Owens Lake area involves studies and plans related to monitoring, management, and mitigation. We understand that the project has been under development for the last several years and is approximately 40% complete. The studies and plans will be conducted and funded by LADWP in consultation with the GSA. The LSCE Team will review and incorporate available data and studies from this program into appropriate sections of the GSP.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task includes incorporation of summary information/data in the relevant chapter(s) of the GSP.
Task 10.7 Tri-Valley/Bishop-Laws/Fish Slough Regions Groundwater Flow Path Evaluation
Task Description As discussed above in Task 10.2 regarding the review of existing models, TEAM Engineering & Management developed a preliminary groundwater model of the Tri-Valley area in 2001, and Inyo County provided some review comments in a 2016 document submitted to DWR in support of a request from Inyo and Mono Counties to subdivide the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin into two subbasins. The comments covered the estimated hydraulic conductivities, assumed pumping in the Laws area, basin underflow to the Laws area, and the outflow from Fish Slough.
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The proposed scope of this task involves taking the results of the model review and updating/enhancing the model considering Inyo County’s 2016 comments and considering the review of the updated USGS Owens Valley model (2003). The update may be able to use MODFLOW features that were not available in 2001. Specifically, issues related to hydraulic conductivity, pumping estimates, basin underflow to Laws, and interaction with Fish Slough will be addressed.
Based on results of the groundwater flow evaluation, potential for ecosystem impacts to Fish Slough from potential changes in groundwater inflow to the Fish Slough area will be evaluated. PAE has extensive local experience in the composition and condition of fresh and saline waters of the study area, and its associated species and habitats (i.e., riparian areas, wetlands, and meadows). The proposed scope will delineate GDEs based on available data (i.e., TNC/DWR guidance) and add refinements based on ancillary data and in-house expertise; review existing conditions based on prior studies and data (including the private collection of Dr. Herbst); determine the ecohydrological basis for groundwater dependency for selected high priority GDEs; and derive threshold criteria to meet SGMA requirements.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task will be a GSP section that documents the update of the model and the results, including any recommendations for future studies of this area. Specific discussions will involve the groundwater flow paths between the Tri-Valley area and Fish Slough.
Task 10.8 Shallow Groundwater in West Bishop
Task Description The land use and hydrology of the West Bishop area are complex and the region has challenges related to a shallow water table, which were recently exasperated by a disruption of surface water flow from Bishop Creek. A recent study of the shallow groundwater issues conducted by DWR in 2016 was inconclusive, but it illustrated the fragile equilibrium between surface water and groundwater in this part of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin. The LSCE Team will review and incorporate available data and studies into the GSP. The LSCE Team will review local hydrogeologic conditions and data, review previous studies, including the DWR 2016 report, and provide a summary of local hydrogeologic characteristics. Our study will expand on the DWR study with more detailed review of well logs and construction of geologic cross-sections, assessment of local hydrogeologic conditions within the context of the regional groundwater basin, and interaction between the surface water and groundwater systems in the west Bishop area. The study will evaluate the likely causes of high groundwater conditions, potential mitigation measures, and potential future projects that can be considered for further evaluation.
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Deliverable The deliverable for this task will provide a summary in a section of the GSP of local hydrogeologic characteristics for the West Bishop area, likely causes of high groundwater conditions, potential mitigation measures, and potential future projects that can be considered for further evaluation.
Task 10.9 Recommendations for Other Studies or Plans
Task Description This task will provide for a description of other studies, plans, and/or potential projects that may be recommended by the LSCE Team that do not derive directly from Tasks 10.1 through 10.8 One example might be future recommendations for studies and monitoring related to potential effects on ecosystems and aquatic habitat related to natural stresses (e.g., climate change) and non-natural (e.g., pumping). The studies and recommended monitoring may include, but would not be limited to, fisheries, freshwater ecosystems (e.g., seeps, springs, creeks, etc.), endemic and sensitive species, and key habitats (riparian areas, wetlands).
Deliverable This deliverable for this task will provide a brief description of other studies, plans, and/or potential projects, pending their applicability to GSP implementation.
Task 11 Develop GSP Implementation Schedule and Budget
Task Description The purpose of this task is to evaluate the budget for implementation of the GSP after it is adopted and develop a schedule for implementation of tasks and projects during the GSP implementation phase.
Deliverable The task deliverable will be a GSP chapter describing the budget and schedule for GSP implementation.
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Task 12 Develop System for Annual Reporting
Task Description This task involves development of a streamlined system for submitting annual reports to DWR that summarize basin conditions for the past year, monitoring results, descriptions of projects and management actions implemented over the past year, and other requirements in annual reports.
Deliverables Task deliverables will include protocols and templates for submittal of annual reports to DWR.
Task 13 Compilation, Presentation, and Submittal of GSP
Task Description Preparation of the GSP document will be a major effort that is intended to address all SGMA GSP requirements. A complete checklist of requirements for a GSP will be incorporated to ensure submittal of a complete document. The GSP document will include the necessary text, tables, graphics, and appendices needed to address each item in the GSP checklist. This task includes submittal of an Administrative Draft GSP, along with preparation and presentation of a complete Draft GSP document for GSA, stakeholder, and public review and comments. Comments received will be reviewed by the consultant team and considered in preparation of the Final GSP submittal. The Final GSP will be submitted for approval by the OVGA Board and submitted for approval by DWR.
Deliverable The task deliverable will be an Admin Draft GSP for OVGA/staff review, a Draft GSP for public/stakeholder review and comment, and a complete, Final GSP for submittal to DWR.
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Task 14 Address Deficiencies/Corrective Actions
Task Description The scope of this task is dependent on comments received from DWR on the GSP submittal made under Task 13. The task is intended to address GSP deficiencies that may be identified by DWR, provided that the level of effort is commensurate with the available budget for this task. In addition, it is important to note that it may take DWR a year or more to complete their review and provide comments on the GSP submittal.
Deliverable The deliverable for this task will be a revised GSP for the OVGA Board approval and resubmittal to DWR.
Task 15 Coordination Meetings
Task Description This task encompasses two conference calls per month between the LSCE Team and GSA staff. The intent of the conference calls will be to keep the project on track and provide GSA staff with updated information to keep GSA decision makers informed of progress and problems that may arise.
Deliverables Task deliverables will include action items, meeting summaries, and progress reports.
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Optional Task 10.10 Evaluate Projects and Management Actions
Task Description GSP Workplan Task 10 encompasses several local/specific studies that may result in the need for a feasibility analysis of major projects and/or management actions that will be included in the GSP to maintain sustainable conditions in the Basin. GSP Regulations § 354.44.b.8 and § 355.4.b.5 require that the GSP establish feasibility and economic cost for each project and management action included in the GSP. In this optional subtask, the LSCE Team (ERA Economics in particular) will work with the GSA to assess project and management action feasibility and develop a cost allocation and rate study to demonstrate ability to pay. This optional subtask includes detailed evaluation of up to three major projects or management actions.
The RFQ describes the Basin as currently being in a sustainable condition. As such, the approximate scale and location of potential projects and management actions that may be needed to address any sustainability challenges, and maintain or enhance current sustainability, will be assessed through an analysis of the various sustainability indicators. If projected water budgets, assessment of future conditions in the Basin, or other sustainability analyses identify areas with potential sustainability challenges, the LSCE Team will work with Basin stakeholders to identify potential projects and management actions to address those needs.
Evaluation of projects and management actions is split into two phases: (a) preliminary screening and ranking of potential projects and management actions to address the specific sustainability issue, and (b) planning-level feasibility assessment of the most cost-effective project or management action(s) to satisfy GSP Regulations § 354.44.b.8, § 355.4.b.5, and §354.6.e. The preliminary screening evaluates the likely costs, benefits, fairness, ability to pay, and feasibility of different project and management action options. Potential projects or management actions can then be ranked by benefit-cost ratio (and/or other feasibility criteria) so that the most cost-effective options can be identified. Once the preferred project or management action(s) is identified in consultation with Basin stakeholders, the LSCE Team will conduct the feasibility assessment that satisfies the criteria in §354.44.b.8 and § 355.4.b.5. Feasibility criteria include demonstrating technical, economic, financial, and discussing environmental permitting requirements. Feasible projects and management actions that are included in the GSP will be integrated into the rate study (Subtask 10.1) to ensure that the GSP satisfies §354.6.e.
Deliverables Task deliverables will include a section in the GSP describing the economic and financial feasibility of selected projects and/or management actions.
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Optional Task 10.11 Field Sampling and Verification of GDEs
Task Description GDEs are a high priority for the County of Inyo and OVGA due to economic dependency on ecotourism as supported by cold-water fisheries and unique flora and fauna. PAE experts have determined that while some existing data on the composition and condition of GDEs are available, few studies have been conducted to explicitly examine groundwater-surface water interaction as it relates to GDE composition and condition. Most prior studies have focused on ambient environmental conditions irrespective of ecohydrological status. PAE is prepared to provide a scientifically sound approach to qualifying the composition and condition of GDEs for the purposes of current monitoring and future evaluation. The scope of this task is to prepare a comprehensive technical memorandum and associated data that definitively provide a current status on the composition and condition of GDEs in the Owens Valley area as focused on fresh/saline aquatic ecosystems and affiliated terrestrial habitats, such as riparian areas, wetlands, and meadows.
In order to establish changes from baseline conditions in fresh/saline aquatic ecosystems, a subset of springs and seeps from earlier sampling surveys conducted some 20 years ago in the Owens Valley would be repeated (see Sada and Herbst, 2001). The targeted GDEs would be perennial flow habitats, and assessment would include physical, chemical, and aquatic invertebrate biological assessments. These condition data would allow an evaluation of changes or stability in conditions to meet sustainability goals and establish trends for future evaluation and attainment of basin sustainability as per SGMA. From among the more than 150 spring/seep locations previously sampled, a representative subset of 10-20 sites would be selected to cover a range of habitat types. These would then be surveyed using the established protocols for spring inventory and monitoring (Sada and Pohlman, 2002). Aquatic invertebrate samples collected would be returned to the laboratory, sorted, identified and counted for evaluating altered community composition (ordination analysis), and of changes in target rare species (such as springsnails). This subtask would be in accordance with standard index of biotic integrity methods, as accepted by the Regional Board and as developed by Herbst and Silldorf (2009).
With consideration for the compatibility of GSP implementation interests and the Inyo County/LA Water Agreement, the affiliated terrestrial habitats (e.g., riparian areas, wetlands, and meadows) would similarly be inventoried for known GDE locations of high management priorities. These are likely to include groundwater dependent vegetation types occurring in Owens Valley, which are: riparian forest and shrub; alkali meadow; alkali sink; and alkali scrub communities. Alkali meadows are identified by the California Native Plant Society as an important and distinctive plant community within the Owens Valley area, and potentially negatively affected by grazing and groundwater pumping impacts. The condition of these alkali meadows and other GDEs are key indicators by which the effectiveness of groundwater management will be known. When alkali meadows are subject to the combined anthropogenic stresses of groundwater pumping and livestock grazing, the
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 49
meadows may become vulnerable to invasion by shrubs and irreversible conversion to alkali shrub communities. The ecology of alkali sink communities is relatively poorly understood, as are their locations within the study area. Similarly, alkali sink communities are rare but important GDEs deserving further scrutiny. This subtask effort to identify and assess rare vegetation GDEs would complement other vegetation monitoring activities, such as those conducted by Inyo County Water Department and would build off other inventory efforts, such as the USGS Mojave Desert Vegetation Database, which included alliance and sometimes association level mapping and detailed descriptions of vegetation types. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the southeastern project area was mapped.
Subtasks for GDE refinement and augmentation would include the following for fresh/saline water ecosystems and associated terrestrial habitats (riparian areas, wetlands, meadows):
1) Compile existing data on GDEs within the Owens Valley;
2) Establish criteria for impairment thresholds (metrics and potential effect levels derived from literature review of experimental and comparative ecology data);
3) Identify methods for enhancing sustainability; and
4) Make recommendations for additional research and/or monitoring.
Deliverables Deliverables for this task are a comprehensive technical memorandum detailing the outcomes of the activities above and all associated monitoring data.
E. Schedule A preliminary schedule for tasks described in the proposed scope of work for preparation of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP is presented in Attachment 6 of the Proposition 1 Grant Application with submittal of the final GSP by January 31, 2022, in accordance with SGMA requirements. Our proposed schedule adjusts the start of GSP administrative and preparation tasks from the second quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2018. Thus, GSP preparation tasks related to the initial site visit, data compilation/review, interagency agreements, and GSP area/GSA information were moved back to accommodate the revised start date. However, subsequent GSP preparation tasks are proposed to be conducted generally in accordance with the schedule indicated in the grant agreement.
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LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 51
F. Budget The scope of work and associated budget presented herein are intended to accomplish the tasks associated with development and approval of a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin as outlined in this proposal. The approach and budget presented in this proposal have been developed with consideration to matching available grant funds by task and minimizing additional cost requirements by the OVGA to the extent practical, with optional tasks provided to develop information and tools that will provide longer-term benefits to the Basin. However, three tasks described in more detail below resulted in our non-optional core budget being about $80,000 greater than the DWR grant budget.
First, we note that funding for RFQ Tasks 2 and 10.4 was not provided in the DWR grant. Our experience with GSP projects in other subbasins indicates these tasks and facilitation work in general will be very important and beneficial to GSP preparation as well as meeting overall SGMA requirements for stakeholder coordination and involvement. Thus, we have included costs for the core work needed from LSCE Team member CCP in the main tasks. Task 7 (Sustainable Management Criteria) includes grant funding in the amount of $27,000; however, our experience in other basins indicates this will likely be a very long and challenging task that requires a higher level of effort than can be covered by available grant funds.
It is our intent to work with the OVGA to apply to DWR for grant funding for facilitation support services (FSS) to fill the budget gap related to CCP services in our proposed scope of work. LSCE and CCP have previously successfully applied for FSS grant funding for other groundwater basins, and we recently confirmed with DWR that such funding remains available. DWR continues to encourage applications for FSS funding. Although DWR has indicated critically overdraft basins are given preference for these funds, we believe that because the Prop 1 grant application for the development of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP did not include a request for facilitation services and because the Basin represents a known sensitive hydrogeologic setting, where a key objective is to enhance sustainability, we believe the opportunities for FSS grant funds are likely very high. Assuming that we would be successful in obtaining such grant funding, the gap between our proposed budget and the original DWR GSP grant budget will be reduced to about $30,000 (with FSS grant funding for CCP work in Tasks 2, 8, and 10).
The total cost to conduct the necessary tasks to successfully comply with GSP regulations is estimated to be $791,000; the total cost for optional tasks is estimated to be $123,000. The budget build-up is summarized in the included Cost Summary, Table 3. A Detailed Budget is presented in Table 4, including estimated person-hours by task, along with 2018 hourly rates by labor classification. Hourly rates for 2018 by participating staff persons for all team firms are also shown in Table 1 in Section B. The budget includes all administrative and overhead costs and modest direct (reimbursable) expenses associated with completing the work.
The maximum estimated cost for the Team’s core budget proposal ($791,000) plus optional work ($123,000) is $914,000. The optional costs include budgets for tasks 10.10 and 10.11. In addition, we have provided per meeting per person costs (for meeting attendance beyond those included in the core budget) under optional items – those optional meeting costs are not included in the overall budget with optional tasks cited above.
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We look forward to discussing any possible scope and budget refinements with you, with the objective of maximizing benefits to the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin given funding limitations.
Fee schedules (2018) for all firms are included in Appendix B. LSCE has applied no mark up to subcontractor fees.
G. References Below are client references for the LSCE Team.
LSCE References Patrick Lowe, Natural Resources Conservation Manager Napa County, Department of Public Works 804 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 (707) 259-8600; [email protected] Project: Napa Valley Groundwater Subbasin Alternative to a GSP, Special Study including groundwater flow model leading to a management area, a Management Area Report and numerous other studies and reports (2009 to present); see description under recent projects
LSCE and ERA Reference Doug Welch, General Resources Manager Chowchilla Water District 327 South Chowchilla Boulevard, Chowchilla, CA 93610 (559) 665-3747; [email protected] Project: Chowchilla Subbasin Data Collection and Analysis Study (2017), and ongoing GSP preparation effort; see description under recent projects.
TEAM References Chris Ellis, Site Manager Coso Operating Company PO Box 1690 Inyokern, California 93257 760-764-1300 x207 Project/Documents: Hay Ranch Project Conditional Use Permit Hydrologic Monitoring Reports
Phill Kiddoo, Air Pollution Control Officer Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District 157 Short Street Bishop, CA 93514 760-872-8211 Project/Documents: Vegetation Monitoring for the Cultural Resource Task Force Monitoring Subcommittee, Dearborn Spring, Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program, Phase 7B/9B
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 57
Tom Hodges, Director of Planning and Government Affairs Mammoth Mountain Ski Area PO Box 24 Mammoth Lakes, California 93546 760-934-0740 Project/Document: Hydrologic Assessment, Dry Creek Area, Mono County, California
Scott Burns, Mono County Planning Director (Retired) Mono County Community Development Department PO Box 347 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 760-934-1800 Projects/Documents: Surface and Ground Water Availability Assessments, June Lake, Crowley, Lee Vining, Mono City, Antelope Valley and Tri-Valley Areas of Mono County
Dr. Bill Hutchison Ty Edwards, General Manager Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District P.O. Box 1644 Fort Stockton, TX 79735 432-336-0698 [email protected] Project: Groundwater Management Area 3 Joint Planning; Period of Service: 2015 to 2016; Prepared 7 Technical Memoranda and 6 Explanatory Reports Project: Review USGS Groundwater Model; Period of Service: 2016 to 2017; Prepared Model Review Report Project: Review Western Pecos County Groundwater Model; Period of Service: 2017; Prepared Model Review Report
Zach Holland, General Manager Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District P.O. Box 269 Navasota, TX 77868 936-825-7303 [email protected] Project: Review Houston Area Groundwater Model (developed by USGS); Period of Service: 2014; Prepared Model Review Report Project: Run D Model Review; Period of Service: 2018; Prepared Model Run Review Report Project: Inverse Model Simulations for Joint Planning; Period of Service: 2018; Prepared Report covering 7 scenarios (about 3,500 model runs)
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Genell Hobbs, General Manager Kinney County Groundwater Conservation District P.O. Box 369 Brackettville, TX 78832 830-563-9699 [email protected] Project: Groundwater Management Plan Update; Period of Service: 2017 to 2018; Prepared Updated District Groundwater Management Plan
PAE References Client: County of Yolo Elisa Sabatini Manager of Natural Resources Yolo County Administrator's Office 625 Court Street, Room 202, Woodland, CA 95695 W: 530.406.5773 | C: 916.402.3985 [email protected] Project: Integrated environmental economic modeling to evaluate alternate land use planning efforts
Client: Fetzer Vineyards Cindy deVries Vice President, General Manager 2901 Old River Road Hopland, CA 95449 (707) 744-1250 [email protected] Project: Spatially distributed ecosystem service assessment including terrestrial vegetation survey
Client: South Yuba River Citizens League Rachel Hutchinson Science Director 313 Railroad Ave Suite 101, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-5961 [email protected] Project: Expert analysis of integrated water resource management options, including riparian restoration CCP References Geoff Poole General Manager Borrego Water District 760-767-5806 [email protected] Project: Described above; Working with Meagan Wylie and Dave Ceppos
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 59
Mr. Peter Brostrom Department of Water Resources Water Use and Efficiency Program (916) 651-7034 [email protected] Project: Local assistance to numerous entities for formation of GSAs and development of GSPs; Working with Meagan Wylie and Dave Ceppos
H. Meeting Deadlines LSCE and its partnering firms are committed to meeting project deadlines, especially regulatory driven deadlines. As LSCE’s Napa County reference can attest, LSCE completed the final Alternative to a GSP for the Napa Valley Subbasin in mid-December 2016, well ahead of the January 1, 2017 deadline. California’s Office of Administrative Law finalized the GSP emergency regulations in August 2016. This meant that much of the work to prepare the Alternative Plan, including public workshops, presentations to the County Board of Supervisors, preparation of a valley wide water budget, synthesis of numerous prior studies and historical groundwater and surface water data, and preparation of the Alternative Plan occurred over a period of about four months. LSCE recently completed multiple regulatory driven reports related to the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program and the development of individual groundwater quality trend monitoring workplans on behalf of five agricultural coalitions and a collaborative workplan on behalf of ten agricultural coalitions. Altogether the workplans cover the majority of an area inclusive of California’s Central Valley and extending into the watershed area encompassing the Valley Floor. All six workplans were due the same day (May 16, 2018).
I. Disclosure From 1985 to 1999, Dr. Hutchison completed numerous consulting assignments for Inyo County as an independent contractor (1985 to 1988), and as an employee of consulting firms (1988 to 1999): Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, Woodward-Clyde Associates, and TEAM Engineering and Management. From 1999 to 2001, Dr. Hutchison completed consulting assignments for the Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District and the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission as an employee of TEAM Engineering and Management. From 2001 to 2006, Dr. Hutchison assisted TEAM Engineering & Management with additional modeling assignments for the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission as an independent contractor. Since 2006, Dr. Hutchison has completed no consulting assignments in Inyo or Mono Counties.
J. County of Inyo Contract Acceptance The LSCE Team accepts the County of Inyo Standard Contract. The LSCE Team meets the insurance requirements.
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 60
K. Additional Information As described above in Section F (Budget), DWR continues to encourage applications for FSS funding. We believe that because the Prop 1 grant application for the development of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin GSP did not include a request for facilitation services and because the Basin represents a known sensitive hydrogeologic setting, where a key objective is to enhance sustainability, we believe the opportunities for FSS grant funds are likely very high.
L. Project Proposal Signatures: Project Manager: Peter Leffler, PG, CHG, Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers
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LSCE President: Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers
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Appendix A: Key Staff Resumes
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 62 Vicki J. Kretsinger Grabert, PH-GW President and Senior Principal Hydrologist
Specialization: She has more than 30 years of experience in regional groundwater resource management and quality assessments, including groundwater supply sufficiency and availability assessments, design of monitoring networks and programs, long-term groundwater quality monitoring and protection programs for twelve agricultural coalitions in the Central Valley, and groundwater technical assistance to the Central Valley Salinity Coalition since 2009. She is highly familiar with the provisions of SGMA through extensive involvement in SGMA-related work in groundwater basins across California. She was in the principal in charge of an alternative to a Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Subsequently, in the same basin, a groundwater flow model was developed in 2017 to assess various sustainability interests including surface water groundwater interaction and potential streamflow depletion factors, a SGMA Management Area was designated, a SGMA-related report on the Management Area was prepared and submitted to DWR in March 2018, and the first SGMA Annual Report was filed in March 2018. In 1992, she became the Founding President of the Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) and served as a director for 23 years. In 2010, she planned and organized the launch of a new Contemporary Groundwater Issues Council on behalf of GRA. The Council consists of nearly three dozen local, state, and national distinguished executives and leaders who are providing their input on the most pressing information, education, and programming needs to address California’s groundwater challenges. She co- led the Groundwater Caucus for the Department of Water Resources California Water Plan Update 2013. She was involved in Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) GSP regulation development and feedback as part of Groundwater Resources Association’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Committee. She is a member of DWR’s Practitioner Advisory Panel that is providing input to DWR on SGMA implementation. In 2017, she contributed input on the Berkeley Law/UC Water paper on groundwater-surface water interactions under SGMA. She is a Steering Committee Member for the Distinguished Anne J. Schneider Lecture Series.
Professional Registration: Professional Hydrologist - Ground Water 870 (American Institute of Hydrology)
Academic Degrees: M.S. Water Science, University of California, Davis, CA 1989 B.S. Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 1977
Professional Experience: Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA Principal Hydrologist 1992 - present President 2012 - present Corporation Secretary 2005 - 2017 Principal Partner 1992 - 2004 Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers 1983 -1991 Groundwater Hydrologist University of California, Davis, CA 1981 -1982 Research Assistant - Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources
Representative Professional Experience: • Managed preparation of the statewide report on Land Subsidence from Groundwater Use in California (2014). The report was prepared for the California Water Foundation and included the formation of a Subsidence Resources Group composed of 22 state and national subsidence experts, including 5 representatives from DWR and 17 representatives from the USGS.
Vicki Kretsinger, Sr. Principal Hydrologist ▪ 1
Representative Professional Experience (cont.): • Managed LSCE’s technical work, including groundwater modeling, as part of a team that designed and implemented the Salt and Nitrate Sources Pilot Implementation Study. This was a key initial step in the effort by the Central Valley Salinity Coalition toward the development of a Basin Plan amendment to address the issue of salt and nutrient management in California’s Central Valley. • Managed the groundwater work for the Initial Conceptual Model (ICM, SNMP Phase I) effort for the ongoing CV-SALTS program that includes develop and implementing an approach for estimating the movement of water, salt, and nitrate for groundwater and surface water in the entire Central Valley. Phase I work included development of two groundwater flow and transport models. Currently managing the groundwater work for the Phase II SNMP for the entire Central Valley; this work includes development of a groundwater flow and transport model in part of the Kings Subbasin area, with simulation of several salt and nitrate management scenarios. • Managed LSCE’s design and implementation of a countywide project on behalf of Napa County with emphasis on understanding groundwater conditions based on available data, an updated hydrogeologic conceptualization of the Napa Valley Floor, surface water /groundwater interaction and implementing an expanded groundwater monitoring and data management program as a framework for coordinated, integrated water resources management and dissemination of water resources information. Numerous outreach presentations provided in coordination with County. In 2011, and prior to the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), she worked with a County Groundwater Resources Advisory Committee for two and a half years to educate the Committee on the County’s groundwater resources and to aid County staff and the Committee in community outreach and education efforts. She was the principal-in-charge of the preparation of the Napa Valley Subbasin Alternative to a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (December 2016). In 2017 to April 2018, she has been the principal-in-charge of the development of a groundwater flow model for the assessment of the potential for streamflow depletion in an area of the Napa Valley Subbasin, preparation of a SGMA-related report on an area of the Subbasin that is now a designated SGMA Management Area, and preparation of the SGMA-required Annual Report. • Managed overall technical work for the development of Western Tulare Lake Basin Area Groundwater Quality Assessment Report (GAR) and Groundwater Quality Trend Monitoring Program (GQTM); East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition’s GAR (approved by Regional Board 2014) and GQTM; Westside San Joaquin River GAR (approved by Regional Board in September 2015), GQMP and GQTM; the Grassland Drainage Area GAR, GQMP and GQTM; the Sacramento Valley Water Quality Coalition GQTM for the entire Sacramento Hydrologic Region, as required by the Coalition’s Waste Discharge Requirements for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. • Managing overall technical work for the development of a groundwater quality trend monitoring program for the Central Valley Groundwater Monitoring Collaborative, 11 Agricultural Coalitions, located in the San Joaquin Valley. This umbrella program encompasses GQTMs developed by the 11 Coalitions and establishes the framework for the future Central Valley Groundwater Monitoring Program, as required by the Central Valley Salt and Nitrate Management Plan and the upcoming Basin Plan Amendment for the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Tulare Lake Hydrologic Regions. • Managed overall technical work for the groundwater quality characterization reports for the Northern and Southern Counties of the Central Coast Region. • Managed an AB 303 Groundwater Monitoring Program for Yolo County on behalf of the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District). The project contained three phases, including Phase 1 – Countywide Data Collection, Evaluation, and Recommended Groundwater Monitoring Program; Phase 2 – Database Management System; and Phase 3 – Countywide Report of Baseline Groundwater Quality Conditions and Groundwater Trends. • Principal Hydrologist for work conducted for the Solano County Water Agency for detailed hydrogeologic conceptualization of the northern Solano County aquifer system including east into Sacramento County, the design and construction of deep (up to 0.5 mile depth) multiple-completion
Vicki Kretsinger, Sr. Principal Hydrologist ▪ 2
Representative Professional Experience (cont.): groundwater monitoring facilities at four locations in the Northern Solano County area. The work includes expansion of subsidence monitoring at two locations in Northern Solano County. • Managed services for work to prepare Groundwater Management Plans and/or Groundwater/Water Supply Assessments (GSA) in Sutter, Yuba, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. • Managed services for groundwater investigation for a Wastewater Reclamation Authority to determine the vertical and lateral extent of elevated nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the vicinity of a wastewater reclamation authority as a result of effluent discharge to the Mojave River and the authority’s percolation ponds, along with possible contributions from other sources. Currently installing groundwater monitoring wells at two new subregional facilities.
Professional Affiliations (selected highlights): American Institute of Hydrology, Professional Member (1989 to present) Anne J. Schneider Lecture Series Steering Committee Member (2018 to present) Association of California Water Agencies, Member (2002 to present) Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers (Division of the National Ground Water Association), Member (1984-present; AGWSE, Director (1998-2007); AGWSE, Chair (2004, 2005); NGWA, Vice President (2004, 2005) Groundwater News & Views Column in Groundwater Journal, Column Co-Editor (2008 to 2017) Groundwater Resources Association of California State Association Founding President (1992, 1993); Director (1992 to 2014); Executive Committee (1992-2011); Director Emeritus (2015 to present) International Association of Hydrogeologists, Member (1991-present) U.S. National Chapter Director, Executive Committee (2009-present); Treasurer (2012 to 2016); Secretary (2017 to present) University of California Water Resources Center: Advisory Council Member (1994 to 2009) Water Education Foundation: 2014 Mentor Water Education Foundation Water Leaders Class: Topic: Groundwater Management in California
Professional Recognition: NGWA Keith E. Anderson Award, 2008 NGWA Robert Storm Award, 2010 Groundwater Resources Association President’s Award, The Foundation – The Rock of GRA (received in 2014) GRA Outgoing Director and Founding President Plaque – The Founding Mother of GRA (received in 2014) GRA Director Emeritus, 2015 to present
Selected Presentations (since 2016): Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017. Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Annual Report – Water Year 2017. Napa County Board of Supervisors. March 20, 2018. Kretsinger Grabert, V. and T. Grovhoug. 2018. Salt and Nitrate Management Planning for the Sacramento Valley. Presentation at Colusa Farm Show, Northern California Water Association and Sacramento Valley Water Quality Coalition. February 6, 2018. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017. Northeast Napa Area: Special Groundwater Study. Watershed Information & Conservation Council. January 25, 2018. Kretsinger Grabert, V. and T. Grovhoug. 2017. Salt and Nitrate Management Planning for the Sacramento Valley. Northern California Water Association. December 19, 2017. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017. Northeast Napa Area: Special Groundwater Study. Napa County Board of Supervisors. October 10, 2017.
Vicki Kretsinger, Sr. Principal Hydrologist ▪ 3
Selected Presentations (since 2016 -cont.): Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017.Napa County Comprehensive Groundwater Monitoring Program 2016 Annual Report and CASGEM Update. Watershed Information & Conservation Council. July 27, 2017. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017.Napa County Comprehensive Groundwater Monitoring Program 2016 Annual Report and CASGEM Update. Napa County Board of Supervisors. April 18, 2017. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2017. Napa Valley Groundwater Sustainability: Overview of Basin Analysis Report for the Napa Valley Subbasin. Sonoma County Farm Bureau. February 8, 2017. Kretsinger Grabert, V., and R. Bryson. 2016. Napa Valley Groundwater Sustainability: A Basin Analysis Report for the Napa Valley Subbasin (Draft). Watershed Information & Conservation Council. November 3, 2016. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2016. Napa County Groundwater Resources: Groundwater Recharge on Regional and Local Scales, Napa County’s Winery Definition Ordinance. November 2, 2016. Kretsinger, V. and R. Bryson. 2016. Napa Valley Groundwater Sustainability: A Basin Analysis Report for the Napa Valley Subbasin (Draft Chapters 6 and 7). Watershed Information & Conservation Council September 22, 2016. Dalgish, B. V. Kretsinger Grabert (presenting), and others. 2016. A Flow and Transport Model Developed as a Salt and Nitrate Management Analysis Tool for a Management Zone in California’s Eastern Kings Subbasin. Conference: Towards Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture. June 29, 2016. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2016. Napa County Groundwater Resources: A Comprehensive Program to Ensure Sustainability. Conference: Towards Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture. June 28, 2016. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2016. Napa County Comprehensive Groundwater Monitoring Program 2015 Annual Report and CASGEM Update. Watershed Information & Conservation Council. April 21, 2016. Kretsinger, V. and R. Bryson. 2016. Napa County Workshop: Basic Groundwater Concepts and Water Availability Analysis Guidelines. February 4, 2016. Kretsinger Grabert, V. 2016. Groundwater Quantity and Quality: Recent Regulations Affecting Growers. University of California Cooperative Extension. January 7, 2016.
Vicki Kretsinger, Sr. Principal Hydrologist ▪ 4
Peter M. Leffler, PG, CHG Principal Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Pete has over twenty-eight years of professional experience in groundwater consulting in California with a focus on groundwater resources development, management, and protection. Representative assignments include groundwater basin hydrogeologic characterization, water balances, modeling, and safe yield analyses; monitoring well, test well, and production well design, construction, aquifer testing, and groundwater quality sampling; groundwater impact studies related to treated wastewater disposal; evaluation of percolation pond capacity; groundwater quality studies; groundwater impact studies to support CEQA analyses; expert witness testimony; assessment of groundwater flow and well yields in fractured bedrock; and aquifer storage and recovery feasibility studies.
Academic Degrees: M.S., Hydrology/Hydrogeology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 1989 B.S., Geology, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 1986
Continuing Education (selected courses): MODFLOW for Simulation of Ground Water Flow and Advective Transport, Dallas, Texas, The Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers/National Water Well Association, 1991 3-D Groundwater Flow and Transport using Visual MODFLOW, Vancouver, British Columbia, Waterloo Hydrogeologic, 2000 Groundwater Modeling II - Advanced Applications and Strategies for Dealing with Pitfalls in MODFLOW, MODPATH, and MT3D, Vancouver, British Columbia, Waterloo Hydrogeologic, 2001 Advanced Groundwater Modeling – Applications for Saturated Flow and Transport, Density-Dependent Flow, Unsaturated Conditions and Heat Transport using FEFLOW, Waterloo, Ontario, 2001 Model Calibration and Predictive Uncertainty Analysis using PEST, San Francisco, CA, California Groundwater Resources Association, 2003 Vadose Zone Hydrology, Contamination, and Modeling (HYDRUS), Los Angeles, CA, University of California Cooperative Extension & California Groundwater Resources Association, 2008
Professional Registration: CA Professional Geologist No. 6475 1996 CA Certified Hydrogeologist No. 462 1996
Professional Experience: Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers 2015 to Present Principal Hydrogeologist Fugro Consultants, Inc. 2002 - 2014 Associate Hydrogeologist Todd Groundwater 1993 - 2001 Senior Hydrogeologist Harding Lawson Associates 1992 - 1993 Project Hydrogeologist Lowney Associates 1990 - 1992 Staff Hydrogeologist Desert Research Institute (Reno, NV) 1988 - 1989 Graduate Assistant
Peter Leffler, Principal Hydrogeologist - 1
Representative Professional Assignments: • Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication –Served as an expert witness on behalf of Los Angeles County water purveyors with regard to determination of basin safe yield. Provided deposition and trial testimony on issues related to mountain front recharge, bedrock permeability, and groundwater flow through bedrock as a source of recharge to basin alluvium. Work completed included preparation of an expert report, a deposition, and trial testimony. This phase of the trial was decided in client’s favor by the judge.
• Chowchilla Subbasin – A data collection and analysis study was completed in 2017 to compile and organize all available groundwater, surface water, and climatic data for the subbasin, provide a data gap assessment, prepare a preliminary hydrogeologic conceptual model (HCM), prepare a conceptual water budget model, and provide recommendations for filling data gaps. Ongoing work includes preparation of a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) for the critically overdrafted subbasin to meet DWR SGMA requirements. The project includes updates to the HCM, preparation of basin boundary and GSA water budgets, development of a groundwater model, development and application of sustainable management criteria, and other required components of the GSP.
• Madera Subbasin – A data collection and analysis study was completed in 2017 to compile and organize all available groundwater, surface water, and climatic data for the subbasin, provide a data gap assessment, prepare a HCM, prepare a conceptual water budget model, and provide recommendations for filling data gaps. Ongoing work includes preparation of a GSP for the critically overdrafted subbasin to meet DWR SGMA requirements. The project includes updates to the HCM, preparation of basin boundary and GSA water budgets, construction and calibration of a groundwater model, development and application of sustainable management criteria, and other required components of the GSP.
• City of Hayward – Provided detailed technical review of a SGMA Alternative to a GSP prepared by Alameda County Water District for the Niles Cone Groundwater Basin. Detailed technical review comments were prepared and included with an overall submittal to DWR prepared by the City of Hayward. Upon receipt of responses to our comments from ACWD, additional technical review was provided for submittal to DWR.
• Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District – Completed a hydrogeologic conceptual model for the Cummings Groundwater Basin located near Tehachapi, California. The study involved a hydrogeologic characterization of the basin, a water balance study, groundwater quality analysis, and preparation of a groundwater model. The water balance study included evaluation of precipitation recharge, percolation of streamflow, groundwater inflow from bedrock, irrigation recharge, artificial recharge, treated wastewater percolation, well pumping, and groundwater outflow. The hydrogeologic conceptual model provided the basis for construction and calibration of the MODFLOW and MT3D groundwater flow and solute transport numerical model. A subsequent phase of work conducted in 2014 involved updating the water balance and groundwater flow model.
• County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department – Phase II of the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Study involved construction and calibration of a numerical groundwater flow (MODFLOW) model. Work on the project included evaluation of the hydrologic budget (water balance) from the Phase I study to construct numerical model input files for each recharge and discharge component. Recharge components included precipitation recharge, irrigation return flow, streambed percolation, wastewater discharge percolation, and bedrock groundwater inflow. Discharge components included phreatophyte water use, groundwater pumping, and subsurface outflow. Field work was conducted to identify agricultural well locations and estimate groundwater pumping associated with each well. The water balance for the groundwater basin was updated during model calibration.
Peter Leffler, Principal Hydrogeologist - 2
Representative Professional Assignments (cont.): • Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District – Served as project manager for development, construction, calibration, and application of a numerical groundwater flow model (MODFLOW). The model domain covered some 340,000 acres encompassed by the District and simulated the significant recharge and discharge components. The model was calibrated, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Scenarios run with the calibrated model included urban growth and conjunctive use. A subsequent phase of work involved a complete update of the water balance in 2014/15.
• Santa Maria Basin Characterization – Served as Project Hydrogeologist for the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Characterization and Planning Activities Study, which covered the Nipomo Mesa Management Area and the Northern Cities Management Area. The study included compilation and review of existing data and reports, detailed review of well and geophysical logs and preparation of a well log database, preparation of 11 geologic cross-sections, planning/coordination for conducting six aquifer tests and analysis of pumping test data, review and evaluation of streamflow infiltration data and assessment of potential recharge areas, and transducer installation. A comprehensive basin characterization report was prepared to summarize results of the study. • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission – The SFPUC is partnering with the City of Daly City, Cal Water, and the City of San Bruno to construct the Groundwater Storage and Recovery Project in northern San Mateo County. The proposed project involves in-lieu recharge of groundwater via reduced pumping of groundwater by partner agencies during average to wet years when SFPUC can deliver greater quantities of surface water to partner agencies. Involvement in the ongoing project has included peer review of nested monitoring well drilling/installation, design of test/production wells and preparation of detailed engineering well specifications, construction observation for drilling, installation, and testing of 13 production wells, construction observation for drilling, installation, and testing of two test wells, well survey and well drawdown interference study, subsidence study, groundwater quality data evaluation, and overall coordination of groundwater studies for EIR support.
• East Bay Municipal Utility District, Bayside ASR Project Aquifer Testing - Conducted extensive aquifer testing of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery well located in San Lorenzo, CA. Initial testing in 2005 including short-term extraction (4 hours at 1,200 gpm) and injection testing (4 hours at 650 gpm) of the ASR well using a local network of monitoring wells. A large-scale and long-term aquifer test was then conducted in 2010 by pumping the ASR well at 1,400 gpm for two months followed by collection of two months of recovery data. A local and regional monitoring network including monitoring of observation wells ranging from 40 feet to 5 miles away from the ASR well that included wells in the cities of San Lorenzo, San Leandro, and Hayward. A comprehensive report was prepared that included evaluation of data from 25 observation wells utilized in the 2010 test along with evaluation of regional aquifer testing conducted by others.
• Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project – Currently serving as a technical expert witness for California American Water in California Public Utilities Commission proceedings regarding a proposed desalination plant in Monterey County. Work completed so far has included preparation of written testimony and providing verbal testimony for three separate proceedings related to proposed use of slant wells on the beach for a subsurface source water intake and evaluation of potential impacts from slant well pumping on the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin. Also serving as a member of the hydrogeologic working group that was established by the settling parties to evaluate technical data collected to study project feasibility.
• Chowchilla Water District – Served as Project Manager for a groundwater management study. The study involved construction and application of a MODFLOW groundwater model to evaluate potential benefits to the underlying groundwater basin of increased use of surface water supplies in- lieu of a portion of groundwater pumping. Additional aspects of the study included identification of factors that determine whether farmers utilize groundwater or surface water to meet water demands, assessment of potential incentives for greater use of surface water by farmers, and quantifying the costs of groundwater pumping relative to cost of surface water.
Peter Leffler, Principal Hydrogeologist - 3
Selected Presentations: Groundwater Resources Association of California, Low Yield Aquifer Testing Seminar, Instructor, Primary topic covered was conducting pumping tests on fractured bedrock wells, April 27 and 27, 2004.
Nevada Water Resources Association, Annual Conference, Presentation, “Technical Aspects of Surface Water – Groundwater Interaction”, February 2, 2011.
Groundwater Resources Association of California, High Resolution Tools and Techniques for Optimizing Groundwater Extraction for Water Supply, Presentation, “Insights on the Interpretation of Water Well Flow-Profiling Results Using Data from Nearby Nested Monitoring Wells”, June 19, 2013.
American Ground Water Trust, San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Overdraft Forum, Presentation, “Paso Robles and Pending Groundwater Oversight”, November 18, 2013.
U.S. Society of Irrigation and Drainage Professionals, Groundwater Water Issues and Water Management – Strategies Addressing the Challenges of Sustainability, Presentation, “Conjunctive Management of Groundwater and Surface Water in Chowchilla Water District”, March 6, 2014.
Exxon, Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas, Instructor, “Primer on Hydrogeology and its Applications to Geotechnical Engineering”, April 1, 2014.
Association of Ground Water Agencies/American Ground Water Trust, Annual Conference, Everything Aquifers and Groundwater Management, Presentation, “Advantages of Using Surface Water Models and Groundwater Models for Basin Water Budget Determination”, February 13, 2018.
Association of California Water Agencies, Panel Member for Attorneys Program, “Are Adjudications an Alternative? How SGMA and Groundwater Adjudications Will Work Together or Not”, May 10, 2018.
Professional Affiliations: Groundwater Resources Association of California
National Ground Water Association
Geological Society of America
American Geophysical Union
Peter Leffler, Principal Hydrogeologist - 4
Nicholas A. Watterson, PG Senior Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Nick has over 18 years of experience studying surface and groundwater hydrology. He has extensive experience with the acquisition, analysis, and display of geospatial water resources data for projects of widely ranging spatial extent and data complexity. His experience includes quantification of groundwater supply and aquifer storage capacity; characterization of aquifer and well mechanics, well construction design, well rehabilitation program design and implementation; evaluation of groundwater-surface water interactions; and hydrologic modeling in varied hydrogeologic settings of California and Colorado. His recent work has involved evaluation of groundwater conditions in agricultural areas and providing technical support for local entities during implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Academic Degrees: M.S. Geography (Hydrology), Oregon State University 2004 B.A. Geology, The Colorado College 1996
Professional Registration: CA Professional Geologist No. 9076
Professional Experience: Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA 2012-Present Senior Hydrogeologist
Colorado Geological Survey, Denver, CO 2004-2012 Hydrogeologist and GIS Coordinator
Oregon State University, Dept. of Geosciences and Dept. of Forest Science, Corvallis, OR 2001-2004 Faculty and Graduate Research Assistant
Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA 1996-2000 Staff Hydrogeologist
Representative Professional Assignments: • Ongoing work in preparation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans in multiple critically overdrafted groundwater subbasins in California including hydrogeologic characterization and conceptual model development, hydrologic modeling, water budget analysis, and sustainable yield analyses. • Designed and implemented monitoring programs for surface water and nearby groundwater resources to evaluate surface water and groundwater interconnections including in Napa, Mendocino, Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties. Involved analysis and reporting of monitoring data including streamflow and stage, groundwater levels, and water quality characteristics to understand relationships between the surface water and groundwater systems. • Provided technical assistance to agricultural coalitions encompassing more than 8.5 million acres, including over 1.7 million acres of irrigated land, in the Central Valley. Included preparing Groundwater Quality Assessment Reports (GARs), Groundwater Quality Management Plans, and Groundwater Quality Trend Monitoring Workplans to fulfill requirements of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. Evaluated quantitative relationships between groundwater quality and hydrogeologic characteristics using statistical techniques to assess groundwater vulnerability.
Nicholas Watterson, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
Representative Professional Assignments (continued): Developed quantitative prioritization of monitoring areas and designed plans for groundwater quality management and regional groundwater quality trend monitoring. • Evaluated feasibility of using vertical wells or a horizontal infiltration gallery for diversion of Russian River underflow as an alternative to direct streamflow diversion. • Designed and performed well and aquifer testing programs to investigate aquifer and well characteristics and evaluate impacts of pumping on local groundwater and surface water. • Conducted hydrologic modeling of Salinas Valley using the Salinas Valley Integrated Ground and Surface Water Model (SVIGSM) to support analyses of a water supply project involving the construction and operation of slant wells installed beneath the Monterey Bay seafloor. • Performed water resource assessments in Colorado and California including hydrogeologic characterization and evaluation of potential for developing groundwater as a source of supply. • Provided construction and rehabilitation design and oversight for groundwater extraction, monitoring, and artificial recharge well projects throughout California. Prepared well drilling specification packages and cost estimates, coordinated drilling and construction operations, interpreted subsurface conditions from geophysical and borehole data, and provided well design. • Prepared and assembled surface hydrologic models using HEC-RAS and FLO-2D modeling software to simulate effects of a water release from a mine drainage tunnel and post-wildfire hydrology and sediment transport in watersheds in Colorado. • Developed three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic models in basins throughout Colorado. Used surface and subsurface geologic and geophysical data to map the configuration of geologic units including evaluating aquifer depths, thickness, groundwater elevation, and storage capacity. • Developed salt and nutrient management program summary report for the Pittsburg Plain Groundwater Basin as part of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) for the east Contra Costa County area. Documented existing basin groundwater quality conditions and estimated sources of salt and nutrient loading; developed mixing model scenarios to evaluate current and future TDS and nitrate concentrations with respect to basin assimilative capacity. • Completed aquifer recharge and storage studies for the Lost Creek and Upper Black Squirrel Creek basins in Colorado. Mapped bedrock and alluvial aquifer configuration; estimated existing and potential groundwater storage; identified locations for recharge project implementation. • Managed and served as principal scientist on project assessing the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in a complex mountainous hydrogeologic setting near Crested Butte, Colorado. Applied the EPA-developed DRASTIC semi-quantitative model using GIS to evaluate groundwater resource vulnerability to potential surface contamination. • Coordinated Colorado Geological Survey GIS operations including digital geologic map publication process and GIS data management. Performed GIS analysis and mapping of geologic hazards; conducted analyses for state and federal resource management plans and in support of legislative processes. Provided GIS training to staff and oversight of employees and contractors.
Select Technical Reports, Publications and Presentations: • Watterson, N. and Topper, R., 2011. Lost Creek Basin aquifer recharge and storage study. Prepared for the Lost Creek Ground Water Management District by the Colorado Geological Survey. • Watterson, N.A. and Oerter, E.J., 2010. Groundwater resource evaluation for the East River watershed, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forests, Colorado: An analysis of groundwater vulnerability to contamination using the DRASTIC method. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service by the Colorado Geological Survey. • Burnell, J., Watterson, N., Scott, P., and Eisinger, C., 2010. Lone Mesa State Park mineral and water resource assessment. Prepared for Colorado State Parks by the Colorado Geological Survey.
Nicholas Watterson, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 2
Select Technical Reports, Publications and Presentations (cont.): • Sares, M.A., Berkman, F.E., Watterson, N.A., 2009. Statewide geothermal resource mapping in Colorado. Geothermal Resources Council, Transactions, v. 33. • Watterson, N.A. and Jones, J.A., 2006. Flood and debris flow interactions with roads promote exotic plant invasions along steep mountain streams, western Oregon. Geomorphology 78, 107- 123.
Professional Affiliations: • National Ground Water Association • California Groundwater Resources Association
Nicholas Watterson, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 3 Barbara Dalgish, PG Senior Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Thirteen years of professional experience including ten years in groundwater consulting with Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers and 3 years as a hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. Experience includes hydrogeologic groundwater studies and evaluations, development and construction of site specific and regional groundwater flow and transport models (with particular focus on salt and nitrate); investigation and assessment of regional geologic and hydrologic conditions for groundwater resource management programs; collection and interpretation of land subsidence data; data management; collection and evaluation of soil, surface water, and groundwater quality data; and aquifer parameter estimation using field and analytical techniques.
Academic Degrees: M.S., Hydrologic Sciences, University of California, Davis 2006
B.A., Geology with Honors, Hamilton College, Clinton, New York 2003
Professional Registration: CA Professional Geologist No. 8714
Professional Experience: Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, Inc., Woodland, CA 2006 to Present
U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA 2003 - 2006
Representative Professional Assignments: . Groundwater Modeling – Development of conceptual models, water balances, and surface- subsurface interactions. Development and utilization of numerical and analytic element models on various platforms for water supply, groundwater management (including movement of water, salt, and nitrate), contamination, and groundwater protection projects. Proven success and utility with various versions and packages associated with MODFLOW, as well as Analytic Element Models (WhAEM, GFLOW).
. Water Supply Development and Sustainability Management – Conduct geologic and hydrogeologic investigations for ground water development and management; delineation of the spatial extent of aquifers; lithologic correlation of well logs, preparation of geologic cross-sections, and mapping of subsurface features; oversight over well/testhole drilling and abandonment operations; geologic logging of drill cuttings; creation of water level contour maps. Creation and use of empirical, analytical, and numerical analyses for determination of sustainability of the groundwater source. Physical and chemical analyses of groundwater availability for groundwater management purposes.
. Hydrogeologic Aquifer Parameter Estimations – Perform and interpret various aquifer tests, slug tests, diffusivity analyses (passive monitoring), falling head tests, seepage meter tests, and horizontal flowmeter tests. Many of the results of these tests were incorporated into groundwater models of varying complexity.
. Monitoring and Analysis – Design, implementation, and administration of groundwater, surface water, and subsidence monitoring programs in the context of waste discharge requirements, groundwater management (GWMP), groundwater transfers (as part of the DWR Drought Water Banks), and groundwater protection.
Barbara Dalgish, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
Representative Professional Assignments (cont.): . Subsidence Analysis – Incorporation and presentation of subsidence data as it relates to sustainability of groundwater resources; knowledge of the stress-strain cycles pertaining to determining inelastic and elastic subsidence; pairing groundwater levels from different vertical strata to vertical net land displacement to assess zones suitable or unsuitable for groundwater production. Use and interpretation of Continuous GPS and Extensometer data along with groundwater level data.
. Drinking Water Source Assessment Protection Program – Preparation of drinking water source assessment program documents for several public water systems in California. Included the assessment of potential hazards within calculated wellhead protection zones and the reporting of these hazards in program documents for agency and client use in compliance with the Department of Public Health.
. Database and GIS Management – Creation, maintenance, and management of several water quality and water level databases including well information, lithology information, precipitation, streamflow, subsidence, and geophysical information. Spatial interpretations and map production using GIS technology and geostatistics (e.g. contouring, kriging, etc.).
. Surveying – Perform wellhead surveys for latitude, longitude, and elevation data acquisition. . Research – research methodology; model conceptualization; speaker and presenter at national and international conferences in the United States of America.
Technical Papers/Presentations: Dalgish, B., V. K. Grabert , D. Boyle, M. K. Nassar, J. Dickey, D. Moss, (2016) A Flow and Transport Model Developed as a Salt and Nitrate Management Analysis Tool for a Management Zone in California’s Eastern Kings Subbasin, an International Conference Linking Science and Policy-Toward Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture, June 28-30, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Dalgish, B., V. K. Grabert , D. Boyle, M. K. Nassar, J. Dickey, D. Moss, (2016) A Flow and Transport Model Developed as a Salt and Nitrate Management Analysis Tool for a Management Zone in California’s Eastern Kings Subbasin, Groundwater Resource Association (GRA) of California workshop -Role of Models and Data in Implementing SGMA, June 8-9, Davis, CA, USA.
Dalgish, B. and Lavagnino, L., 2014, Land Subsidence & Groundwater Level Monitoring and Analysis In and Around Solano County, California: GRA Land Subsidence Symposium, UC Davis, CA.
Dalgish, B., 2014, Two Prototype Area Analyses for Developing Salt and Nitrate Management Tools in California’s Central Valley: 2014 International Salinity Forum, UC Riverside, CA Dalgish, B., Boyle, D., and Kretsinger Grabert, V., 2013, Movement of Salt and Nitrate in Shallow Groundwater in California’s Central Valley – Large Scale Water, Salt, and Nitrate Balance Calculations: American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2013, San Francisco, CA. Dalgish, B., 2013, Large-Scale Water, Salt, and Nitrate Balance Calculations for the Groundwater & Surface Water of the Central Valley Floor: WateReuse California Annual Conference 2013, Workshop WS2 Approaches to Salt and Nutrient Management Plans, Monterey, California.
Jurgens, B.C., Burow, K.R., Dalgish, B.A., and Shelton, J.L., 2008, Hydrogeology, water chemistry, and factors affecting the transport of contaminants in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in Modesto, eastern San Joaquin Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5156, 78p.
Barbara Dalgish, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 2
Technical Papers/Presentations (cont.): Burow, K.R., Jurgens, B.C., Kauffman, L.J., Phillips, S.P., Dalgish, B.A., and Shelton, J.L., 2008, Simulations of groundwater flow and particle pathline analysis in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in Modesto, eastern San Joaquin Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5035, 41p.
Dalgish, B.A., Hydrogeologic Characterization and Groundwater Flow Model Analyses in Modesto, California: M.S. Thesis, University of California, Davis, 2006. Dalgish, B., October 2005, Hydrogeologic sensitivity analysis of a heterogeneous facies model of an alluvial aquifer in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California: Hydrogeology Poster Session, Geological Society of America, National Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dalgish, B., October 2003, Using an analytic element model to determine the influence of surface water on municipal well water, Paper No. 44-8: The Role of Analytic Elements in Groundwater Modeling Session, Geological Society of America, National Conference, Denver, Colorado.
Professional Affiliations: National Ground Water Association - Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers
Groundwater Resources Association of California
Geological Society of America
Barbara Dalgish, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 3 Debra Cannon, PG Senior Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Over twenty years of experience in groundwater hydrology and quality. Experience includes investigation, evaluation, design, reporting and implementation of regional and site specific groundwater monitoring programs; groundwater quality investigations; knowledge and application of Federal and California State environmental regulations; provide support for projects involving groundwater modeling and litigation; assessment of groundwater resources in valley and coastal California areas; designed and assisted with implementation of groundwater monitoring networks to characterize regional groundwater quality and resources; baseline data collection, including development of sampling, monitoring and analytical protocol, quality control/quality assurance programs; and investigation and assessment of contaminated groundwater sites.
Academic Degrees: M.S. Geology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 1985 B.S. Geology, University of California, Davis, California 1977
Professional Registration: Registered Geologist, California PG No.8073
Professional Experience: Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA 2013-Present Senior Hydrogeologist
United State Geological Survey, Atlanta, GA 2010 - 2011 Consultant
Luhdorff and Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA 2003 to 2009 Senior Hydrogeologist
Timothy J. Durbin, Inc., Fair Oaks, CA 2001 - 2003 Senior Hydrogeologist
Exponent, Failure Analysis Associates, Menlo Park, CA 1999 - 2001 Senior Scientist
Bookman-Edmonston Engineering, Inc., Sacramento, CA Senior Hydrogeologist 1998 – 1999
Hydrologic Consultants, Inc., Sacramento, CA Senior Staff Hydrologist 1989 – 1998
Representative Professional Assignments: . Key contributor to hydrogeologic site characterization and reports required by site Waste Discharge Requirements for preparation of groundwater monitoring well work plans, monitoring well installation reports (if new monitoring wells were installed), and background groundwater quality reports for the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority subregional plants (Apple Valley and Hesperia) and for the City of Victorville. Instrumental in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and preparing semiannual groundwater quality reports.
Debbie Cannon, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
Representative Professional Assignments (cont.): . Collect and evaluate groundwater level, quality, and pumping data for over 200 wells in the Delta- Mendota Subbasin in the San Joaquin Valley, California and prepare annual report of surface and groundwater conditions including subsidence monitoring updates. Manage surface and groundwater monitoring sampling events.
. In preparation for Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements, assist on multiple projects in the California Central Valley to evaluate historical groundwater conditions (e.g., groundwater levels, quality, subsidence, geologic setting, aquifer parameters) in preparation for development of numerical groundwater flow model of the subbasin.
. Managed water resources data collection (historical and current groundwater levels and quality), data analysis, and assisted with design of groundwater monitoring program for Yolo County, California AB 303 Groundwater Monitoring Program. Established a Database Management System for storage and evaluation of groundwater data and reporting baseline groundwater quality conditions. Reviewed the existing groundwater level monitoring network (approximately 300 wells) and established a groundwater quality monitoring network (approximately 110 wells) to gather and assess the necessary data to ensure the long-term protection of the basin.
. Developed database of groundwater information including well construction, groundwater level, and quality data. Analyzed groundwater data to determine historical and current groundwater conditions required for the groundwater portion of a Water Supply Assessment, southern Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin, Sonoma County, California.
. Team member for preparation of a Groundwater Investigation Work Plan and groundwater monitoring program to determine the vertical and lateral extent of elevated nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the vicinity of a wastewater reclamation authority as a result of effluent discharge to the Mojave River, percolation ponds, and possible contributions from other sources. The Work Plan included evaluation of hydrogeologic conditions and historical groundwater level and quality data.
. Team member for preparation of a SB 610 Water Supply Assessment (WSA) for a project located in Yuba County, California. The work included the analyses necessary to meet the California Water Code requirements to evaluate the sufficiency of the water supply to meet future demands of a housing project. My work included a summary of projected population growth, climate, existing and planned sources of water supply, and analyses of historical and current pumpage and groundwater level data in the subbasin. The WSA described the hydrogeology of the groundwater basin, including geology, well yields, aquifer characteristics, and regional and local groundwater conditions.
. Developed a database of ground-water information that includes well construction, groundwater level and quality data. Analysed the ground-water data to determine historical and current ground-water conditions required for the ground-water portion of a Water Supply Assessment for the southern Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin, Sonoma County, California.
. Analyzed hydrogeologic data and water quality monitoring results and wrote quarterly and annual reports summarizing monitoring activities for an aggregate mining site near Sacramento, California.
. Managed water resources data collection and evaluated historical and current ground-water levels and quality in the Yolo County area. Designed and implemented a groundwater monitoring program.
. Analyzed the source of groundwater contamination at a gasoline terminal in San Diego, California, using geochemical data to identify a source.
. Determined the subsurface hydrogeologic conditions within southern Ventura County, California used in a groundwater model.
Debbie Cannon, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 2
Representative Professional Assignments (continued):
. Analyzed the occurrence of MTBE in the Santa Monica groundwater basin, California. Prepare geologic interpretation of subsurface used in groundwater model.
. Developed hydrogeologic conceptual model of the carbonate groundwater system within southeastern Nevada. Prepare geologic interpretation of subsurface used in groundwater model.
. Analyzed the source of groundwater contamination in San Bernardino, California. The work involved evaluating the upgradient potential contaminant sources and the groundwater flow conditions.
. Assisted in analyses of surface-water and groundwater supply in support of litigation between the states of Nebraska and Wyoming.
. Responsible for organizing quarterly groundwater monitoring and report production for a site in Northern California contaminated with volatile organic compounds.
. Conducted pump tests and field investigations related to groundwater contamination and assisted with chemical analyses using a portable gas chromatograph.
. Assisted in analyses of the source of surface-water and groundwater salinity within the Lompoc groundwater basin.
. Assisted in analyses of the source of soil and groundwater contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons at Santa Barbara, California.
. Assisted in analyses of surface-water and groundwater supply in support of litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court between the states of Kansas and Colorado.
Professional Affiliations:
Groundwater Resources Association of California
Debbie Cannon, Senior Hydrogeologist ▪ 3 Nicholas Newcomb Project Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Nick has eight years of professional experience in hydrogeology and numerical modeling. He has a background in hydrogeologic conceptualization, regional and local scale groundwater flow and solute transport modeling, and monitoring program design and implementation. He has diverse modeling experience that has included studies analyzing pumping induced impact on groundwater-surface water interaction and montane meadows, local and regional scale solute transport, groundwater overdraft, and subsidence. Recently, Nick has been involved in the development of numerical models used to provide technical support for GSP preparation in the Westside and Delta-Mendota Subbasins.
Academic Degrees:
M.S., Hydrologic Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 2014
B.A., Natural Sciences, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 2008
Professional Experience: Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, Woodland CA Project Hydrogeologist 2017 to Present Staff Hydrogeologist 2014 to 2016
University of California at Davis, CA Research Assistant 2010 - 2014
Northeast Instream Habitat Program Research Internship 2007 - 2008
University of Idaho Research Internship 2007
Representative Professional Assignments: Groundwater Modeling • Developed and calibrated basin-wide transient groundwater flow and solute transport model of the Westside Subbasin using MODFLOW-OWHM for GSP technical support. • Developed and calibrated regional groundwater flow and solute transport model to evaluate drawdown, subsidence rates and water quality impacts from proposed 400,000 acre-foot groundwater exchange program. • Developed and calibrated a numerical model of stream depletion on the Feather River to establish exchange rates for a groundwater transfer program administered by the State Water Contractors. • Developed transient groundwater model of the Yosemite Valley to evaluate impacts of groundwater pumping on meadow hydrology and streamflow in the Merced River using MODFLOW-USG. • Developed groundwater flow and contaminant transport model of the Barnes Aquifer using MODFLOW-2000. Coupled EPA HELP and MT3D/RT3D to evaluate effects of a proposed landfill expansion on regional groundwater chemistry in Easthampton, MA. • Representative Professional Assignments (cont.):
Nick Newcomb, Project Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
• Compiled and processed hydrologic data and led preliminary development of a watershed response model of the Delaware River to evaluate dwarfwedge mussel habitat management scenarios. • Critical reviews of USGS CVHM, DWR C2VSIM, Sac IGSM, Modesto Regional Groundwater Model and Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model.
Field Monitoring • Led field operations including monitoring well design and installation, contracting, environmental compliance and long-term water level monitoring as part of an interdisciplinary floodplain restoration study on the lower Cosumnes River. • Designed and implemented long-term groundwater and surface water monitoring program in the Yosemite Valley including installation of shallow piezometers, instrumentation of artesian production wells and installation of stream gages. • Designed and executed field study examining the spatial variability of wind speed in undulating terrain. Used results to validate GIS-based wind speed model used to estimate potential evapotranspiration.
Computer Skills • Numerical Modeling: MODFLOW-2005, MODFLOW-USG, MODFLOW-OWHM, MT3D-USGS and RT3D • Inverse Modeling: UCODE 2014 • Programing: MatLab, FORTRAN, Visual Basic and Python • Geostatistics: GS+, SURFER, ESRI Spatial Analyst/Geostatistical Analyst, TProGS
Publications and Presentations: Newcomb, N.J. 2014. Evaluating the impact of groundwater pumping on meadow hydrology and streamflow in the Yosemite Valley. Hydrovisions 23 No. 3: 17-20.
Liu, Y., N.J. Newcomb and G.E. Fogg. 2013. Spatial pattern and temporal dynamics of groundwater surface water interaction in heterogeneous alluvial fan system. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Liles, G.C., N.J. Newcomb, Y. Liu, J.H. Viers and G.E. Fogg. 2013. Using high resolution subsurface modeling in managed aquifer recharge. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Newcomb, N.J. and G.E. Fogg. 2011. Hydrogeology of a portion of the Yosemite Valley: Groundwater and surface water interaction and conceptual groundwater model. Final Project Report Prepared for U.S. National Park Service, 53 pp. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/upload/groundwater-Yosemite-Valley-final.pdf
Newcomb, N.J. and G.E. Fogg. 2011. Hydrogeology of a portion of the Yosemite Valley: Groundwater and surface water interaction and conceptual groundwater model. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Newcomb, N.J. and R.M. Newton. 2008. Modeling the effect of leachate transport on regional groundwater chemistry. Massachusetts Water Resources Research Conference, Amherst, MA. (Awarded Best Student Poster)
Nick Newcomb, Project Hydrogeologist ▪ 2 Jeevan Jayakody, PhD Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Mr. Jayakody has twelve years of experience through knowledge of hydrology in saturated and unsaturated zones in various geological and environmental settings. Work experience includes groundwater exploration, water well design, groundwater monitoring, flow modeling, water and soil sampling, borehole logging, environmental impact assessment, geotechnical investigations, geological mapping, and geological/numerical data analysis. Academic research experience includes characterizing water flow in unsaturated zone with special attention to temporal and spatial variability of flow in dual- permeability media.
Academic Degrees: Ph.D. in Geoscience with Hydrogeology emphasis, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 2016 M.S. in Geoscience with Hydrogeology emphasis, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 2010 B.S. in Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2005
Professional Experience: Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers, Woodland, CA July 2016 to Present Hydrogeologist
Department of Geoscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 2008 – 2016 Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant
CH2M HILL Tsunami Reconstruction Program, Sri Lanka 2006 – 2007 Hydrogeologist
Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2005 - 2006 Assistant Lecturer and Research Assistant
Representative Professional Assignments: • Groundwater Basin Hydrogeologic Characterization – Delineation of watershed boundaries, hydrological aquifers and aquitards, evaluation of basin water balance, and assessment of water quality.
• Well Design – Design and construction of monitoring wells, test wells, and production wells for community water supply projects.
• Aquifer Testing – Design, conduct, and analyze data for aquifer tests in various aquifer settings.
• Environmental Studies – Environmental impact assessment with regards to water resources in a variety of construction projects.
• Scientific Research – Conducted research to study unsaturated flow in dual-permeability media such as fractured rocks, heap leach piles, capillary barrier systems and granular soil using physical experiments and flow models.
Teaching: Undergraduate-level physical geology, hydrogeology, field geology, and physical geography classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Jeevan Jayakody, Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
Selected Publications: Influence of hydraulic bridges on flow within a coarse porous clast, Jayakody, J.., and Nicholl, M. (Accepted to Advances in Water Resources Research in July 2016).
Temporal stability of flow structure for unsaturated flow in dual-permeability granular media: Experimental investigation and conceptual model development. Nicholl, M., Jayakody, J., et al. (in revision).
Spatial and temporal structure of unsaturated flow in porous crushed stones. Jayakody, J., et al. (2011). Proceedings of the 43rd Symposium on Engineering Geology & Geotechnical Engineering, Las Vegas, NV.
Selected Presentations: Unsaturated flow in fractured rocks: Effects of matrix-matrix contacts on capillary-driven flow across a fracture, UCOWR/NIWR/CUAHSI Annual Conference (2015), Las Vegas, NV (poster).
Influence of hydraulic bridges on flow in coarse porous clasts: Development of a numerical model & results, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists - Annual Student Presentations (2014), Las Vegas, NV (Oral).
Two-phase flow in fractured rocks: Experimental investigation of capillary-driven flow across a fracture, The 17th Annual AAPG-SEG Student Expo (2014), Houston, TX. (poster).
Professional Affiliations: Geological Society of America American Geophysical Union American Institute of Professional Geologists
Professional Services: Member of technical program review committee of UCOWR/NIWR/CUAHSI Annual conference, 2015
Student Representative on the Board of Directors, Nevada Water Resources Association, 01/2013 - 07/2014
Organizer and Student Chair of the UNLV Annual Geoscience Symposium, 2013
Jeevan Jayakody, Hydrogeologist ▪ 2 Andrew K. Francis Staff Hydrogeologist
Specialization: Andrew has experience working with GIS analysis and mapping, groundwater flow modeling, data collection and analysis, and geologic mapping. His field work experience includes preforming slug tests and pumping tests, collecting groundwater and surface water samples, and conducting geophysical survey. His master’s thesis involved calculating stream power values which required the use of MATLAB and statistical analysis.
Academic Degrees: M.S., Hydrogeology, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 2017 B.S., Geology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH 2015
Professional Experience: Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, Woodland CA 2017 - Present Hydrogeologist Illinois State University, Normal IL 2015 - 2016 Geography-Geology Teaching Assistant
Representative Professional Assignments: . Performed analysis on groundwater level data in the Westside basin south of San Francisco to determine change in groundwater storage as the result of a conjunctive use project.
. Collected field data in Napa Valley as part of a surface-groundwater interaction study.
Professional Affiliations: Groundwater Resources Association Geological Society of America
Publications: Francis, A.K. and Ritter J.B., 2014, Evaluating potential ecohydrological services of closed municipal golf course, Springfield, OH: Geological Society of American Abstracts with Programs, Vol. 46, No. 6, p.528 Francis, A.K, Peterson, E.W., Dogwiler, T., and Rowley, R.J., 2016, Evaluating variation in lithology as an erosional control on a fluviokarst system located in Carter Caves State Resort Park, northeastern Kentucky: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program, Vol. 48, No. 7, doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-285071. Akara, Mabossani, Bruening, Ben, Chabela, Lucas p., Francis, Andrew Kehler, Happel, Audrey, Hawn, William, Kisfalusi, Zachary David, Meister, Paul, Miller, Joseph, Rhoads, Matthew, O'reilly, Catherine, Peterson, Eric W.and Twait, Richard, 2016, Groundwater flow along a granvel-sand lense in a glaciated terrain: Geological Society of America abstracts with program, vol. 48, no. 7, 10.1130/abs/2016am-285159.
. Andrew Francis, Staff Hydrogeologist ▪ 1
NAOMI JENSEN GARCIA PRESIDENT / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science - With High Honors - in Environmental Science University of California, Santa Barbara Bishop Union High School, Bishop, California
REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
California Environmental Protection Agency, Registered Environmental Assessor I #07782
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc., Bishop, California. President/CEO. 2015 - Present TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc., Bishop, California. Senior Environmental Scientist. March 1999 - December 2014 White Mountain Research Station, Bishop, California. Scientist. 1998 Santa Barbara Flood Control District, Santa Barbara, California. Environmental Scientist 1996
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
After sixteen years of serving as TEAM’s Senior Environmental Scientist and Manager of TEAM’s Mammoth Lakes office, Naomi Garcia assumed leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of TEAM in January 2015. Ms. Garcia has a broad range of experience in project management, multi- agency permitting, environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater monitoring programs, hazardous waste management and disposal, and preparation of regulatory compliance reports including CEQA and NEPA documents. Naomi has extensive experience successfully interfacing with local, state and federal agencies and interest groups related to permitting and regulatory compliance, and natural resource management.
During the course of Naomi’s 19 years at TEAM, she has managed numerous groundwater monitoring projects in the Owens Valley basin, including monitoring of long term groundwater exportation projects and mitigation programs in the Rose Valley and Olancha/Cartago areas of Inyo County, as well as multiple groundwater quality monitoring projects in Inyo and Mono Counties. She has also contributed to several groundwater availability studies in the Eastern Sierra, including in the Tri-Valley region of the Owens Valley groundwater basin (2001-03 and 2006), as well as land use planning and compliance projects for numerous private land owners and agencies in the Owens Valley.
Ms. Garcia has experience working with local tribal groups in the Owens Valley, and has assisted Inyo County and other clients with formal tribal consultation processes. She has also effectively facilitated stakeholder meetings, most notably in her recent work with Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control
District, working effectively with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, State Lands Agency, tribal representatives, BLM, and other state and federal agencies on the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Project. Naomi has served as Project Manager on many environmental projects throughout Inyo and Mono Counties, including the Owens Valley. She has effectively managed natural resource assessments and regulatory compliance management projects. Ms. Garcia also has experience in stream-restoration, re-vegetation, erosion control, and wetland assessment and mitigation practices.
Naomi has effectively managed complex projects, working with professional affiliates on several major projects. She has experience with work plan preparation and budget management. Several of the projects she is involved in have required detailed task and budget management, and Naomi excels at meeting rigorous project deadlines and budget constraints. During her work on numerous environmental clean-up projects in the Eastern Sierra, Naomi has effectively communicated with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and other local and state agencies, with the objective of obtaining successful restoration of water quality objectives as cost-effectively as possible.
Recently, Naomi has served as TEAM’s Project Manager in providing regulatory compliance management services for Inyo and Mono counties, at twelve active landfill facilities in the Eastern Sierra. In the course of these two projects, Naomi has worked with several affiliates as well as the Inyo and Mono County Environmental Health Department, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Lahontan RWQCB, CalRecycle (formerly the California Integrated Waste Management Board), and BLM. Her knowledge of the regulatory agencies and the multifaceted aspects of landfill permitting have been a valuable asset to Inyo and Mono counties in managing their solid waste regulatory compliance programs.
Ms. Garcia has extensive experience working with current and emerging technology, including computer technology and complex groundwater, surface water, and air quality monitoring devices. She can effectively manage inter-agency discussions and actively uses teleconference, powerpoint and webinar technology to communicate effectively and reduce travel costs associated with working in remote areas.
Naomi is a fourth-generation resident of the Eastern Sierra and has extensive knowledge of the region’s unique physical and socioeconomic conditions. She is actively engaged in her community, volunteering in the Town of Mammoth Lakes and in Chalfant Valley, formerly serving as a commissioner to the Chalfant Valley Community Service District in the Tri-Valley Region of Mono County, and currently as a Board Member of the High Sierra Energy Foundation in Mammoth Lakes.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Technical Advisor to the California Alpine Resort Environmental Cooperative Board Member, High Sierra Energy Foundation National Groundwater Association Environmental Assessment Association - Certified Environmental Inspector Member of the Sierra Business Council
GREGORY M. FOOTE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST BIOLOGIST
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Biology University of Nevada Reno
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc. Bishop, Ca. Biologist. 2004-present California Dept. of Fish & Game (CDFG). Bishop, Ca. Scientific Aide - Wildlife Biology. 2003-2006 California Dept. of Fish & Game (CDFG). Bishop, Ca. Scientific Aide - Fisheries Biology. 2000-2003
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Greg Foote, Biologist and Senior Environmental Scientist for TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc. (TEAM), has over fourteen years of consulting experience with TEAM. Greg is qualified to conduct many types of Biological Surveys and has experience in coordinating with regulatory agencies and following agency and species monitoring protocols to ensure sensitive biological resources are managed and protected according to Best Management Practices. Greg also has experience conducting and coordinating biological resource assessments intended to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, and he currently acts as Lead Biologist for a large-scale site revegetation project in the White/Inyo Mountains, in conjunction with Caltech and the USFS.
Mr. Foote is adept at conducting field surveys and has taken part in numerous biological assessments in aquatic and terrestrial habitats primarily in the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley. He also has experience in assessing the biological integrity of stream habitats using the State of California’s Stream Bioassessment Procedures. Greg also successfully completed the Desert Tortoise Council’s Tortoise Handling workshop. He has also been trained in survey techniques for Southwestern desert bats as well as how to assess impacts to bats in relation to mine closure activities. Greg has experience conducting Wetland Delineation surveys using US Army Corps of Engineers Arid West Region protocols.
Greg has worked with Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Environmental Management office to assess the health of the streams and canals that occur on their reservation. He has also assisted the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Community Development Department on multiple Biological and Botanical Surveys for Endangered Species. These surveys allowed the reservation to conduct underground utility maintenance as well as placement and construction of Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Emergency Management Agency funded homes. Similar work has been also conducted for the Bridgeport Indian Colony to assist with the placement of new residential homes.
Mr. Foote has experience in assisting clients with their groundwater, soil and gas monitoring programs as well as installation, operations and maintenance of various groundwater remediation systems. Greg has participated in geologic investigations and aquifer tests and is proficient with the use of a variety of environmental field instruments.
Greg is currently responsible for collection and reporting of hydrologic monitoring data for the Coso Operating Company Hay Ranch Water Extraction and Delivery System Final Environmental Impact Report’s Hydrologic Monitoring and Mitigation Plan for the Inyo County Water Department. He has also been the Lead Environmental Scientist working on data collection and reporting for the Crystal Geyser Roxane Cabin Bar Ranch Bottling Plant Groundwater Monitoring Mitigation and Reporting Plan.
In addition to his field expertise Mr. Foote has worked on numerous Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects and has managed several Microsoft Access multi-relational databases, and has worked collaboratively with Mono County staff using GIS data to create maps for a series of watershed assessments for the Mono County Planning Department. He is also currently working with the Inyo County Public Works to create a GIS database with environmental attribute table to assist with establishing a Routine Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Prior to joining TEAM, Mr. Foote was employed by the CDFG where he worked on numerous projects related to Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. Some of the projects worked on by Mr. Foote while at CDFG include: Biological Assessments of High Mountain Lakes in the Eastern Sierra to improve Fisheries and Wildlife Management; the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Project; and Biological Assessments of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) maintained waterways for Fauna and Flora (focusing on Aquatic species), to assist with determination of Best Management Practices for LADWP’s maintenance activities.
RICHARD SHORE STAFF GEOLOGIST
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences, with a Concentration in Engineering Geology and Hydrology University of California, Santa Barbara, 2008
REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Geologist-In-Training, State of California 2018. 40-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Certification, 2009 to present.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc., Bishop, California. Staff Geologist. 2017 to present. AECOM, Bakersfield, California. Field Geologist/Technician. 2010 to 2017. Gold Coast Geoservices, Inc., Camarillo, California. Engineering Geologist. 2009 to 2010 DMI-EMK Environmental Services, Inc., Ventura, California. Staff Geologist 2009. Fugro West, Inc., Ventura, California. Engineering Geology Aide. 2008 to 2009.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Richard Shore, Staff Geologist for TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc. (TEAM), has 10 years of experience in the geologic and environmental consulting fields. Richard has a broad array of professional experience conducting site assessments and investigations, hazardous materials remediation, underground storage tank removal and monitoring, Phase I and Phase II site assessments, and groundwater and soil investigations. Richard has particular expertise out in the field assisting clients with their groundwater monitoring well installations, groundwater, soil and soil-gas sampling and monitoring programs, as well as the installation, operations and maintenance of various groundwater and soil-gas remediation systems. Richard is proficient with a variety of environmental field instruments and computer software and programs. Mr. Shore also has experience in coordinating data-sharing and management programs with other external entities, including community service districts, federal agencies, and native American tribes. As a current resident of Bishop, CA, and former resident of Lone Pine, CA, Mr. Shore has extensive personal knowledge of the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin, the history of water usage and water agreements with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and hands-on experience with water monitoring in the Owens Valley region. Additionally, Mr. Shore currently attends the monthly Owens Valley Groundwater Association meetings as a concerned member of the public to stay up to date on the latest issues affecting water rights and water usage in the Owens Valley basin.
Some of the projects currently worked on by Mr. Shore at TEAM include:
• Groundwater monitoring and reporting for a large-scale groundwater pumping project at the Crystal Geyser Water Bottling Plant in Cartago, CA, which includes groundwater sampling, groundwater level data collection, and operation and maintenance of electronic data collection systems. • Groundwater monitoring, sampling, and reporting for 12 landfills throughout Mono and Inyo Counties. Tasks include the full scope of field and reporting activities, including groundwater sampling, groundwater data and statistical analysis, drafting of data tables, figures and graphs, complying with Waste Discharge Requirements for individual sites, and the associated reporting. • Groundwater well installation and abandonment at the Pumice Valley Landfill in Mono County, California. Tasks include soil logging, sampling, well design and construction, and reporting.
August 2017 July 2018 WILLIAM R. HUTCHISON, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Independent Groundwater Consultant 9305 Jamaica Beach Jamaica Beach, TX 77554 512-745-0599 [email protected]
EDUCATION University of Texas at El Paso: Ph.D., Environmental Science and Engineering, 2004-2006 University of Arizona: M.S., Hydrology, 1980-1981, 1982-1983 University of California, Davis: B.S., Soil and Water Science, 1976-1980
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Professional Engineer (Geological and Civil) No. 96287 (Texas) Engineering Firm Registration No. 14526 (Texas) Professional Geoscientist (Geology) No. 286 (Texas) Registered Professional Geologist No. 779 (Mississippi)
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Organization and Location(s) Position Dates Independent Groundwater Consultant 2012 – pres. LBG-Guyton Associates Associate 2011 – 2012 Austin, TX Texas Water Development Board Director, Groundwater 2009 – 2011 Austin, TX Resources Division Water Resources Manager 2006 – 2009 El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Manager 2003 – 2006 El Paso, TX Hydrogeologist 2001 – 2003 TEAM Engineering and Management, Inc. Senior Hydrologist 1998 – 2001 Bishop, CA and Phoenix, AZ Woodward-Clyde Consultants Associate 1996 – 1998 Santa Ana, CA and Phoenix, AZ Sr. Project Hydrologist 1993 – 1996 Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers Principal Hydrologist 1991 – 1993 Woodland, CA Senior Hydrologist 1988 – 1991 Inyo County Water Department County Hydrologist 1985 – 1988 Bishop, CA (now in Independence, CA) Geothermal Surveys, Inc. Hydrologist 1983 – 1985 South Pasadena, CA University of Arizona Research Assistant 1982 – 1983 Tucson, AZ Mobil Oil Corporation Hydrologist 1981 Denver, CO and Glendive, MT Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Intern 1979 Yorba Linda, California William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 2 of 13
REPRESENTATIVE CONSULTING EXPERIENCE SINCE 2011
Texas v. New Mexico Litigation Dr. Hutchison is one of the expert witnesses for the State of Texas on litigation brought by the State of Texas regarding alleged Rio Grande Compact violations. At issue is the effect of groundwater pumping in New Mexico on Rio Grande flows in the El Paso area in the context of the 1938 Rio Grande Compact. (2012 to present)
Update to Groundwater Availability Model for the Northern Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer Principal Hydrogeologist for a team of consultants developing an updated flow model for the Northern Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer (GMA 11 area of Texas). The updated model will address documented issues with the current model related to outcrop area calibration, surface water-groundwater interactions, and application to long-term predictive simulations. (2017 to present)
Groundwater Management Activities in Kinney County, Texas Completed a management plan update, reviewed permit applications, and initiated a data collection effort in Kinney County for the Kinney County Groundwater Conservation District. Currently developing an updated groundwater flow model of Kinney County that will be used for general management initiatives and rules revisions. (2013 to present)
Joint Planning in Groundwater Management Areas 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 13 Consultant for GMAs 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 13 to develop updated desired future conditions. Included in this effort were the review of aquifer conditions and uses, review of water management strategies, review of hydrologic information and data, developing future pumping estimates, running alternative simulations with the Groundwater Availability Models, and preparing an explanatory report. (2012 to 2018)
Groundwater Flow and Transport Model of Lower Rio Grande Valley Principal Hydrogeologist for a team of consultants developing a flow and transport model for the Lower Rio Grande Valley using MODFLOW-USG. The model objectives included the simulation of 23 water management strategies related to proposed fresh groundwater development and brackish groundwater desalination plants. Simulation results included quantitative estimates of groundwater elevation changes, changes in salinity, and impacts to surface water flows. (2015 to 2017).
Groundwater Model Reviews in Pecos County, Texas Reviewed two existing groundwater models for Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District: one developed by the USGS in 2014 and one developed by a team of consultants in 2011. The models were evaluated in terms of how they could be used for predictive simulations in support of developing desired future conditions and in support of permit applications. (2016 to 2017)
Groundwater Monitoring Thresholds in Pecos County, Texas Reviewed historic groundwater data and model results to develop a groundwater monitoring plan, including regulatory thresholds. The results of the review and associated analyses were used in the settlement of several years of litigation between the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District and a permit applicant. (2017)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 3 of 13
Joint Planning Support for Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District Completed analyses and simulations to support Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District’s consideration of revising the desired future conditions in GMA 14. Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District requested that the desired future conditions be revised as part of the settlement of litigation over the reasonableness of the desired future conditions adopted in 2016. The requested revision was reviewed and documented, and various alternative revisions were simulated using inverse runs of the Groundwater Availability Model to provide perspective to the requested revision. (2018)
Subsidence Analysis for Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District As part of a rules revision that simplified the permitting process for small diameter wells and included more detailed requirements to consider subsidence analysis in the permit review process, simulations have been completed to estimate maximum pumping that would avoid subsidence using the Houston Area Groundwater Model, which has recently been adopted by TWDB as the Groundwater Availability Model for the northern portion of the Gulf Coast Aquifer. (2014 to 2015)
Groundwater Availability Model Development using MODFLOW-USG As a consultant to the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, Dr. Hutchison worked with staff of the Texas Water Development Board in the development of the Groundwater Availability Model for the Llano Uplift Aquifers. This model was developed with MODFLOW-USG. (2013 to 2016)
Hydrogeologic Study of Val Verde County, Texas Completed a hydrogeologic study of the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer in Val Verde County for the County of Val Verde and City of Del Rio. The study included developing, calibrating, and applying a groundwater flow model of the area to assess impacts of proposed pumping on local spring flow and Rio Grande flows. (2013 to 2014)
Comparison of Groundwater Monitoring Data with Groundwater Model Results As part of the current round of joint groundwater planning, completed assignments for groundwater conservation districts in Groundwater Management Area 9 and Groundwater Management Area 13 to compare groundwater monitoring data with groundwater model results from the desired future conditions process. These efforts examined, in detail, the various assumptions used in developing the initial round of desired future conditions adopted in 2010. (2012 to 2013)
Groundwater Model Review Panel Participated as a member of the Groundwater Review Panel for the Edwards Aquifer Authority related to the new finite element model being developed for the Edwards Aquifer by Southwest Research Institute. (2012 to 2015)
Groundwater Transport Permit Review A private landowner submitted a permit application to transport 22,500 acre-feet per year of groundwater from Austin and Waller Counties to the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg in Fort Bend County. Dr. Hutchison completed the technical review of the application for the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District as part of a contested case hearing. The applicant subsequently withdrew the application. (2012 to 2014)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 4 of 13
Well Classification Study and Hydrogeologic Report Guidelines Update Over 2,500 wells in the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (Austin, Grimes, Waller and Walker Counties) were evaluated to determine the aquifer completion interval by comparing the screened interval with various groundwater models of the region (Carrizo- Wilcox, Queen City, Sparta, Yegua-Jackson, and Gulf Coast). The results of this evaluation were used to update and enhance the review process of permit applications submitted to the district. (2012 to 2014)
Rules Update for Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District Based on the well classification study and the review of the groundwater transport permit (please see above), the Board of Directors completed a revision to the district rules that simplified the permitting process for small diameter wells and included more detailed requirements to consider subsidence analysis in the permit review process. (2014)
Mine Dewatering Groundwater Pumping Permit Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 received a permit application from Premier Silica LLC to pump groundwater for dewatering associated with an expansion of an existing aggregate mine in the Brady area. Dr. Hutchison was retained to review the groundwater model that has been developed in support of the permit application, and to review the impact of the proposed pumping on the adopted desired future condition for the Hickory Aquifer. (2012 to 2013).
Evaluation of a Proposed Groundwater Development Project in East Texas Completed an evaluation of potential effects of a proposed groundwater development project located in Anderson, Cherokee, and Houston counties in east Texas for the Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. Consultants for the project proponents and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) had previously completed simulations of the proposed pumping using the Groundwater Availability Model (GAM) of the Northern Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District asked for the completion of three tasks: 1) review TWDB GAM run reports, including the GAM run model run that was used to establish Desired Future Conditions, and the GAM run that was used to evaluate the regional effects of the proposed project, 2) extend the previous analyses of the project proponent’s consultant and the TWDB by evaluating the effects of the proposed pumping on specific wells, and 3) recommend and monitoring network. The analysis was presented to the Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District and was presented at the GMA 11 petition hearing in February 2012. (2011 to 2012)
Groundwater Management Plan for Red River Groundwater Conservation District Consultant to the Red River Groundwater Conservation District in Fannin and Grayson Counties in the preparation of their initial management plan. This assignment required compiling and organizing the goals, objectives and performance measures from management plans of neighboring districts, preparing a handout for Board members and reviewing the various approaches with the Board in an open workshop session. Based on the discussion, a draft plan was prepared and approved by the Board. The review draft was subsequently approved by the Texas Water Development Board with no changes. The public hearing and final approval were completed by District personnel as a means of reducing costs. (2012)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 5 of 13
Evaluation of Groundwater Availability using Groundwater Budget Analysis Completed a groundwater budget analysis to provide data and information pertaining to groundwater availability for a private property owner in California. The analysis involved identifying and quantifying individual components of the inflows to and outflows from the defined area. Based on an analysis of precipitation and groundwater elevation changes, a series of historic groundwater budgets were developed for 20-year periods ranging from 1949-1968 to 1991-2010. The analysis was extended to estimate changes to the groundwater budget, generally, and groundwater elevations, specifically under alternative groundwater pumping scenarios from the subject property. (2011 to 2012)
REPRESENTATIVE AGENCY EXPERIENCE (TWDB and EPWU)
Joint Groundwater Planning in Texas In 2005, the Texas Legislature adopted HB 1763, which required that groundwater conservation districts within each groundwater management area adopt desired future conditions by September 1, 2010. The Texas Water Development Board provided technical assistance to this process. As Director of the Groundwater Resources Division, Dr. Hutchison was responsible for coordinating the effort of division staff and took the lead in 9 of the 15 Groundwater Management Areas. Technical support included developing and running groundwater models to estimate impacts of alternative pumping scenarios and attending meeting to discuss and interpret the results of these analyses. Partly because of the technical support provided by the Groundwater Resources Division staff, all desired future conditions were adopted prior to the statutory deadline. (2009 to 2010)
Challenges to the Reasonableness of Desired Future Conditions in Texas Prepared technical reports related to petitions challenging the reasonableness of desired future conditions for Groundwater Management Area 1 (Ogallala Aquifer) and Groundwater Management Area 9 (Edwards Group of the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer). These petitions were filed with the Texas Water Development Board in accordance with statute and agency rules. The technical analysis was submitted to the Board for consideration in their deliberations as to the reasonableness of the adopted desired future condition. (2009 to 2010)
Modeled Available Groundwater Development in Texas Managed development of modeled available groundwater estimates that were based on the desired future conditions adopted by the groundwater conservation districts. These estimates, required by statute, include estimating the total pumping that will achieve the desired future condition and estimating the exempt use of the area. Prior to the 2011 legislative session, these estimates were termed Managed Available Groundwater, and represented the amount of groundwater available for permitting, and were calculated as the total pumping minus the exempt use. (2010 to 2011)
Update of the Hueco Bolson Model in Chihuahua, New Mexico and Texas Completed an update of the USGS model of the Hueco Bolson (Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua) by extending the model period to 2002. The model was used to complete simulations of alternative groundwater management strategies. Based on the results of this work, recommendations were developed regarding long-term groundwater management strategies for the Hueco Bolson. (2001 to 2003)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 6 of 13
Groundwater Availability Model Updates in Texas Completed updates to groundwater availability models in support of the Joint Groundwater Planning Process in Texas. Updated models included: Dockum Aquifer, Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer and Pecos Valley Aquifer, Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, Kinney County portions of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer and Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer, and Southern Gulf Coast Aquifer (GMA 16 portion). These models were updated because the existing models proved to be inadequate for assisting the groundwater conservation districts in developing desired future conditions. (2009 to 2010)
Groundwater Model of the Dell City, Texas Area Developed a regional groundwater flow model covering a large area in Hudspeth and Culberson Counties, Texas and Otero County, New Mexico. This objective of this groundwater model was to develop a more complete understanding of the hydrogeology of the karstic aquifer in the region, and develop data and information related to acquiring property and water rights for a potential groundwater importation project for the City of El Paso. In 2016, the model was adopted by the Texas Water Development Board as the official Groundwater Availability Model for the Bone Spring-Victorio Peak Aquifer. (2001 to 2008)
Hueco Bolson Evaluation, Texas Completed analyses of groundwater flow and groundwater quality of the Hueco Bolson covering west Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Chihuahua. These analyses included evaluating historic groundwater flow patterns, mapping current groundwater quality in three dimensions, evaluating historic groundwater quality changes caused by pumping, and changes in the groundwater budget including induced inflow from the Rio Grande. Prepared comprehensive report of findings that was peer reviewed by a 5-member panel. Results included the finding that the reduction in groundwater pumping from 1989 to 2002 had fundamentally changed conditions in the Hueco Bolson. Moreover, the assumptions that were the foundation of a conclusion made in a 1979 analysis (depletion of fresh groundwater by 2030) were no longer applicable. (2001 to 2004)
Mesilla Bolson Groundwater Management, El Paso, Texas Completed analyses of groundwater flow and groundwater quality of the Mesilla Bolson in west Texas and southern New Mexico. These analyses included evaluating previous groundwater models developed for a variety of objectives and analyzing the role of the Rio Grande in the recharge of the Mesilla. As a result of the analyses a series of piezometers were constructed to improve data coverage and long-term monitoring of the area. In addition, limitations to previous models were identified, and work is currently underway to better incorporate the known hydrostratigraphy in an updated and improved model of the area. (2001 to 2009)
Model Documentation of Groundwater Availability Models in Texas Completed documentation of the Hueco Bolson and Mesilla Bolson groundwater flow models (Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua). These models had been previously developed and were designated as official Groundwater Availability Models (GAM) for the Hueco-Mesilla Aquifer by the Texas Water Development Board. Documentation was needed to fully satisfy the requirements of the Texas Water Development Board. (2001 to 2004)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 7 of 13
Brackish Groundwater Well Location, El Paso, Texas Completed analyses of the Hueco Bolson related to locations of new wells for use in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant, a joint project between El Paso Water Utilities and Fort Bliss. After initial concerns were raised by Fort Bliss, an investigation was completed in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate five alternative well field locations that would produce brackish groundwater to be treated in the planned reverse osmosis plant. Based on this analysis, an alternative was selected and agreed upon. (2003)
Desalination Concentrate Injection Wells in El Paso, Texas Completed preliminary analyses of impacts from injection wells that were proposed for use as part of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant in El Paso, Texas. The analyses included the development of a simple numerical flow model based on a subsurface geologic model developed by researchers at UTEP from gravity data and on the results from slug tests completed during a test hole drilling project funded and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These analyses were incorporated into the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the overall project. Based on the results of the analysis, a full-size injection well was constructed and tested to obtain better data to support authorization from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. Once authorization was obtained, two additional wells were constructed, and all three wells were equipped and tested. Issues related to the potential for mineral precipitation in the well bores and reservoir were evaluated with a combination of geochemical modeling, experiments with formation samples, formation water and concentrate, and monitoring of initial operation. (2004 to 2009)
Simulations of Potential Desalination Plant in Mission Valley, El Paso, Texas Completed a preliminary analysis of a proposed desalination plant in the Mission Valley area of El Paso. This analysis consisted of simulating three potential configurations of well fields to assess impacts to groundwater elevations and gradients, and to estimate potential impacts to the groundwater budget of the area. Based on this analysis, and a companion engineering analysis completed by a consultant, future pre-design work was recommended. (2003)
Region E Water Planning, Far West Texas Developed the conceptual approach of an Integrated Water Management Strategy for El Paso County that was used in the 2005 Regional Water Plan for Far West Texas. Working with Far West Texas Regional Planning Group and their consultants, the conceptual plan was used to develop six specific alternatives designed to meet expected increased water demands in El Paso County through 2060. Alternatives ranged from reliance on single existing sources to a balanced approach that relied on numerous sources, including importation from Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties. (2004 to 2005)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 8 of 13
Impacts of Climate Variability and Climate Change in El Paso, Texas Analyzed the reliability of El Paso’s municipal water supplies under a wide range of climate scenarios, including integration of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections for the region. Because El Paso practices conjunctive use management, the analysis included evaluation of impacts to both surface water (Rio Grande) and groundwater impacts. The analysis included developing simulated Rio Grande flows entering Elephant Butte reservoir based on a published 1000-yr tree ring record, developing a simple reservoir operations model to estimate Elephant Butte outflows and El Paso municipal diversions, estimating groundwater pumping, and simulating groundwater storage changes using a groundwater model. A total of 60 climatic scenarios were developed. Each scenario was simulated under 958 50-year simulations for a total of 57,480 simulations. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the investments in water infrastructure and the efficacy of the management approach that has been developed over the last several decades in meeting municipal water demands over a wide range of climatic conditions. (2007 to 2008)
Well Construction Managed a well construction and equipping program while employed by El Paso Water Utilities that resulted in: - Drilling of 50 test holes - Construction of 14 monitoring wells - Construction of 3 multi-zone piezometers - Construction and equipping of 16 fresh groundwater production wells - Construction and equipping of 32 brackish groundwater production wells
Well designs and construction management are completed in-house. Equipping design and construction management are supervised through a consulting engineer. (2001 to 2009)
REPRESENTATIVE CONSULTING EXPERIENCE (1983 to 2001)
Owens Valley, California Hydrology consultant to the Inyo County (California) Board of Supervisors, Water Department, Water Commission and Environmental Health Department from 1985 to 1999 on issues related to water resources management and protection in the Owens Valley and Death Valley regions, including a key role in the development and negotiation of an historic water management agreement between Inyo County and the City of Los Angeles for the Owens Valley and the preparation of the associated environmental documentation. Assignments also included review and analysis of the Anheuser-Busch groundwater export project in the Cartago area, review and analysis of the groundwater pumping proposed by OLSAC in the Cottonwood Creek area, review and analysis of the groundwater export project proposed by Western Water in the Olancha area, and many others. Many of these assignments included the development and application of groundwater models and the development of monitoring networks and environmental triggers and thresholds to manage the pumping operations. (1985 to 1999)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 9 of 13
Owens Valley Indian Reservation Groundwater Modeling Completed local scale groundwater models of three Indian Reservations in the Owens Valley, California. The regional model developed by the USGS was used as a starting point for these models. The initial phase consisted of using Telescopic Mesh Refinement to define the boundary conditions of the three local scale models. Subsequent phases included enhancing and updating the local scale models. The preliminary model of the Big Pine area was used to evaluate potential increases in pumping that are associated with the Big Pine Ditch System project. (2000 to 2006)
Los Angeles Aqueduct Simulation Model Consultant to the California State Water Resources Control Board related to the Mono Basin Water rights decision, a court ordered review of water rights licenses held by the City of Los Angeles. Working in partnership with State Board staff and Board members, hydrologic analyses were completed, and a simulation model (LAAMP) of the Mono Basin and Los Angeles Aqueduct system was developed and applied to evaluate the impacts of alternative water rights decisions. The simulation model was accepted by all parties involved in the process and was ultimately used in the final water rights decision that resulted in decreased diversions in order to maintain fish flows and restore lake elevation. (1992 to 1994)
Aggregate Mine Expansion, Ventura County, California Consultant to Ventura County (California) Resource Management Agency on the analysis of potential hydrologic impacts of the expansion of an aggregate mine. Concerns had been raised about the potential impact of the mine expansion on seawater intrusion and nitrate contamination. The assignment began with the review of a groundwater model prepared by the project proponent’s consultant. As a result of the review, the existing analyses was expanded with the development of a site-specific groundwater model to enhance the simulation of the potential impacts on nearby spreading facilities, the development of a solute transport model, the completion of a risk assessment of potential groundwater pollution, and the preparation of the water resources and water quality sections of an Environmental Impact Report. (1995 to 1996)
Evaluation of Impacts of Increased Capacity of Salinas Dam, California Completed analyses related to the evaluation of potential downstream impacts of increased storage capacity of the Salinas Dam in central California. These analyses included estimates of reduced spills associated with the increased storage, evaluating the relationship of river flows and groundwater levels in the Atascadero area, and estimating potential groundwater level impacts that may result from the reduced spills. The analyses were summarized in an Environmental Impact Report, and in several technical appendices to the EIR. Because the work involved modification of a water right held by the City of San Luis Obispo, expert witness testimony was given at the California State Water Resources Control Board. (1997 to 1999)
Tri-Valley Groundwater Evaluation, Mono County, California Completed a preliminary groundwater model for the Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District in Mono County, California. This model was based on existing data and was used to preliminarily evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed groundwater export project. Based on the model results, additional data requirements were identified and recommended for Phase 2 of the project. (2000 to 2001)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 10 of 13
Simulation of Impacts of Tunnel Construction, California Developed a finite element model for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California using FRAC3DVS to simulate groundwater inflow during the construction of the Inland Feeder East Tunnel near San Bernardino, California. The model was calibrated under steady-state conditions using groundwater level data from geotechnical boreholes constructed during the design-phase geotechnical investigation. The model was calibrated under transient conditions using tunnel inflow data and groundwater level changes caused by groundwater inflow into the tunnel. Based on the model results, recommendations were made regarding grouting operations for later phases of construction. (1996 to 2002)
San Benito County Groundwater Evaluation, California Conducted a countywide evaluation of the groundwater resources of San Benito County, California. This effort included the evaluation of surface water and groundwater quantity and quality, development and calibration of a basin wide numerical model of the groundwater system, and the evaluation of recharge patterns altered by the delivery of supplemental surface water, some of which is used for direct groundwater recharge. At the completion of the model and report, expert witness testimony was given in a groundwater rights lawsuit between a developer and the local water district. Four years after the model was completed, the County requested that the model be updated and enhanced. (1991 to 1992, 1996)
San Luis Obispo Groundwater Evaluation Completed analyses related to a proposed increase in groundwater pumping in the San Luis Obispo area of central California. The initial analysis consisted of integrating potential local groundwater pumping increases into the reservoir operations planning model used by the City of San Luis Obispo to identify conjunctive use opportunities and limitations. The second phase of the analysis consisted of developing and calibrating a groundwater model of the entire groundwater basin. This model was then used to identify potential impacts of increased pumping on groundwater levels in nearby wells, potential reductions in streamflow, and potential subsidence effects. (2000 to 2001)
Cadiz Valley Groundwater Exploration and Development Completed a comprehensive groundwater exploration and development project in the Cadiz Valley near the Fenner Gap in the Mojave Desert region of southeastern California. Exploration work included review of available information and data on groundwater conditions and geology. An extensive geophysical study using shallow ground temperatures was completed and results were used to select drilling sites. Three test holes were drilled, and two production wells were constructed and tested. Based on the results of the investigations, a report was prepared, and a groundwater budget of the area was estimated. Sixteen years later, assisted the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in the review of a proposed groundwater storage and recovery project in the Cadiz Valley. As part of this assignment, the groundwater model that had been developed to evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of the project was modified and enhanced. (1983 to 1984, 2000 to 2001)
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 11 of 13
Los Osos Groundwater Model Updated and enhanced a groundwater model and developed a groundwater management plan for the three water purveyors in Los Osos, California (Southern California Water Co, S&T Mutual Water Company, and Los Osos Community Services District). The original model had been developed in 1987 by the USGS, and the updated version was used to address specific management questions related to construction and operation of a sewer project, seawater intrusion, conjunctive use strategies, and the need to import surface water. (1997 to 2000) Groundwater Management Spreadsheet Models Developed management tools in the form of empirical models that can be run in a spreadsheet format for the Soquel Creek Water District in central California, and the Vista Irrigation District in southern California. The models were designed to provide a tool for Soquel Creek Water District to manage their groundwater pumping with the objective of preventing seawater intrusion, and by Vista Irrigation District to conjunctively use local surface water, local groundwater, and imported water (1988 to 1991). Groundwater Storage Project Evaluation in Southeastern California Developed groundwater models for four basins in southeastern California to evaluate the feasibility of storing Colorado River water for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. These models were used to simulate the storage of water in wet years, “holding” the water for 5 to 10 years, then extracting after the “hold” period. Models were developed for the Hayfield, Palen, Chuckwalla, and Rice Valleys. Based on the initial modeling work, a focused field investigation was completed in the Hayfield Valley are, the site chosen as the most desirable. (1996 to 2001)
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Druhan, Jennifer L., Hogan, James F., Eastoe, Christopher J., Hibbs, Barry J., and Hutchison William R., 2008. Hydrogeologic Controls on Groundwater Recharge and Salinization: A Geochemical Analysis of the Northern Hueco Bolson Aquifer, El Paso, Texas, USA. Hydrogeology Journal, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 281-296. Eastoe, Christopher J., Hibbs, Barry J., Granados-Olivas, Alfredo, Hogan, James F., Hawley, John, and Hutchison, William R., 2008. Isotopes in the Hueco Bolson Aquifer, Texas (USA) and Chihuahua (Mexico): Local and General Implications for Recharge Sources in Alluvial Basins. Hydrogeology Journal, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp.737- 747. Eastoe, Christopher J., Hutchison, William R., Hibbs, Barry J., Hawley, John, and Hogan, James F., 2010. Interaction of a River with an Alluvial Basin Aquifer: Stable Isotopes, Salinity and Water Budgets. J. Hydrol. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.10.012. Hutchison, William R., 2006. Groundwater Management in El Paso, Texas. Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Texas at El Paso. Obtainable at http://www.dissertation.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581123280 Hutchison, William R. and Hibbs, Barry J., 2008. Ground Water Budget Analysis and Cross-Formational Leakage in an Arid Basin. Ground Water, Vol. 46, No. 3, pp. 384-395.
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 12 of 13
OTHER PUBLICATIONS (e.g. Conference Proceedings, Magazine Articles)
Hibbs, Barry J. and Hutchison William R., 2006. Environmental Isotopes and Numerical Models Estimate Induced Recharge in the El Paso/Juarez Area. In: Increasing Freshwater Supplies, 2006 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Conference Proceedings, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hutchison, William R., 2006. Desalination of Brackish Groundwater and Deep Well Injection of Concentrate in El Paso, Texas. In: Stars of the Future, Reuse & Desalination, 2006 WateReuse Association Annual Symposium Proceedings. Hutchison, William R., 2006. Integrated Water Management Strategies for the City and County of El Paso. In: Increasing Freshwater Supplies, 2006 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Conference Proceedings, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hutchison, William R., 2007. El Paso Groundwater Desalination Project: Initial Operation. Water Reuse and Desalination, As Bright as the Florida Sun, 2007 WateReuse Association Annual Symposium Proceedings. Hutchison, William R., 2008. Deep Well Injection of Desalination Concentrate in El Paso, Texas. Southwest Hydrology, Vol. 7, No. 2, March/April 2008, pp. 28-30. Hutchison, William R., 2008. Desalination of Brackish Groundwater and Deep Well Injection of Concentrate in El Paso, Texas. Texas WET, Vol. 25, No. 5, September 2008, pp. 5-8. Norman, Monique and Hutchison, William R., 2014. Groundwater Management Area Joint Planning. Chapter 21 of Sahs, Mary K (ed.), Essentials of Texas Water Resources, Third Edition, State Bar of Texas, Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section.
AGENCY REPORTS (2002-present)
Hutchison, William R., 2002. Documentation of Files for Steady State and Annual Versions of Groundwater Flow Model of Hueco Bolson. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 02-01. Hutchison, William R., 2002. Conceptual Model of the Groundwater Flow System, Bone Spring-Victorio Peak Aquifer, Salt Basin and Diablo Plateau, Hudspeth and Culberson Counties, Texas. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 02-02. Hutchison, William R., 2003. Hueco Bolson Groundwater Model Update. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 03-01. Hutchison, William R., 2003. Lower Valley Desalination Well Analysis. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 03-03. Hutchison, William R., 2004. Hueco Bolson Groundwater Conditions and Management in the El Paso Area. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 04-01 Hutchison, William R., 2004. Documentation of Files for Canutillo Wellfield Groundwater Flow Model. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 04-03. Hutchison, William R., 2008. Preliminary Groundwater Flow Model, Dell City Area, Hudspeth and Culberson Counties, Texas. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 08-01. Hutchison, William R., 2008. Conceptual Evaluation of Surface Water Storage in El Paso County. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 08-02. Prepared for the Far West Texas Regional Planning Group.
William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G. Page 13 of 13
AGENCY REPORTS (continued)
Hutchison, William R., 2017. Predictive Simulation Report: Lower Rio Grande Valley Groundwater Transport Model. Report Submitted to Texas Water Development Board, October 31, 2017. Hutchison, William R., Davidson, Sarah C., Brown, Brenner J., and Mace, Robert E. (editors), 2009. Aquifers of the Upper Coastal Plains of Texas. Texas Water Development Board, Report 374. Hutchison, William R. and Granillo, Jose A., 2004. Preliminary Analysis of Impacts of Joint Desalination Facility Injection Wells. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 04-02. Hutchison, William R. and Hill, Melissa E., 2011. Recalibration of the Edwards BFZ (Barton Springs Segment) Aquifer Groundwater Flow Model. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Hutchison, William R.; Hill, Melissa E.; Anaya, Roberto, Hassan, Mohammed M.; Oliver, Wade; Jigmond, Marius; Wade, Shirley, 2011. Groundwater Management Area 16 Groundwater Flow Model. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Hutchison, William R.; Jones, Ian C.; Anaya, Roberto; and Jigmond, Marius, 2011. Update of the Groundwater Availability Model for the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) and Pecos Valley Aquifers. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Hutchison, William R., Pease, R. Eric and Hess, Suzanne, 2003. Joint Desalination Facility Blend Well Analysis. El Paso Water Utilities Hydrogeology Report 03-02. Hutchison, William R.; Shi, Jerry; and Jigmond, Marius, 2011. Groundwater Flow Model of the Kinney County Area. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Jigmond, Marius, Hutchison, William R., Shi, and Jianyou (Jerry), 2014. Final Report: Groundwater Availability Model of the Seymour Aquifer in Haskell, Knox, and Baylor Counties. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Oliver, Wade and Hutchison, William R., 2010. Modification and Recalibration of the Groundwater Availability Model of the Dockum Aquifer. Texas Water Development Board, Unnumbered report. Panday, Sorab; Rumbaugh, James; Hutchison, William R.; and Schorr, Staffan; 2017. Numerical Model Report: Lower Rio Grande Valley Groundwater Transport Model. Report submitted to Texas Water Development Board, 23 October 2017. Schorr, Staffan; Hutchison, William R.; Panday, Sorab; and Rumbaugh, James, 2017. Conceptual Model Report: Lower Rio Grande Valley Groundwater Transport Model. Report submitted to Texas Water Development Board, June 30, 2017. Shi, Jianyou(Jerry): Boghici, Radu: Kohlrenken, William, and Hutchison, William R., 2016. Conceptual Model Report: Minor Aquifers in Llano Uplift Region of Texas. Texas Water Development Board, March 7, 2016, 305p. Shi, Jianyou(Jerry): Boghici, Radu: Kohlrenken, William, and Hutchison, William R., 2016. Numerical Model Report: Minor Aquifers of the Llano Uplift Region of Texas (Marble Falls, Ellenburger-San Saba, and Hickory). Texas Water Development Board, November 4, 2016. Wade, Shirley C., Hutchison, William R., Chowdhury, Ali H., and Coker, Doug, 2011. A Conceptual Model of Groundwater Flow in the Presidio and Redford Bolsons Aquifers. Texas Water Development Board, August 2011, 102p.
J O S H U A H U N T E R V IERS , P H D
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dr. Viers, CEO and Managing Partner of Pacific Agroecology LLC, is an expert in natural resource management and environmental assessment. He has over 25 years of professional experience in landscape ecology and watershed science. By leveraging geospatial technologies and informatics, Dr. Viers has developed innovative research and development solutions for public and private clientele in a variety of sectors, including conservation, restoration, and sustainability. He combines senior project and program management skills with strategic planning and scientific rigor to execute a wide variety of projects globally. He has managed over $30M in applied research; authored or co-authored 100 papers, reports, and book chapters. He is certified by the Water Footprint Network to calculate water footprints for consumers, sectors, and geographic locales. His research portfolio is not limited to spatial analysis of watershed dynamics, remote sensing of sensitive habitats, database development for water resources and freshwater ecosystems, as well as hydroinformatic applications. He developed and led the UC Extension program in GIS for Watershed Analysis (150+ hours of instruction, 250+ students), and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science and engineering with a focus on water resources and ecosystem services. Dr. Viers serves as a Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, and as campus Director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and co-Director of the UC Water Security and Sustainability Research Initiative. Dr. Viers earned his Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of California, Davis (2003), where his research focused on the application of new geospatial technologies to watershed sciences, as well as a BSc. in International Agricultural Development (1994), focusing on small farm organic production methods.
COMPANIES
PACIFIC AGROECOLOGY LLC, DAVIS, CA, USA Managing Partner and CEO [email protected] • Expert consultancy on sustainable development globally. • Founded in 2010 and maintains network of topflight domain specialists.
FROOTBOT INC, MERCED, CA, USA Chief Agricultural Officer [email protected] • Technology startup with focus on robotics in premium agriculture. • Founded in 2015 and selected into the CITRIS Foundry business incubator at UC Berkeley. AREAS OF RESEARCH
• Agroecology and Conservation Agriculture Planning and Implementation • Climatic and Hydrological Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Strategies • Ecosystem Service and Biodiversity Inventory, Assessment, Modeling and Restoration • Geospatial Technologies (Geographic Information Systems / Remote Sensing); Informatics • Water and Watershed Management; Water Footprinting ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
Professor in the School of Engineering, University of California, Merced engineering.ucmerced.edu Director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) citris.ucmerced.edu Co-Director of the UC Water Security and Sustainability Research Initiative (UC Water) ucwater.org
Viers pg. 1 EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Ecology, University of California, Davis, 2003
B.S. in International Agricultural Development, University of California, Davis, 1994
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Whipple, AA, JH Viers, H Dahlke. IN PRESS. Flood regime typology for floodplain ecosystem management as applied to the unregulated Cosumnes River of California, USA. Ecohydrology
D’Ehlia, A, G Liles, JH Viers, DR Smart. IN PRESS. Deep carbon storage potential of buried floodplain soils. Scientific Reports.
Nichols, AN, JH Viers. IN PRESS. Not all breaks are equal: Variable hydrologic and geomorphic responses to intentional levee breaches along the lower Cosumnes River, California. River Research & Applications.
Howard, JK, KR Klausmeyer, KA Fesenmyer, J Furnish, T Gardali, T Grantham, JVE Katz, S Kupferberg, P McIntyre, PB Moyle, PR Ode, R Peek, RM Quiñones, AC Rehn, N Santos, S Schoenig, L Serpa, JD Shedd, J Slusark, JH Viers, A Wright, SA Morrison. 2015. Patterns of Freshwater Species Richness, Endemism, and Vulnerability in California. PLoS ONE. 10(7) e0130710
Mayzelle, MM, JH Viers, J Medellin-Azuara, TH Harter. 2015. Economic feasibility of irrigated agricultural landuse buffers to reduce groundwater nitrate in rural drinking water sources. Water. 7(1) 12-37
Rosenstock, TS, D Liptzin, K Dzurella, A Fryjoff-Hung, A Hollander, V Jensen, AM King, G Kourakos, A McNally, GS Pettygrove, JF Quinn, JH Viers, TP Tomich, T Harter. 2015. Agriculture’s contribution to nitrate contamination of Californian groundwater (1945 to 2005). Journal of Environmental Quality. 43(3) 895-907
Grantham, TE, JH Viers, PB Moyle. 2014. Systematic screening of dams for environmental flow assessment and implementation. BioScience. 64(11) 1006-1018
Grantham, TE, JH Viers. 2014. 100 years of California's water rights system: patterns, trends and uncertainty. Environmental Research Letters. 9 084012 doi:10.1088/1748-9326/9/8/084012
Rheinheimer, DR, SE Null, JH Viers. 2016. Climate-adaptive Water Year Typing for Instream Flow Requirements in California's Sierra Nevada. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. 142(11) 04016049 Ta, J, R Kelsey, J Howard, JR Lund, S Sandoval Solis, JH Viers. 2016. Simulation Modeling to Secure Environmental Flows in a Diversion Modified Flow. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. 142(11) 05016010 Fong, CS, SM Yarnell, JH Viers. 2016. Pulsed Flow Wave Attenuation on a Regulated Montane River. River Research and Applications 32(5):1047-1058 Pittock, J, M Finlayson, A Arthington, D Roux, J Matthews, H Biggs, E Blom, R Flitcroft, R Froend, I Harrison, V Hermoso, W Junk, R Kumar, S Linke, L van Niekerk, J Nel, CN da Cunha, A Pattnaik, S Pollard, W Rast, M Thieme, E Turak, J Turpie, L van Niekerk, D Willems, J Viers. 2015. Managing Freshwater, River, Wetland and Estuarine Protected Areas. Protected Area Governance and Management. 569- 608.
Viers pg. 2 Yarnell, SM, GE Petts; JC Schmidt; AA Whipple; EE Beller, CN Dahm; P Goodwin, JH Viers. 2015. Functional Flows in Modified Riverscapes: Hydrographs, Habitats and Opportunities. BioScience 65 (10), 963- 972 Null, SE and JH Viers. 2013. In Bad Waters: Water Year Type Classification in Non-stationary Climates. Water Resources Research. 49(2), 1137-1148 Mallek, CR, HD Safford, JH Viers, J Miller. 2013. Modern departures in fire severity and area vary by forest type, Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range, California, USA. Ecosphere 4(12:153), 1-28 Viers, JH, AK Fremier, RA Hutchinson, JF Quinn, JH Thorne, M Vaghti. 2012. Multi-scale Patterns of Riparian Plant Diversity and Implications for Restoration. Restoration Ecology 20(2):160-169. Viers, JH, and DE Rheinheimer. 2011. A Review of Freshwater Conservation Options in California‘s Sierra Nevada with Climate Warming. Marine and Freshwater Research. 62(3): 266-278 DOI: 10.1071/MF09286 Underwood, EC, JH Viers, JF Quinn, M North. 2010. Using Topography to Meet Wildlife and Fuels Treatment Objectives in Fire-Suppressed Landscapes. Environmental Management. 46(5):809-819 Null, SE, JH Viers, JF Mount. 2010. Hydrologic Response and Watershed Sensitivity to Climate Warming in California’s Sierra Nevada. PLoS ONE 5(4): e9932 doi:10.1371/pone.0009932 Yarnell, S, JH Viers, JF Mount. 2010. Ecology and Management of the Spring Snowmelt Recession. BioScience. 60(2): 114–127 Williams, JN, JH Viers, MW Schwartz. 2010. Tropical dry forest trees and the relationship between local abundance and geographic range. Journal of Biogeography 37(5):951-959. Seavy, N, JH Viers, J Wood. 2009. Riparian bird response to vegetation structure: a multiscale analysis using lidar measurements of canopy height. Ecological Applications 19(7): 1848-1857 Underwood, EC, JH Viers, KR Klausmeyer, RL Cox, MR Shaw. 2009. Threats and biodiversity in the Mediterranean biome. Diversity & Distributions 15(2):188-197 Seavy, N, T Gardali, GH Golet, FT Griggs, CA Howell, R Kelsey, SL Small, JH Viers and JF Weigand. 2009. Why Climate Change Makes Riparian Restoration More Important than Ever: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Ecological Restoration 27(3):330-338 Viers, JH. 2008. Objective classification of Navarro River salmon habitat: A watershed-based critical habitat case study. Aquatic Conservation 18(2):147-162 Hestir, E, S Khanna, ME Andrew, MJ Santos, JH Viers, JA Greenberg, SL Ustin, SS Rajapaske. 2008. Identification of invasive vegetation using hyperspectral remote sensing in the California Delta ecosystem. Remote Sensing of Environment 112(11):4034-4048 Goetz, S, N Gardiner, JH Viers. 2008. Monitoring freshwater, estuarine and near-shore benthic ecosystems with multi-sensor remote sensing: an introduction to the special issue. Remote Sensing of Environment 112(11):3993-3995 Seabloom, EW, JW Williams, D Slayback, DM Stoms, JH Viers, and AP Dobson. 2006. Human impacts, plant invasion, and imperiled species in California. Ecological Applications 16(4) 1338-1350. Williams, JW, EW Seabloom, D Slayback, DM Stoms, and JH Viers. 2005. Anthropogenic impacts upon plant species richness and NPP in California. Ecology Letters (8) 127-137
Viers pg. 3 SELECTED REPORTS & PROCEEDINGS:
Viers, JH, J Ta, DM Nover. 2017. More Pop per Drop: Functional Environmental Flows to Meet Ecosystem Needs and Human Demands. Proceedings of the 2017 Environmental & Water Research Institute – American Society of Civil Engineers – Conference, Sacramento, CA, USA Harter, T, J R Lund, J Darby, G E Fogg, R Howitt, K K Jessoe, G S Pettygrove, J F Quinn, JH Viers, D B Boyle, H E Canada, N DeLaMora, K N Dzurella, A Fryjoff-Hung, A D Hollander, K L Honeycutt, M W Jenkins, V B Jensen, A M King, G Kourakos, D Liptzin, E M Lopez, M M Mayzelle, A McNally, J Medellin-Azuara, and T S Rosenstock. 2012. Addressing Nitrate in California's Drinking Water with a Focus on Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley Groundwater. Report for the State Water Resources Control Board Report to the Legislature. Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis. 78 p. http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu. Viers, JH, Liptzin, D, Rosenstock, TS, Jensen, VB, Hollander, AD, McNally, A, King, AM, Kourakos, G, Lopez, EM, De La Mora, N, Fryjoff‐Hung, A, Dzurella, KN, Canada, HE, Laybourne, S, McKenney, C, Darby, J, Quinn, JF & Harter, T (2012) Nitrogen Sources and Loading to Groundwater. Technical Report 2 in: Addressing Nitrate in California’s Drinking Water with a Focus on Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley Groundwater. Report for the State Water Resources Control Board Report to the Legislature. Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis. 343 ppd. Viers, JH, AK Fremier, RA Hutchinson. 2010. Predicting Map Error by Modeling the Sacramento River Floodplain. 30th Annual ESRI International User Conference Proceedings. San Diego, CA. Viers, JH, IB Hogle, S Arora, D DiPietro, M Gubaydullin, and JF Quinn. 2005. Geodatabase Application for Invasive Plant Tracking and Coordinated Habitat Restoration: an example from California’s Bay- Delta. 25th Annual ESRI International User Conference Proceedings. San Diego, CA. Viers, JH, JF Quinn, ML Johnson, and SL Ustin. 2004. Geomorphic Confinement as a Predictor of Riparian Extent and Vegetation Composition. (Refereed) In: Proceedings of the American Water Resource Association 2004 Summer Specialty Conference on Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers: Multi-scale Structure, Function, and Management. Squaw Valley, CA. Viers, JH, CM Ramirez, JF Quinn, and ML Johnson. 2003. Detection of land use disturbance patterns in riparian habitats using hyperspectral data: an example in the Navarro River watershed, California. In: Proceedings of the ASPRS 2003 Annual Conference, Anchorage, Alaska. CD-ROM. Viers, JH, CT Sailer, CM Ramirez, JF Quinn, and ML Johnson. 2002. An Integrated Approach to the Discrimination of Riparian Vegetation in the Navarro River Watershed, Mendocino County, California, USA. (Refereed) In: Proceedings of the 2002 AVIRIS Airborne Geoscience Workshop. Edited by Robert O. Green, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA. ‡Refereed
SELECTED DATABASES
Santos, N, JV Katz, PB Moyle, JH Viers. 2014. PISCES: a programmable information system for management and analysis of aquatic species range data. Environmental Modeling and Software. 53:13-26
Fryjoff-Hung, A, and JH Viers. 2012 . Sierra Nevada multi-source meadow polygons compilation (v 1.0). Center for Watershed Sciences, UC Davis. https://meadows. ucdavis. edu/data/4.
Viers, JH, JH Thorne, and JF Quinn. 2006. CalJep: A Spatial Distribution Database of CalFlora and Jepson. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science. Volume 4, Issue 1, Article 1 http://repositories.cdlib.org/jmie/sfews/vol4/iss1/art1/ Viers pg. 4
JOSUE MEDELLIN-AZUARA Professional Preparation: University Field Degree, year Monterrey Institute of Technology, Mechanical and Electrical Eng. B.S., 1993 MX Monterrey Institute of Technology, Master in Business Administration M.B.A. 1998 MX University of California, Davis Agricultural and Res. Economics M.S. 2003 University of California, Davis Ecology-Environmental Policy Analysis Ph.D. 2006
Appointments: 1. Acting Associate Professor. 2017 to date. Dept. of Civil and Env.Engr. UC Merced. 2. Associate Research Engineer. 2015 to 2017. Dept. of Civil and Env.Engr. and Center for Watershed Sciences UC Davis. 3. Project Scientist 2009-to July 2015. Dept. of Civil and Env.Engr. and Center for Watershed Sciences UC Davis. 4. Postdoctoral Scholar (2007-2009). Dept. of Civil and Env.Engr. and Center for Watershed Sciences UC Davis. 5. Consultant, Natural Heritage Institute (2007), Colegio de Mexico, The World Bank (2005-2006). 6. Graduate Student Researcher (2005-2006) Dept. of Civil and Env. Engr., UC Davis 7. Director, Aquatic Toxicology Outreach Program (2003-2005). Env.Toxicology, UC Davis. 8. Graduate Student Researcher (2002-2003). Dept. of Ag. and Res. Economics, UC Davis. 9. Environmental Coordinator (1997-2000). International Truck and Engine Corporation, Mexico. 10. Project Engineer (1994-1997). Corporativo COPAMEX, S.A. de C.V., Mexico.
Products: 5 closely related publications Lund, J.R., Medellín-Azuara, J., Durand, j., Stone, K. (In Press). Lessons from California’s 2012-2016 Drought. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. Forni, L. G., Medellín-Azuara, J., Tansey, M., Young, C., Purkey, D., & Howitt, R. (2016). Integrating complex economic and hydrologic planning models: An application for drought under climate change analysis. Water Resources and Economics, 16, 15-27. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wre.2016.10.002 Medellín-Azuara J, MacEwan D, Howitt R, Kourakos G, Dogrul E, Brush C, Kadir T, Harter T, Melton F, Lund J (2015) Hydro-economic analysis of groundwater pumping for irrigated agriculture in California’s Central Valley, USA. Hydrogeology Journal 23: 1205-1216 DOI 10.1007/s10040- 015-1283-9. Winner Editor Choice Award 2015. Medellín-Azuara, J. Howitt, R.E., MacEwan, D.M. and Lund, J.R. (2012) Economic Impact of Agricultural Climate Related Yield Changes in California. Climatic Change, 109(1):387-405. Mayzelle M, Viers J, Medellín-Azuara J, Harter T (2015) Economic Feasibility of Irrigated Agricultural Land Use Buffers to Reduce Groundwater Nitrate in Rural Drinking Water Sources. Water 7: 12- 37. Other related publications Medellín-Azuara, J., Paw U, K.T., Jin, Y. Jankowski, J., Bell, A.M., Kent, E., Clay, J., Wong, A., Alexander, N., Santos, N., Badillo, J., Hart, Q., Leinfelder-Miles, M., Merz., Lund, J.R., Anderson, A., Anderson, M., Chen, Y., Edgar, D., Eching, S., Freiberg, S., Gong, R., Guzmán, A., Howes, D., Johnson, L., Kadir, T., Lambert, J.J., Liang, L., Little, C., Melton, F., Metz, M., Morandé, J.A., Orang, M., Pyles, R.D., Post, K., Roosevelt, C., Sarreshteh, S.,
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Snyder, R.L., Trezza, R., Temegsen, B., Viers, J.H. (2018). A Comparative Study for Estimating Crop Evapotranspiration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis. https://tiny-url/delta-et Hanak, E., Lund, J.R., Arnold, B., Escriva-Bou, A., Gray, B., Green, S., Harter, T., Howitt, R., MacEwan D., Medellín-Azuara, J., Moyle, P., Seavy, N. (2017) Water Stress and a Changing San Joaquin Valley. Public Policy Institute of California. Available at
Synergistic Activities:
Steyer-Taylor Research Fellow – Public Policy Institute of California: Dr. Medellin was appointed as a Steyer-Taylor Fellow to explore solutions to California’s groundwater policy issues. Dr. Medellin is researching adaptation of California agriculture to the challenges associated with managing groundwater, especially in the overdrawn San Joaquin Valley. He looks at future scenarios involving climate change, urbanization, technology advancements, and water security.
Co-PI – National Science Foundation Innovations in the Food Water and Energy Nexus program (INFEWS): Dr. Medellin-Azuara serves as a Co-Principal Investigators for two projects within the INFEWS program studying linkages between water supply, agricultural production and energy. A case application for the San Joaquin Valley with a groundwater component is studied in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, Cornell University and UC Davis. A similar project with faculty from UC Merced studies integrated water and energy management in food production with an application in California’s Central Valley. Dr. Medellin-Azuara leads estimation of socioeconomic impacts of water shortages to agricultural and income in the Valley’s communities for both projects.
Associate Director for the University of California Agricultural Issues Center – Dr. Medellin has served as the principal investigator for the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the economic assessment of recent droughts from 2012-2016. In these assessments, costs of the 2012-2016 drought to agriculture and disadvantaged communities are quantified and water and policy insights are provided.
Dr. Medellin was the Convener for the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum CWEMF from 2015-2017, one of the largest organization of water and environmental modeling professionals in California. CWEMF organizes technical workshops, an annual meeting and other events to promote usefulness of water and environmental models in management and policy decisions.
Innovations in Teaching and Training – Dr. Medellin-Azuara was a Visiting Professor (2015-2017) to the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil with courses on water management and systems analysis. He has also served as the chief instructor for CALVIN model for water resources in California (http://calvin.ucdavis.edu ) and of the SWAP model of agricultural production (http://swap.ucdavis.edu ) in domestic and international venues. 2
JOHN N. WILLIAMS Chief Scientific Officer Pacific Agroecology, LLC Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 530.341.3357
EDUCATION Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Davis March 2009 Thesis: Patterns of Tree Diversity in the Tropical Dry Forests of Pacific Coast Mexico.
Master of Environmental Management, Duke University May 1996 Thesis: Development Trends of the Machiguenga: Implications for Manu National Park (MNP), Peru.
Master of Public Policy, Duke University May 1996 Thesis: Indigenous Development and Conservation in MNP: Policy Options for Conflict Resolution.
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, cum laude; distinction in biology, Colorado College. Dec 1991
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Researcher, Univ. of California, Davis and U.S. Forest Service 2012-Present Principal advising scientist on the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative—a USAID-funded project to develop a national reforestation strategy for Lebanon using spatial databases and ecological criteria.
Visiting Scholar, Gifford Center for Population Studies, Univ. of California, Davis 2011-2012 Conducting research on the intersection of human demography, ecosystem function, climate change and the distribution of biodiversity with a focus on global and U.S. – Mexico patterns.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Univ. of California, Davis and The Nature Conservancy 2010-11 Leading research and coordinating a diverse working group focused on habitat conservation in the vineyard landscapes of California and the Mediterranean Biome.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Univ. of California, Davis 2009-10 Assessing carbon sequestration, biodiversity and the ecological footprint of an organic vineyard: a case study of Fetzer/Bonterra Vineyards in Mendocino County, California. 20-year perspective on land use and forest cover change in La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.
Doctoral Student Researcher, Huatulco, Oaxaca and Chamela, Jalisco, Mexico 2004-08 Designed and implemented multi-year field research study comparing tree community composition, phylogeny and biogeographic origins across ecological gradients in dry forest sites. Analyzed data in above study using geographic information systems (ArcGIS), multivariate statistics, community phylogenetic analysis and null model comparisons.
Master’s Student Researcher, Manu National Park (MNP), Peru 1994 Designed and implemented a study to assess (i) the ecological impacts of the Machiguenga indigenous people on biodiversity and (ii) the socio-economic impacts of MNP on the Machiguenga.
Research Assistant, Soil Science, Luquillo National Forest, Puerto Rico 1993 Helped design and implement study on nutrient cycling in a Caribbean rainforest. John N. Williams 2 of 4
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Pacific Agroecology LLC, Davis, CA 2011-Present Conduct applied research and provide consulting services on sustainable practices, ecosystem services/ function, and biodiversity/ habitat conservation in mixed agricultural/natural systems. Recent projects: Ecosystem service valuation; client: Municipality of San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico. Biodiversity assessment of coffee growing practices; client: CIMS and INCAE, Costa Rica.
Independent Environmental Consultant, Davis, CA 2010-Present Human population and global biodiversity study; client: USAID. Vegetation & fuels inventory, Baja California; client: US Forest Service-International Programs. Curriculum development for Mexico fire ecology certification program; client: USFS-IP.
Population-Environment Program Director, Conservation International, Washington, DC 2002-03 Directed, coordinated design and implemented field projects combining conservation programs with reproductive health services in Belize, Guatemala, Madagascar, Mexico and the Philippines. Lead on grant writing, project administration and reporting of $1 million annual budget.
International Development Associate, Conservation International, Washington, DC 2000-01 USAID Population-Environment Fellows Program. Coordinated joint conservation-reproductive health/family planning projects for global field programs. Duties included project design, grant writing, reports to donors.
Protected Areas Analyst, Conservation International, Chiapas, Mexico 1999 Used demographic data, forest cover and species distributions in a GIS to analyze human impact and develop conservation strategies for the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.
Expedition Leader, Wilderness Ventures, Jackson, WY Summers 1993,’95, ‘98 Led month-long wilderness expeditions for groups of 15-18 year olds in the Rockies and Cascade Mountain ranges. Managed staff of 3-5 co-workers to guide the backpacking, climbing & rafting trips.
National Parks Planner, United States Peace Corps, Morocco 1997-98 Worked with Tashelheit (Berber) communities in Souss-Massa National Park to develop environmentally benign alternatives to pastoralism, including a bird-watching ecotourism project.
Forestry Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, DC 1996-1997 Researched, edited and authored sections of Bank publications, including: Strategies for biodiversity protection in Latin America and the Caribbean. Best management practices for forestry, non-timber forest products, urban greening.
Assistant Forest Manager, Duke University Forest, Durham, NC 1993-1995 Participated in management and long-term planning of 7,700 acre research forest. Duties included timber cruising, controlled burns, pest management, field mapping and conservation planning.
AWARDS & GRANTS National Science Foundation, Travel grant to Merida, Mexico. 2009 Fulbright Dissertation Grant, Mexico (Co-sponsor: Comexus-Garcia Robles). 2006-07 UC-MEXUS Dissertation Grant, Oaxaca and Jalisco, Mexico. 2005-07 Jastro-Shields Dissertation Grant (University of California), Oaxaca, Mexico. 2004, 2005 Tinker Foundation Master’s Research Grant, Manu National Park, Peru. 1994 Beidelman Ecology Award for Best Senior Thesis, Colorado College. 1991 John N. Williams 3 of 4
PUBLICATIONS Williams, J.N. 2012. Humans and biodiversity: population and demographic trends in the hotspots. Population and Environment. DOI: 10.1007/s11111-012-0175-3.
Williams, J.N., Vaghti, M.G., Viers, J.H., Turner, M.L., and M.L. Johnson. 2012. Habitat Conservation and Carbon in Vineyard Landscapes: Heritage Oak Winery Assessment. An interim project report to Earthwatch Institute. Pacific Agroecology LLC and Michael L. Johnson LLC.
Jackson, L., Haden, V.R., Wheeler, S.M., Hollander, A.D., Perlman, J., O’Geen, T., Mehta, V.K., Clark, V., and J.N. Williams. 2012. Vulnerability and adaptation of agriculture to climate change in California. Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) White Paper to the California Energy Commission.
Williams, J.N., Hollander, A.H., Thrupp, L.A., O’Geen, A.T., Hanifin, R., Steenwerth, K.L., and L.E. Jackson. 2011. Assessment of carbon in woody plants and soil across a vineyard-woodland landscape. Carbon Balance and Management, 6:11.
Webb, L., Barbosa, O., Granillo, I., Green, J., Kotze, I., Nichols, K.A., Spence, L., Viers, J. and J. N. Williams. 2011. Green aims give global perspective: New World vineyards compare and consider sustainability approach. Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker. 2011(572):32-38.
Williams, J.N. 2011. Human Population and the Hotspots: a 2010 Reappraisal. In: “Biodiversity Hotspots,” J. Habel & F. Zachos, eds. Springer. New York. Pps. 61-81.
Viers, J.H. and J.N. Williams. 2011. Ecological Assessments of Coffee Plantations in Costa Rica. Final Report to INCAE Business School by Pacific Agroecology, LLC.
Cayuela, L.; Gálvez-Bravo, L.; Pérez Pérez, R.; …; Williams, J.N.; Bonet, F.J.; Zamora, R. 2011. The Tree Biodiversity Network (BIOTREE-NET): Prospects for biodiversity research and conservation in the Neotropics. Biodiversity and Ecology.
Williams, J.N., Viers, J.H. & M.W. Schwartz. 2010. Tropical dry forest trees and the relationship between local abundance and geographic range. Journal of Biogeography: 37:951-959.
Kelly, C.K., Bowler, M.G., Joy, J.B. and J.N. Williams. 2010. Fractional abundance and the ecology of community structure. Cornell University Library ArXiv. http://arxiv.org/abs/1008.2527.
Williams, J.N., Seo, C., Thorne, J., Nelson, J.K., Erwin, S., O’Brien, J.M., & M.W. Schwartz. 2009. Using species distribution models to predict new occurrences for rare plants. Diversity and Distributions: 15:565-576.
Williams, J.N. and C.K. Kelly. In review. Deconstructing the signal: phylogenetic structure, elevation change and the implications for species coexistence. Evolutionary Ecology Research.
Viers J.H., Williams, J.N., Nicholas, K.A., Barbosa, O., Kotze, I., Spence, L., Webb, L., Merenlender, A., and M. Reynolds. In review. Vinecology: pairing wine with nature. Conservation Letters.
Williams, J.N., Hollander, A.H., Garcia Barrios, L. and L.E. Jackson. In revision. Forest cover, plant diversity and soil quality in a biosphere reserve in a tropical dry forest landscape.
Williams, J.N., Trejo, I. and M.W. Schwartz. In prep. Community structure, species oligarchies and the tropical dry forest. John N. Williams 4 of 4
PRESENTATIONS “Balancing agricultural use with biodiversity conservation: an assessment of forest cover, plant diversity and soil quality in the buffer zone of a Mexican biosphere reserve.” J.N. Williams, A.D. Hollander, L. Garcia-Barrios, L. Jackson, poster at Planet Under Pressure, London, UK. March 2012.
“Hotspots: Population Growth in Areas of High Biodiversity.” J.N. Williams, panelist and presenter at Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington DC. February 29, 2012.
“Carbon and biodiversity in agricultural systems: managing for a healthy environment.” J.N. Williams, presented at Third International Symposium on Carbon, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico. October 2011.
“Environmental services and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.” J.N. Williams, invited lecture at Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile-Valdivia. October 2011.
“Patterns of phylogenetic dispersion in tropical dry forest trees: implications for community assembly.” J.N. Williams & C.K. Kelly, presented at Ecological Society of America 2009 Ann. Mtg. Albuquerque, NM.
“Tropical dry forest trees and the relationship between local abundance and geographic range.” J.N. Williams, J.H. Viers & M.W. Schwartz, poster presented at International Biogeography Society 2009 Ann. Mtg. Mérida, Mexico.
“Relating local abundance to geographic range: is macroecology at play in the tropical dry forests of Mexico?” J.N. Williams, J.H. Viers & M.W. Schwartz, poster presented at Society for Conservation Biology 2008 Ann. Mtg. Chattanooga, TN.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE Field Methods in Ecology, UC Davis. Teaching assistant (TA), field laboratory, some lectures. 2004-06 Environmental Problem Solving, UC Davis. TA, laboratory. Winter 2006 Methods of Environmental Policy Evaluation, UC Davis. TA, some lectures. Fall 2007 World Geography and Ecosystems, UC Davis. TA, some lectures. Winter 2008 Additional Guest Lectures: Tropical Ecology, Biogeography, Geographical Ecology 2009-2012
PEER REVIEW ACTIVITIES Journals: Biodiversity and Conservation Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Diversity and Distributions Ecology Ecological Modeling Journal of Vegetation Science Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Western North American Naturalist
LANGUAGE SKILLS French Written and Spoken Fluency Spanish Written and Spoken Fluency CURRICULUM VITAE
DAVID BRUCE HERBST
Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory University of California 1016 Mt. Morrison Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (760) 258-6066 / Email - [email protected] http://herbstlab.msi.ucsb.edu and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara ______EDUCATION 1976 B.S. Zoology University of California Davis 1981 M.S. Zoology Oregon State University Corvallis 1986 Ph.D. Zoology and Entomology Oregon State University Corvallis
ACADEMIC POSITIONS 1986 - 1990 Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California at Irvine; and Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory 1990 - 2002 Assistant Research Biologist II - IV, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, UC Santa Barbara 2002 - 2014 Associate Research Biologist, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, UC Santa Barbara 2014 - Research Biologist, UCSB & Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory 2018 - Research Biologist, UC Santa Cruz, Institute of Marine Scioences
RESEARCH AREAS Freshwater Ecology – physiological to community ecology of aquatic insects and algae: • Ecological research on aquatic invertebrates in streams, lakes, and springs of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin regions for application in monitoring, development of biocriteria standards, and biological assessment of watershed alterations including hydro-climatic change, stream diversions, livestock grazing, acid mine drainage, sedimentation, exotic species introductions, and habitat restoration. • Benthic ecology and productivity of saline lake ecosystems: distribution along salinity gradients, population production, comparative community ecology, experimental mesocosm studies of insects and algae, feeding ecology and habitat restoration. • Comparative physiology of osmoregulation and salt tolerance in saline lake invertebrates. Ecophysiology of algae growth and community ecology in relation to salinity. Developmental, life history, and metabolic costs of salinity adaptation. • Biogeography of aquatic invertebrates in (1) Great Basin desert lakes and springs, (2) Sierra Nevada mountain streams, (3) central coast California streams and rivers. • Advisory role in development of water quality biological objectives, reference stream management, biomonitoring, and biological condition gradient for State of California. Monitoring Networks: Sierra Nevada Sentinel Stream Network – designed and implemented monitoring strategy for detecting influence of hydroclimatic change on mountain stream ecosystems Website: http://herbstlab.msi.ucsb.edu/research.html#climatechange
Publications (selected) 2018 (current) A comparison of the taxonomic and trait structure of macroinvertebrates between the riffles and pools of montane headwater streams. D.B. Herbst, S.D. Cooper, R.B. Medhurst, S.Wiseman, and C.Hunsaker. Hydrobiologia 820:115-133.
Long-term monitoring of recovery of streams from acid mine drainage and evaluation of toxic metals threshold ranges for macroinvertebrate community re-assembly. D.B. Herbst, R.B. Medhurst, and N.J.P. Black. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, In Press.
2016 Evaluating the adequacy of a reference-site pool for ecological assessments in environmentally complex regions. P.R. Ode, A.C. Rehn, R.D. Mazor, K.C. Schiff, E.D. Stein, J.T. May, L.R. Brown, D.B. Herbst, D. Gillett, K. Lunde, and C.P. Hawkins. Freshwater Science 35:237-248.
Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings. R.D. Mazor, A.C. Rehn, P.R. Ode, M. Engeln, K.C. Schiff, E.D. Stein, D.J. Gillett, D.B. Herbst, and C.P. Hawkins. Freshwater Science 35:249-271.
2014 Anthropogenic land-use signals propagate through stream food webs in a California, USA, watershed. Moore, J.W. T.D. Lambert, W.N. Heady, S.E. Honig, A.K. Osterback, C.C. Phillis, A.L. Quiros, N.A. Retford, D.B. Herbst. Limnologica 46:124-130
Walker Lake – terminal lake at the brink. Herbst, D.B., R.B. Medhurst, I.D. Bell, G. Chisholm. LakeLine 34(4):11-14 Mono Lake – streams taken and given back, but still waiting. Herbst, D.B. LakeLine 34(4):21-24 Owens Lake – from dustbowl to mosaic of salt water habitats. Herbst, D.B. and M. Prather. LakeLine 34(4):34-38 2013 Defining salinity limits on the survival and growth of benthic insects as conservation management targets for saline Walker Lake, Nevada, USA. Herbst, D.B., S.W. Roberts and R.B. Medhurst. Journal of Insect Conservation 17:877-883.
Substratum associations and depth distribution of benthic invertebrates in saline Walker Lake, Nevada. Herbst, D.B., R.B. Medhurst, S.W. Roberts and R. Jellison. Hydrobiologia - online version DOI 10.1007/s10750-012-1219-5. 2012 Effects of livestock exclusion on in-stream habitat and benthic invertebrate assemblages in montane streams. Herbst, D.B., M.T. Bogan, S.K. Roll and H.D. Safford. Freshwater Biology 57:204-217
Stream community and ecosystem responses to the boom and bust of an invading snail. Moore, J.W., D.B. Herbst, W.M. Heady and S.M. Carlson. Biological Invasions 14:2435-2446. 2010 Before and after the deluge: rain-on-snow flooding effects on aquatic invertebrate communities of small streams in the Sierra Nevada, California. Herbst, D.B. and S.D. Cooper. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 29:1354-1366. 2009 Responses of aquatic macroinvertebrates to stream channel reconstruction in a degraded rangeland creek in the Sierra Nevada Herbst, D.B and J.M. Kane. Ecological Restoration 27:76- 88. 2008 Low specific conductivity limits growth and survival of the New Zealand Mud Snail from the Upper Owens River, California. Herbst, D.B., M.T. Bogan and R.A. Lusardi. Western North American Naturalist 68:324-333. The influence of introduced trout on native aquatic invertebrate communities in a paired watershed study of streams in Yosemite National Park. Herbst, D.B., E.L. Silldorff and S.D. Cooper. Freshwater Biology 54:1324-1342. 2006 Comparisons of the performance of different bioassessment methods: similar evaluations of biotic integrity from separate programs and procedures. Herbst, D.B and E.L. Silldorff. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 25:513-530. Salinity controls on trophic interactions among invertebrates and algae of solar evaporations ponds in the Mojave desert in relation to shorebird foraging and selenium risk. Herbst, D.B. Wetlands 26:475-485. 2005 Using aquatic invertebrate biological assessments to support water resource decisions in the Sierra Nevada: establishing reference conditions for streams and measuring ecological responses to management actions. Herbst, D.B. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW-GTR- 193. 2001 Gradients of salinity stress, environmental stability and water chemistry as a templet for defining habitat types and physiological strategies in inland salt waters. Herbst, D.B. Hydrobiologia 466:209:219. The California Streamside Biosurvey. Herbst, D.B., A.Y. Feng, and D.E. Gregorio. State Water Resources Control Board publication, Sacramento. 21 pp. 1999 Biogeography and physiological adaptations of the brine fly genus Ephydra (Diptera: Ephydridae) in saline waters of the Great Basin. Herbst, D.B. Great Basin Naturalist 59:127-135. 1998 Experimental mesocosm studies of salinity effects on the benthic algal community of a saline lake. Herbst, D.B. and D.W. Blinn. Journal of Phycology 34:772-778. Potential salinity limitations on nitrogen fixation in sediments from Mono Lake, California. Herbst, D.B. International Journal of Salt Lake Research 7:261-274. 1994 Growth and survival of larvae of Ephydra hians Say (Diptera: Ephydridae) on unialgal diets. Bradley, T.J. and D.B. Herbst. Environmental Entomology 23:276-281. Growth of the filamentous green alga Ctenocladus circinnatus (Chaetophorales, Chlorophyceae) in relation to environmental salinity. Herbst, D.B. and R.W. Castenholz. Journal of Phycology 30:588-593. 1993 A population model for the alkali fly at Mono Lake: depth distribution and changing habitat availability. Herbst, D.B. and T.J. Bradley. Hydrobiologia 267:191-201. 1992 Changing lake level and salinity at Mono Lake: habitat conservation problems for the benthic alkali fly. Herbst, D.B. In: The History of Water. White Mountain Research Station symposium vol. 4. pp. 198-210. University of California, Los Angeles. Taxonomy and distribution of benthic diatoms from Mono Lake, California, U.S.A. Kociolek, J.P. and D.B. Herbst. Transactions American Microscopical Society 111:338-355. 1990 Distribution and abundance of the alkali fly (Ephydra hians Say) at Mono Lake, California (USA) in relation to physical habitat. Herbst, D.B. Hydrobiologia 197:193-205. 1989 A Malpighian tubule lime gland in an insect inhabiting alkaline salt lakes. Herbst, D.B. and T.J. Bradley. Journal of Experimental Biology 145:63-78. Salinity and nutrient limitations on the growth of benthic algae from two alkaline salt lakes of the Western Great Basin (USA). Herbst, D.B. and T.J. Bradley. Journal of Phycology 25:673-678. 1988 Osmoregulation in an alkaline salt lake insect, Ephydra (Hydropyrus) hians Say (Diptera: Ephydridae) in relation to water chemistry. Herbst, D.B., F.P. Conte and V.J. Brookes. Journal of Insect Physiology 34:903-909. Comparative population ecology of Ephydra hians Say (Diptera: Ephydridae) at Mono Lake (California) and Abert Lake (Oregon). Herbst, D.B. Hydrobiologia 158:145-166.
Technical Reports (over 50, selected reports here) 2017 A Monitoring Network for Detecting Climate Change Effects on the Ecology of Sierra Nevada Streams – Project Update: Drought observations of changing habitat and benthic invertebrate communities from the Sierra Nevada sentinel stream network. Herbst, D.B. Investigator Annual Report to the National Park Service. Aquatic invertebrate bioassessment monitoring of acid mine drainage impacts in the Leviathan Creek watershed (Alpine County, California) [annual update surveys for the project period]. Herbst, D.B. Reports to USEPA, and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. 2016 Benthic Invertebrate and Deposited Sediment TMDL Guidance for the Pajaro River Watershed. Herbst, D.B. R.B. Medhurst, and I.D. Bell. Technical Report of the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP-MR-RB3-2016-001). 2013 Walker Lake Ecological Monitoring of the Status and Trends of the Benthic Ecosystem: Invertebrate Populations, Algae, Lake Level, Salinity and Waterbird Surveys Herbst, D.B., R.B. Medhurst, and I.D.Bell. Report to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Responses to Sediment Deposition as Criteria for Evaluating and Monitoring the Extent of Habitat Degradation on the Middle Truckee River, California. Herbst, D.B., R.B. Medhurst, I.D. Bell. Report to Truckee River Watershed Council.
2011 Comparison of Sediment Load Models in Predicting Sediment Deposition Patterns in Streams of the Sierra Nevada and Central Coast of California. Herbst, D.B. Report to State Water Resources Control Board, and EPA TMDL program. Development of Sediment TMDL Guidance Indicators: Relation of roads and land use disturbances at different spatial scales to the depositional environment of streams in the Sierra Nevada and Central Coast of California. Herbst, D.B. Report to State Water Resources Control Board, and EPA TMDL program. Development of biological criteria for sediment TMDLs: the relation of sediment deposition to benthic invertebrate communities of streams exposed to varied land use disturbances in the Sierra Nevada and Coast Range mountains of California. Herbst, D.B. Report to State Water Resources Control Board, and EPA TMDL program. Benthic Biological Community Responses to Sediment Loading in Experimental Stream Mesocosm Channels. Herbst, D.B. Report to State Water Resources Control Board, and EPA TMDL program. Project Summary Report: Sediment TMDL Guidance for Central Coast Region of California and the San Lorenzo River: Physical Habitat and Biological Criteria for Deposited Sediments in Streams. Herbst, D.B. Report to Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, and State Water Resources Control Board. Sediment Deposition Relations to Watershed Land Use and Sediment Load Models Using a Reference Stream Approach to Develop Sediment TMDL Numeric Targets for the San Lorenzo River and Central Coast California Streams. Herbst, D.B. Report to Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, and State Water Resources Control Board. 2010 Stream macroinvertebrate diversity in the Kings River Experimental Watershed – interannual variation and baseline monitoring. Herbst, D.B. and S.D. Cooper. Report to PSW Research Station, USFS. Walker Lake benthic invertebrate population ecology and effects of salinity on survival and growth of common aquatic insects. Herbst, D.B. Report to US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009 Development of a benthic macroinvertebrate Indexof Biological Integrity (IBI) for stream sssessments in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California. Herbst, D.B. and E.L. Silldorff. Report to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board Evaluating recovery of stream invertebrate communities following removal of introduced trout in the Upper Kern River Region of Sequoia National Park:baseline biological stream surveys. Herbst, D.B. Report to the National Park Service.
Professional Society Memberships Society for Freshwater Science Society for Ecological Restoration American Entomological Society American Institute of Biological Sciences California Aquatic Bioassessment Workgroup International Society for Salt Lake Research
Summary of Research & Consulting Services National Park Service Biodiversity of stream invertebrate communities in relationship to the presence or absence of exotic trout introduced in Yosemite NP (2000-02) [funded by The Nature Conservancy] Influence of flow diversions on the viability of endemic aquatic invertebrate populations in thermal spring systems in Death Valley NP (1998-02) Invertebrate community ecology of Devils Hole spring pool, Death Valley NP (1998-02) Restoration of high-elevation stream communities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park following removal of exotic trout (2003-2007; 2011-) US Forest Service, Region 5 Sentinel stream monitoring network for detecting climate change effects in the Sierra Nevada (covering 24 streams across the entire Sierra, on USFS and NPS lands) (2010-ongoing) U.S. Forest Service; Inyo, Toiyabe-Humboldt NF, and Pacific-SW Research Station Bagley Valley stream restoration monitoring (pre- / post- channel reconfiguration, 1999-02) West Walker River watershed livestock grazing management monitoring (1999-2004) Kings River experimental watershed evaluation of timber harvest practices through aquatic invertebrate monitoring (1999-ongoing) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic habitat inventories; invertebrate biogeography on National Wildlife Refuges in Nevada: Moapa NWR, Ruby Lake NWR, Sheldon NWR; Ash Meadows NWR (1996-02) Changing ecosystem of Walker Lake, Nevada, in response to declining lake level and rising salinities – aquatic invertebrate population dynamics and physiology (2008-ongoing) Restoration of springs by exclosure fencing on the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge (2008-2010) US Environmental Protection Agency Evaluation of the cumulative impacts of livestock grazing on stream ecosystems (1996-99) Biomonitoring of recovery and remediation of acid mine drainage, Leviathan Mine Superfund site (Alpine Co., CA). (1995-ongoing) State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Lahontan & Coast) Development of biological criteria for water quality standards in streams (1999-2011) Identification of biological water quality targets for streams exposed to slope development on Squaw Creek (CA) (guidance for TMDL-total maximum daily load, 2000-02) Setting a biological restoration baseline for the Upper Truckee River (1999-2002) Identification of biological water quality targets for streams exposed to sediment loads from land surface disturbance erosion in the Sierra Nevada and Central Coast (CA) (2006-11) Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District Survey of aquatic environments and evaluation of the potential for irrigation flooding in the restoration of aquatic habitat on the dry playa of Owens Lake (1995-2002) Lake Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Meta-analysis of bioassessment data from Lake Tahoe Basin for evaluation of local reach- scale and watershed-scale effects of disturbance on stream biological integrity (2004-06) California Department of Fish and Game Sediment impacts on the East Walker River (1992) Livestock grazing impacts and recovery in the Golden Trout Wilderness (2004-2006) Habitat suitability for exotic trout removal (Cottonwood Lakes) (2009) City of South Lake Tahoe Restoration monitoring of Trout Creek erosion control and channel restoration (1999-2007) Bureau of Land Management Evaluation of OHV disturbance and aquatic habitat inventory of Surprise Canyon, Panamint Mountains (CA) (2003-2005) Biomonitoring in the Bodie Hills, and eastern Sierra, CA (2008-2010) Assessment of post-fire biological condition of streams in the Owens Valley exposed to wildfire in 2007
Current or Recent Projects (Administration through Marine Science Institute UCSB) Meadow restoration monitoring on the Kern Plateau, southern Sierra Nevada – California Trout ($25K) - current Leviathan mine biomonitoring to detect acid mine drainage impacts and recovery - USEPA and Army Corps of Engineers (~$100K annual) - current Wildfire impacts on coastal stream ecosystems – US Forest Service, Los Pardres National Forest ($25K) - current Sediment deposition limitations on aquatic life of the Pajaro River - Cal EPA and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board ($150K) Watershed-scale experiment to evaluate the effects of forest management practices of selective logging and prescribed fire in the Kings River Experimental Watershed ($30K) Monitoring of sentinel aquatic management indicators to detect the hydrologic effects of climate change in Sierra Nevada streams – US Forest Service Region 5 ($200K) Responses of Lahontan cutthroat trout prey items to salinity and lake level change at Walker Lake, Nevada – US Fish and Wildlife Service ($300K) Monitoring spring ecosystem recovery responses to feral horse exclosures on the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge – US Fish and Wildlife Service ($75K) Inventory surveys of springs and streams in the Bodie Hills – BLM ($50K) Evaluating the recovery of high Sierra stream invertebrate communities following removal of introduced trout – National Park Service ($45K) Data transfer and taxonomic quality control for stream biomonitoring to CA-SWAMP database ($30K) Development of biological targets for sediment TMDL on the middle Truckee River – Truckee River Watershed council ($88K)
MEHREY G. VAGHTI PO Box 553 (530) 401-3854 Auburn, CA 95604 [email protected]
Terrestrial Vegetation Ecologist Twenty-five years experience in California including: Sierra Nevadan meadows; Bay-Delta riparian areas and marshes; lower Cosumnes, Merced, Mokelumne, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Yuba and Russian Rivers; Central Valley vernal pools and grasslands; foothill oak woodlands; East Bay hills; and North Bay coast range. Recent emphasis on quantifying biomass, and the physical drivers of woody riparian regeneration. Specializing in project planning, field data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Skills • Woody stem biomass & carbon calculations • Vegetation classification & ordination • California flora identification analysis • Vegetation sampling protocols: relevé, • Aerial photo interpretation transect & quadrat • Project management & reporting • Rare plant surveys • Computing: ArcGIS, Excel, Word, Access, • CEQA/NEPA reporting Project, PC-ORD, JMP • Wildland navigation
Select Publications
Sellheim, K. L., M. Vaghti & J. E. Merz. 2016. Vegetation recruitment in an enhanced floodplain: ancillary benefits of salmonid habitat enhancement. Limnologica 58: 94-102. Viers, J. H., A. K. Fremier, R. A. Hutchinson, J. F. Quinn, J. H. Thorne & M. G. Vaghti. 2011. Multi-scale patterns of riparian plant diversity and implications for restoration. Restoration Ecology 20: 160-169. Vaghti, M. G., M. Holyoak, A. Williams, T. S. Talley, A. K. Fremier & S. E. Greco. 2009. Understanding the ecology of blue elderberry to inform landscape restoration in semi-arid river corridors. Environmental Management 43: 28-37. Vaghti, M. G. & S. E. Greco. 2007. Riparian Vegetation of the Great Valley. In Barbour, M., T. Keeler-Wolf & A. Schoenherr (Eds.) Terrestrial Vegetation of California, 3rd Edition. UC Press, Berkeley, CA. Vaghti, M. G. 2003. Riparian vegetation classification in relation to environmental gradients, Sacramento River, California. Thesis. University of California, Davis.
Education
Masters of Science - Graduate Group in Ecology Bachelor of Science, High Honors Restoration Ecology Emphasis Environmental Biology & Management University of California, Davis - September 2003 University of California, Davis - June 1993
Recent Experience Vegetation Ecologist – Independent Consultant – Auburn, CA
March 2009 to present Work in cooperation with Cramer Fish Sciences on in-stream and floodplain restoration projects on the Merced, Stanislaus and Yuba Rivers. Develop scientifically sound long-term monitoring strategies to analyze project impacts. Assist in the design and implementation of active and passive riparian and upland vegetation restoration. Responsible for rare plant surveys, vegetation community surveys, data analysis and reporting.
January 2017 to July 2018 Work in cooperation with Pacific Agroecology on carbon assessment of agricultural acreages and riparian areas on private lands the Russian River watershed. Sample vegetation following the USDA protocol (Pearson, T. R.H.; Brown, S. L.; Birdsey, R. A. 2007. Measurement guidelines for the sequestration of forest carbon. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-18). Responsible for data analysis and reporting
March 2012 to January 2014 Worked in cooperation with Pacific Agroecology and Earthwatch Institute on carbon assessment of riparian areas in relation to adjacent agricultural lands in the Mokelumne, Cosumnes, Sacramento and Russian River watersheds. Trained student and adult volunteers in woody stem biomass field sampling. Responsible for data analysis and reporting.
June 2011 to March 2012 Provided Nomad Ecology with vegetation classification and ordination analysis to support vegetation mapping of approximately 5,500 acres of riparian and upland communities in the Alameda Watershed. Consulted on data collection and reporting.
July 2011 Provided field data collection and logistics to support LiDAR-based vegetation mapping on the Lower Yuba River. Collected riparian species data at 435 locations over 22 river miles in 8 days. Worked in partnership with University of Idaho, Moscow, Watershed Sciences, Inc., and South Yuba River Citizens League.
April to December 2009 Completed qualitative and quantitative vernal pool flora surveys and quantitative grassland surveys in western Placer County, data analysis and reporting for Placer Land Trust as specified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Vegetation Ecologist – February 2005 to September 2006 Information Center for the Environment – Davis, CA Acted as Technical Advisor to the Department of Fish & Game on the San Francisco Bay Delta Vegetation Mapping project.
Vegetation Ecologist – February to September 2004 Department of Fish & Game – Sacramento, CA Project leader for the 2003 Suisun Marsh Vegetation Mapping Change Detection project.
Post-Graduate Researcher – September 2001 to November 2003 Landscape Analysis & Systems Research Lab – Davis, CA Responsible for the design, implementation, and analysis of research to quantitatively describe riparian vegetation and its distribution relative to height above mean summer low flow and floodplain age on a meandering reach of the Sacramento River.
Botanist, Project Leader – June to September 2001 Department of Fish & Game – Sacramento, CA Conducted montane meadow vegetation and impact surveys in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains for preliminary DFG assessment program.
Vegetation Ecologist – July 2000 to June 2001 California Native Plant Society – Sacramento, CA Promoted to project leader of the Suisun Marsh Vegetation Mapping Project.
California State University, Sacramento Consensus and Collaboration Program
Dave Ceppos, SGMA Program Manager
Years of Experience CCP: 14 years Summary of Experience Total: 31 years Dave Ceppos has a comprehensive background developing consensus Billing Rate - $196/ hour based, stakeholder-driven, resource management processes. He specializes in water policy and natural resources facilitation, mediation, and strategic Discipline/Specialty planning. He additionally has considerable management of public outreach Facilitation/Mediation Public Participation and engagement processes, and field experience in watershed planning, Organizational Development ecological assessment, hydrology, hazardous waste management, and Public Policy habitat restoration. Natural Resources Planning
Education Example Project Experience Advanced Mediation Program, Pepperdine University, 2000 DWR - Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Introductory and Advanced Risk Client: California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and StateWater Communication, Berkeley and Resoyrces Control Board. Location: Statewide. Years: 2014 – Present. Columbia Universities, 1994- Role: Program Manager / Managing Senior Mediator. Summary: Working 1995 as a senior advisor and member of the DWR SGMA Program Team. Coordinating and designing DWR’s Local Assistance Program to provide Public Outreach, Facilitation, and Dispute Resolution, Emory in-kind facilitation support to emergent Groundwater Sustainability University/Carter Center, Agencies (GSA) throughout California (launched May 2015). Also a 1989-1992 member of the strategy team for DWR’s development of Boundary Designation Regulations. Facilitator and advisor for the Boundary Post-Baccalaureate Research, Regulation Practitioner Advisory Panel. Program Manager and designer of Environmentally Related Behavior, University of the Boundary Regulations statewide public listening sessions in April, 2015. Florida, Gainesville, 1985 Presenter on behalf of DWR regarding their SGMA program for various meetings / conference throughout California. Advisor on outreach sections B.LA. Landscape Architecture, on DWR SGMA Strategic Plan. University of Florida, Gainesville, 1985 Program Manager and Principal-in-Charge for the following projects: Geographic Experience California • Siskiyou County – Shasta Valley • Wyandotte Creek Subbasin GSA Nevada Oregon Basin GSA • Vina Subbasin GSA Georgia • Siskiyou County - Butte Valley • Yolo County Subbasin GSA Florida Basin GSA • Sonoma Valley GSA and GSP Washington, DC • Siskiyou County – Scott Valley • Santa Rosa Plan GSA and GSP Professional Affiliation(s) Basin GSA • Petaluma GSA and GSP Association for Conflict • Shasta County - Enterprise / • Ukiah Valley Basin GSA Resolution Anderson Subbasins GSA • Santa Margarita Groundwater Society of Wetland Scientists • Water Environment Federation Colusa County GSA and GSP Agency GSP (Colusa Subbasin) • Madera Subbasin GSP • Glenn County GSA and GSP • Chowchilla Subbasin GSP (Colusa Subbasin) • Kern County Subbasin GSA and • East Butte Subbasin GSA GSP • West Butte Subbasin GSA • Turlock Subbasin GSA • Kaweah Delta Subbasin GSA • Mid-Kaweah GSA • Stanislaus SGMA Regional Groundwater • Soquel-Aptos Basin Groundwater Coordinating Committee Management Committee and GSA • Paso Robles Subbasin GSA • Santa Maria Basin GSA (adjudicated) • Owens Valley Basin GSA • San Luis Rey / Pauma Valley Basin GSA • Santa Clara River Valley East Subbasin GSA • San Diego River Valley Basin GSA • Upper Ventura River Basin GSA • Borrego Valley Basin GSA and GSP
California Water Use Efficiency Program - SBx7-7 Water Conservation Act of 2009 Client: California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Location: Statewide. Years: 2010 – Present. Role: Program Manager / Managing Senior Mediator. Summary: Working with DWR Water Use Efficiency Branch, Bureau of Reclamation, California Urban Water Conservation Council, and Agricultural Water Management Council to develop and implement a comprehensive multi stakeholder process to address multiple, legislative mandates and projects. Manage an Urban Stakeholder Committee (USC), and Agricultural Stakeholder Committee (ASC) and six additional technical subcommittees. Work and coordinate directly with a range of technical specialists on water use engineering, economics, biological impacts, financing practices, regulatory constraints and development of draft and final State regulations. Strategic planning activities have resulted in the completion of urban and agricultural water methods and regulations, acted on by the USC, ASC, and California Water Commission. These include the adoption of the following (as mandated in SBx7-7) for the USC and ASC:
• Urban Target Methodologies • Quantification of Agricultural Water Use • Fourth Target Method • Agricultural Water Use Regulations • Process Water Regulations • Agricultural Water Efficiency Practices
California Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Water Use Task Force Client: DWR. Location: Statewide. Years: 2011 – 2013. Role: Project Manager / Managing Senior Mediator. Summary: SBx7-7 mandated the creation of the CII Task Force to identify and recommend best management practices and associated metrics and water use savings for California’s CII sectors. In the context of strategic planning, and report to the State Legislature with their recommendations. Mr. Ceppos was the process designer, facilitator, and mediator of this 35 member group of interest specialists from a variety of water use sectors and academia. Activities included the development and incorporation of data from the following Subcommittees and Workgroups:
• Commercial Landscape Subcommittee • Refining and Petrochemical Subcommittee • Metrics Subcommittee • High-Tech Workgroup • Food and Beverage Manufacturing Workgroup
Demand Management Measures – Independent Technical Panel (ITP) Client: DWR. Location: Statewide. Years: 2013 – 2016. Role: Project Manager and Managing Senior Mediator for this Bagley Keene Act group, founded by legislative mandate. Summary: The ITP is mandated to remain convened and to deliver a report to the legislature every 5 years with recommendations on new demand management measures, technologies and approaches to water use efficiency. Mr. Ceppos has been the process designer and facilitator of the ITP since its inception, designing meeting approaches and the group’s governance Charter, and negotiating a set of recommendations and a Phase I report to the legislature about proposed changes to the Urban Water Management Planning Act. The Phase II ITP focus has been on landscape water use and associated recommendations to the Legislature and several State agencies on short and long-term water use modifications. The ITP finalized this report in April 2016.
Upper Truckee River TMDL Collaborative Stakeholder Process Client: Lahontan RWQCB (Lahontan). Location: Upper Truckee River, Lake Tahoe and Northern California. Years: 2007-2008 . Role: Project Manager/Senior Mediator. Summary: Mr. Ceppos facilitated this community-based process with Lahontan and stakeholders of the Upper Truckee River, the goal of which was to agree upon standards for sediment TMDLs in the watershed and implement strategies to improve water quality in the watershed. A Planning Committee of the USFS, Desert Research Institute, Truckee River Watershed Council, and others was convened to direct stakeholder engagement.
American River Flow Management Standard (FMS) Client: Sacramento Water Forum. Years: 2010 – 2012. Role: Project Manager, Principal Investigator and Managing Senior Mediator. Summary: The case regarded negotiating the last unresolved agreement associated with the historic Water Forum Agreement. The FMS has been a long standing unresolved situation from the original Water Forum effort. Environmental advocates had expected this standard to be resolved over a decade ago and since then water purveyors have acted on several system improvements allowed through the agreement while the FMS remained unresolved. Mr. Ceppos conducted an assessment of Water Forum signatories about the feasibility of a negotiation to resolve outstanding issues of a FMS. Recommended and convened several groups including a technical advisory team, steering committee, and focused work groups to address specific water management issues on the American and Sacramento rivers associated with creating a functional FMS. The project has focused since mid-2012 on a range of technical modeling issues that must be resolved before final negotiation can be completed.
North-of-Delta Offstream Storage Project Client: DWR, US Bureau of Reclamation, Sites Reservoir Joint Power Authority. Location: Maxwell, California. Years: 2011 – Present. Role: Project Manager / Managing Senior Mediator. Summary: Working with DWR, Bureau, and the local Joint Power’s Authority (JPA), Mr. Ceppos conducts outreach, develops strategic messaging, establishes and implements a comprehensive critical path in the analysis and environmental compliance process of the proposed Sites Reservoir and associated Integrated Regional Water Plan activities. He is the project manager for day-to-day activities on the effort. He also has been the lead facilitator for meetings between the various project agencies, and between member organizations of the JPA. He authored the public outreach plan for future activities, including affected landowner meetings, CEQA/ NEPA meetings, presentations and workshops with the Northern Sacramento Valley IRWM, and similar. He prepares media information, web-based content, and public notices of project events.
North Valleys Water Quality Negotiation Clients: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Cities of Reno and Sparks- Nevada, US Bureau of Land Management, Washoe County, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. Location: Reno / Sparks NV. Years: 2010 . Role: Project Manager/Senior Mediator. Summary: Mr. Ceppos worked with Tribal, State, Federal, and local government interests to resolve complicated water quality conflict associated with the treatment and discharge of imported water from Honey Lake in the Great Basin / Sierra Nevada region to the Truckee River. The primary concerns were total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, heavy metals, and endocrine disrupters. Topics of negotiation include special status species, local economies, and cultural sensitivities.
Upper Klamath Basin Working Group Restoration Planning Process Client: U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. Location: Klamath Basin. Year: 2001 - 2002 . Role: Project Manager, Lead Facilitator and Process Designer. Summary: Mr. Ceppos developed a comprehensive situation assessment focused on assessing the organizational capacity of the Working Group, a 33-member collaborative process. Prepared recommendations and lead a collaborative, two- phase planning process to develop a consensus-based comprehensive restoration plan for the Upper Klamath Basin.
Headwaters Forest Reserve Management Plan Client: U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Location: Eureka, CA. Year: 2001. Role: Task leader for public involvement program, lead facilitator/mediator for process, and part of resource planning team. Summary: Mr. Ceppos developed the public outreach and facilitation strategies for meetings in Eureka, San Francisco, and Sacramento, California. The project included the assessment of multiple recreational and other land uses and the development of the long-range management plan for the 7,400-acre Headwaters Reserve near Eureka, CA.
White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation One of 24 senior practitioners from throughout the US asked to mediate / facilitate deliberations of 1,200 invited delegates at this conference held in St. Louis MO in September 2005. This was only the fourth Presidential conference on conservation and natural resources in U.S. history.
California State University, Sacramento Consensus and Collaboration Program
Meagan Wylie, Lead Facilitator
Years of Experience Summary of Experience CCP: 5 years Meagan Wylie is a Lead Mediator and Facilitator with the Center for Total: 13 years Collaborative Policy (CCP). Working out of CCP’s Southern California office, Ms. Wylie provides facilitation, project management, stakeholder Geographic Experience outreach and coordination, public engagement, collaborative strategic California New Jersey planning services, and stakeholder assessments to local, state and federal Hawai’i agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGO).
Education Project Experience Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, B.S. Marine Sustainable Groundwater Management Program: Borrego Biology and Oceanography, Valley Groundwater Basin: Client: Department of Water Resources. magna cum laude, 2006 Location: Borrego Valley Groundwater Basin. Years: 2016-Present. Role: Facilitation and Project Management. The GSA is responsible for Professional Development developing and implementing a Groundwater Sustainably Plan (GSP) for Seminar Series (40 hours), Center for Collaborative the Borrego Basin, with input provided by a formally established Policy, Sacramento, CA. Advisory Committee (AC) to aid in the development of the planning and 2015 policy recommendations contained in the GSP. Ms. Wylie facilitates meetings of the AC, the GSA “Core Team” that includes representatives Non-Profit Management from the GSA agencies and GSP technical consultants, and completes Solutions and Brandman related project management activities. University; Certificates in (2009-10): Owens Lakebed Master Project Development Process • Succeeding as a Client: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. Years: 2016. Supervisor Location: California. Role: Associate Facilitator. Summary: The Los • Producing Peak Angeles Department of Water and Power, responsible for dust mitigation Performance on the dry Owens Lake bed, has convened a diverse advisory committee • Team Building to help refine a proposed “master project” for the lakebed that would • Interviewing and Hiring for NGOs include dust control, habitat enhancement, surface water conservation by accessing groundwater for a portion of the dust control, and public access Discipline/Expertise and recreation elements. The California State Lands Commission owns Facilitation and Mediation most of the land under the lakebed while the Great Basin Air Pollution Participatory Planning Control District regulates air quality. The advisory committee includes Stakeholder Engagement and these entities, as well as representatives of agriculture, local business, Large Stakeholder Processes recreation and, local, state, federal and tribal governments. In December, Natural Resource Management Water Resource Management Community Outreach
2014, the advisory committee reached consensus on refinements to the description of the proposed Master Project, including calling for the development of resource protection protocols which would enable all concerned to assess whether the use of groundwater for these dust control efforts would or would not be
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp
viable. The advisory committee will remain intact for the foreseeable future to provide input as needed during development of the resource protection protocols. Ms. Wylie began supporting this group in 2016.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Program, Local Assistance Facilitation Support Services: Turlock Groundwater Subbasin. Client: State Water Resources Control Board. Location: Turlock Groundwater Subbasin. Years: 2017-Present. Role: Facilitation, Project Management, Documentation Preparation. Summary: The Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) in the Turlock Subbasin of the San Joaquin Valley recognize a need for engaging the community early in the development process of Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) planning. CCP is supporting the successful creation of a basin-wide communications committee (committee) that will effectuate productive stakeholder workshops and stakeholder engagement ultimately leading to the development of a robust GSP Communication Plan to be implemented through the adoption of a basin-wide GSP. Ms. Wylie has supported the convening of the committee, developed a committee charter, annual work plan, updates to the 2017 Draft Basin-Wide Communication Plan, and is helping prepare for a series of Public Workshops to be hosted in 2018.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Program, Local Assistance Facilitation Support Services. Client: Department of Water Resources. Locations: San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin, San Diego River Valley Groundwater Basin, Kern County Stakeholder Engagement, Upper Ventura River Basin. Years: 2016-2017. Role: Facilitation: The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was signed into law in January 2015. It represents the most sweeping shift in groundwater management and policy in California’s history. SGMA requires high and medium priority groundwater basins and subbasins to create Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA). Ms. Wylie facilitated these formation efforts. The process included facilitating meetings and consultations with key stakeholder groups including Tribes and GSA-eligible entities, facilitating GSA formation workgroups, development of governance agreements, and public meetings for outreach and education about SGMA.
Tribal Engagement in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and Proposition 1 Client: California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Location: San Pasqual, Sacramento. Years: 2015. Role: Associate Facilitator. Summary: The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA) provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater supplies by local authorities, with a limited role for state intervention only if necessary to protect the resource. The act requires the formation of local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) that must assess conditions in their local water basins and adopt locally-based management plans. Proposition 1 (2014 Water Bond) will provide funding for various water projects and programs that will: (1) increase the state’s supply of clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, (2) protect and restore rivers, lakes, streams, coastal waters, and watersheds, (3) improve water quality, security, and adaptation to climate change, and (4) improve statewide water system operations to increase drought preparedness and flood protection. DWR held workshops in Redding and San Pasqual for California Native American Tribes designed to provide an overview of and answer questions about the legislation; provide a tutorial on related websites and web-based tools; identify tribal needs for information, data, and technical assistance; and strategize for future tribal engagement. Along with the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Coastal Conservancy, Ocean Protection Council, other state agencies, DWR also held a two-day consultation meeting in Sacramento to review Water Bond funding opportunities and procedures with California Native American Tribes.
Independent Technical Panel (ITP) for Demand Management Measures Client: Department of Water Resources. Location: Irvine, Sacramento, CA. Years: 2014 – 2016. Roles: Associate Facilitator, Project Management, Meeting Documentation. Summary: In 2007, the California Legislature passed AB 1420 which provisioned urban water supplier grant eligibility on the implementation of demand management measures. The bill also directed the California Department of
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp
Water Resources (DWR) to convene an Independent Technical Panel (ITP) to provide information and recommendations to DWR and the Legislature on new demand management measures (DMM), technologies, and approaches. DWR convened the ITP in 2013, and they submitted their first legislative report on DMM in December 2014. Shortly thereafter in early 2015, the ITP engaged in efforts to address urban landscape water use efficiency throughout the state. After 30 two-day intensive meetings, the ITP finalized its second legislative report in May 2016. This report is comprised of 18 different recommendations, and can be accessed via the DWR website here: http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/sb7/committees/urban/u2/. Ms. Wylie assisted this high- profile group in facilitating weekly internal project team calls, supporting the two-day public workshops, document preparation, organization of meeting/workshop logistics, and preparation of meeting documentation, including summary reports and the ITP’s final report to the legislature.
California Executive Order B-37-16 Implementation Client: California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Location: Statewide. Years: 2016 – 2018. Role: Facilitator, Project Management. Summary: Working with DWR, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Energy Commission (CEC) (Collectively “Executive Order (EO) State Agencies”), assists CCP colleagues in convening weekly meetings among staff and executive level positions among diverse EO State Agencies, and in program management among project teams and EO State Agencies’ staff and executives. Ms. Wylie will also facilitate select meetings between EO State Agencies and public stakeholders. Activities include mediating diverse project goals and objectives to meet EO directives on the management of California’s water resources. The CCP project team works directly with EO State Agencies to reach agreement on frameworks for new statewide Water Use Targets, Water Loss Regulations, Water Shortage Contingency Plans, and Drought Planning.
San Diego IRWM Regional Water Data Management Program Client: San Diego County. Location: San Diego, CA. Years: 2013 – 2015. Roles: Co-facilitation, Assistant Facilitation, Meeting Documentation, Stakeholder Outreach and Coordination. Summary: In 2011, the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Program was recommended by the Department of Water Resources to receive full funding for the development of a water data management program, including the establishment of a regional, web-based data management system (DMS). This project involves a collaborative, stakeholder-driven process that summarizes current data gathering efforts, assesses and prioritizes data management needs, and recommends basic design parameters for the DMS. Key audiences include water purveyors, water supply and wastewater districts, municipal stormwater divisions, and watershed and environmental organizations. Ms. Wylie assisted in the design and facilitation of Advisory Workgroup meetings, Stakeholder Workshops and Public Meetings, stakeholder outreach and coordination, organization of meeting/workshop logistics, and preparation of meeting documentation, including agendas, worksheets, and summary reports.
Urban Stakeholder Committee (USC) for Water Use Efficiency Client: Department of Water Resources (DWR). Location: Irvine, Sacramento, San Diego, CA. Years: 2014 – 2016. Roles: Assistant Facilitation, Meeting Documentation. Summary: DWR formed the Urban Stakeholder Committee for Water Use Efficiency to meet some of the public process requirements of SB X7-7 (the Water Conservation Act of 2009). The USC is chartered to review technical material and documents, and to provide comments, data, and supporting information to DWR for implementing provisions of SB X7-7. Most recently the USC provided feedback to DWR and the Independent Technical Panel (ITP) on Demand Management Measures regarding the draft expedited revisions to DWR’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Both the ITP and USC are facilitated and coordinated by the Center for Collaborative Policy.
Borrego Water Coalition Client: California Department of Water Resources. Location: Borrego Springs, CA. Years: 2013 – 2014. Roles: assistant facilitation, meeting documentation. Summary: Per an amended groundwater ordinance, in 2013 the San Diego County Board of Supervisors directed staff to work with the Borrego Water
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp
District to develop a groundwater sustainability plan that addresses basin overdraft. Convened by the Department of Water Resources, the Coalition includes the District, agriculture, golf and tourism, lodging, schools, and the Anza-Borrego State Park. Ms. Wylie assisted in helping the group develop a work plan, identify objectives and management strategies, assess and rank strategies, develop a series of negotiated policy recommendations to the Borrego Water District that provide for bringing the basin into balance, and prepare for public meetings.
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp
California State University, Sacramento Center for Collaborative Policy
Alex Cole-Weiss, Associate Mediator
Years of Experience Summary of Experience Total: 4 Years Alex Cole-Weiss has expertise in community development, regional planning, and geography. She draws from a range of experiences with Education cooperative decision-making structures, political and social organizing M.S. Community Development University of California, Davis groups, urban land use planning initiatives, and community food 2016. systems. Alex joined the Center in 2016 and works on projects related to public engagement, tribal outreach, natural resource management, B.A. Geography environmental planning, transportation planning, and environmental University of California, justice. Her skills include stakeholder assessment, research, writing, Berkeley, 2010. Minor: City and conflict resolution, workshop planning, and meeting summaries and Regional Planning. facilitation.
Discipline/Expertise Community Development Project Experience
Public Policy Water Policy and Planning Owen’s Lake Master Project Cultural Resources Task Force Natural Resource Management Client: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. Years: 2014- Tribal Engagement Present. Location: Owens Valley, CA. Summary: The Task Force, which Public Health focuses on four specific sites in Owens Valley that are particularly Strategic Planning culturally sensitive, is charged with recommending to the Los Angeles Facilitation Department of Water and Power and Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Community Outreach and Control District how to balance dust control mitigation and protection Participation of cultural resources on these four sites. The first task was to develop consensus among area tribes regarding how they would like to see that Geographic Experience balance achieved; this has been accomplished. Second, the tribes United States presented their recommendation to the rest of the Task Force, California considered feedback, and refined their recommendation as they
deemed appropriate. The Task Force unanimously accepted the Tribes’ Trainings Attended Group Facilitation Skills (24 recommendation for the first set of sites in December 2014. The co- hours), Community at Work, conveners are now implementing the Tribes’ recommendation for 2016. these four sites, while the Task Force has gone on to develop recommendations for a second set of sites. Alex joined the project in 2016 and supports meeting preparation and facilitation, including developing notes to summarize key meeting outcomes.
California State Rail Plan – Tribal Program Client: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), subcontracted through AECOM, Inc. Location: California statewide. Years: 2014 – Present. Role: Assistant Facilitator. Summary: The California State Rail Plan is due for an update in 2018. Caltrans is committed to ensuring early collaboration, communication, and consultation with California Native American Tribes.
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp
Alex joined the project in 2016 and supports the development, revision, and implementation of a Native American Tribal Consultation and Outreach Plan (NATCOP) to provide an overview of activities to inform and engage with Tribes and obtain their opinions, comments, and suggestions for the State Rail Plan.
California State Water Plan Tribal Water Summit Client: California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Location: Statewide. Role: Assistant Facilitator. Year: January 2017 – Present. The State Water Plan, updated once every five years, is designed to make projections about California’s future water demand and recommend actions to meet the state’s future water needs. Members of the Policy Advisory Committee include stakeholders drawn from state, federal and local government agencies; tribal governments; local water interests; agricultural interests; the environmental community; the academic community; business and industry; and the general public. Alex is responsible for attending client project meetings, as well as the Policy Advisory Committee, Tribal Advisory Committee, and Plenary meetings. She documents collaborative meetings, and drafts and manages client and stakeholder-related materials.
Landscape Conservation Cooperative - Tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge Team Client: California Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC). Location: Sacramento. Years: 2015 – Present. Role: Assistant Facilitator. Summary: The Center provides collaboration and facilitation support to the CA LCC for projects which include the Central Valley Landscape Conservation Project and the Tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Team. Alex supports the organization and planning of projects, activities, and workshops to further the conservation goals of the CA LCC while maintaining diverse interests and concerns of California Native American Tribes.
AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) Client: Air Resources Control Board (ARB), subcontracted by the Center for Continuing Education (CCE). Location: Sacramento. Years: 2016 – Present. Role: Assistant Facilitator. Summary: The first EJAC was convened in 2007 to advise the ARB in developing a Scoping Plan and any other pertinent materials for implementing AB 32. The EJAC comprises representatives from communities in the State with the most significant exposure to air pollution including, but not limited to, communities with minority populations or low-income populations, or both. The EJAC was reconvened in 2013 to advise the Board on the 2013 Scoping Plan Update. CCP provides collaborative problem solving facilitation and mediation services for the EJAC and ARB. Alex’s role includes meeting facilitation, agenda preparation, note-taking, and assistance with preparation of community workshop materials.
Counties Cannabis Summit Client: California State Association of Counties. Years: March 2017 – July 2017. Location: California. Role: Assistant Facilitator. Summary: The Counties Cannabis Summit brought together local government leaders with medical and adult use cannabis state agencies and regulators. The Summit included opportunities to learn about the medical and adult regulatory framework, cultivation and environmental issues, taxing, banking and financial impacts, how to work with the cannabis industry, and local licenses and land use. The Summit was an opportunity for elected officials to get to know senior agency and staff and develop relationships across California. Alex helped to coordinate and staff the Summit, including handling logistics, developing meeting materials, taking notes, and writing summary reports.
Center for Collaborative Policy | 815 S Street, 1st Floor | Sacramento, CA 95811 | (916) 445-2079 | fax (916) 445-2087 | www.csus.edu/ccp Duncan MacEwan, Ph.D. Principal Economist, ERA Economics LLC
Duncan is the managing partner of ERA Economics. Prior to founding ERA Economics in 2013, Duncan held a position as a consultant economist with CH2M and postdoctoral scholar in Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis. Duncan specializes in the economics of water resources and agriculture. Some of his current projects include water valuation and risk assessments, benefit-cost analyses, feasibility studies, and economic analysis to support sustainable groundwater management. He is also a primary developer of California’s Statewide Agricultural Production (SWAP) model and has worked with private and public-sector clients to evaluate impacts of local, state, and federal water policies using the SWAP model, and other similar economic modeling frameworks.
Education Ph.D., Economic Geography, University of California, Davis M.S., Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis B.S., Mathematical Economics, California State University, Long Beach
Professional Memberships Member, 2007 – Present, American Agricultural and Applied Economics Association Member, 2014 – Present, Western Agricultural Economics Association
Selected Projects Agricultural Economic Impact Analysis of Changes in the Agricultural Groundwater Pumping Charge (Open Space Credit), Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose, CA, 2013-2014. Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) engaged ERA to evaluate the economic impact of proposed increases in the volumetric agricultural groundwater charge paid by irrigators in South County. Duncan developed an economic model of Santa Clara County agriculture that was used to analyze the direct and total economic impact of higher groundwater pumping charges. Economic impacts were expressed in terms of crop switching, land idling, and fiscal impacts on grower net income and regional economic activity (jobs and tax revenues). Through a rigorous economic analysis, Duncan was able to explain the likely economic cost of increased groundwater pumping charges and facilitate a constructive dialogue between SCVWD and agricultural stakeholders in the county. Based on the economic analysis, the SCVWD Board ultimately decided to leave the agricultural groundwater pumping charge unchanged. Yolo Bypass Environmental Impact Statement / Environental Impact Report (EIS/R), United States Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, CA, 2013 – 2018. The US Bureau of Reclamation engaged ERA Economics (as a subcontractor to CDM Smith) to evaluate the economic impact of proposed project alternatives to modify the Fremont Weir and increase the frequency and duration of bypass flooding to support seasonal fish habitat, potentially casuing economic impacts to bypass farmers. Duncan developed a series of fiscal-economic models that were used to assess the direct, indirect, and induced fiscal and economic impacts—from a local and federal perspective—from crop switching and land retirement in the bypass. The multi-year project involved extensive public outreach and a multi-disciplinary team. The EIS/R was posted for public comment in late 2017 and completed in early 2018.
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Solano County Cache Slough Baseline Study and Agricultural Economic Impact Analysis, Solano County and BAE, Fairfield, CA, 2013 – 2014. The County of Solano engaged ERA Economics as a technical subcontractor to BAE to establish baseline economic data for the Cache Slough area of Solano County, review proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP, now covered under EcoRestore) conservation measures, and evaluate the likely economic impact of those proposed measures. Duncan developed baseline agricultural statistics for all of Solano County (including the Cache Slough area) that included detailed geospatial crop data, farm financial data, and market conditions for major crops produced in the county. The data was used to develop an integrated economic model of Solano County agriculture. A series of proposed conservation projects (land retirement) in the Cache Slough area were evaluated to determine the likely direct, indirect, and induced economic impact in the county. Economic Contribution of Specialty Crop Agriculture to the Sacramento Region, Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Sacramento, CA, 2015 – 2016. SACOG engaged ERA Economics to develop an economic analysis to establish the total economic contribution of specialty crop production, processing, and distribution to the 6-county Sacramento region. ERA worked with stakeholders to gather farm finances and other economic data that were integrated into a series of economic models developed by ERA. The analysis was able to trace the value of production from the farm through final retail within the county and to key export markets. The analysis found that the combined specialty crop industry creates over $5.8 billion annually in gross sales and crates over 31,000 jobs. Economic and Financial Feasibility of District-wide Pressurized Irrigation, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Manteca, CA, 2014 – 2016. As a subcontractor to Davids Engineering, ERA Economics was engaged to evaluate the financial and economic feasibility of alternative pressurized irrigation sytems. Economic and financial feasibility was assessed using a series of economic models to establish grower willingess and ability to pay for alternative irrigation systems. The resulting analysis was presented to District Staff and Board at a series of workshops and public meetings. Fiscal Impact Analysis of Proposed Pesticide Regulations, Pyrethroids Working Group, Sacramento, CA, 2017. The Pyrethroids Working Group (a consortium of agri-chemical companies) engaged ERA Economics to complete a multi-part study to quantify the economic value that pyrethroid insecticides provide to California specialty crop farmers. The economic benefit of pyrethroid insecticides was expressed in terms of net farm income and production risk, considering alternative chemicals, costs, and export market (phytosanitary) restrictions. The study is being used by the industry to facilitate a dialogue between state and federal regulators and affected stakeholders. Selected Publications Duncan MacEwan, M. Cayr, A. Taghavi, D. Mitchell, S. Hatchett, R. Howitt. (2017). Hydroeconomic Modeling of Sustainable Groundwater Management. Water Resources Research. 53. doi:10.1002/2016WR019639. Duncan MacEwan, Richard Howitt, and Josué Medellín-Azuara. (2016). Combining Physical and Behavioral Response to Salinity. Journal of Water Economics and Policy. 2 (1), 1-25. Richard E. Howitt, Josue Medellin-Azuara, Duncan MacEwan, and Jay R. Lund. (2012). Calibrating Disaggregate Economic Models of Agricultural Production and Water Management. Environmental Modeling and Software. 38, 244-258. 2
Kabir Tumber, MS Agricultural Economist, ERA Economics
Kabir is the third generation on his family’s peach and walnut in Yuba County and grew up working in the family business. He previously worked at HarvestMark Inc. as a business consultant to produce companies including Kroger, Tanimura & Antle, Del Monte, and Raley's. As an economist with the University of California Cooperative Extension he collected crop market data and published reports on market conditions and economic returns for major California crops, and co-authored three peer- reviewed journal articles on the wine grape market with the director of Wine Economics at UC Davis. Prior to rejoining ERA in 2017, Kabir analyzed international and domestic market data for grapes and melons as a senior commodity analyst at Robison Fresh.
Education M.S., Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis B.S., Managerial Economics, University of California, Davis
Professional Experience Agricultural Economist, ERA Economics, 2017 - Senior Business Analyst, Robinson Fresh, 2015 - 2017 Economist, ERA Economics, 2014 – 2015 Harvest Mark, Analyst, 2012 – 2014 Staff Economic Researcher, UC Cooperative Extension Agricultural Issues Center, 2008 – 2012 Timco Worldwide Inc., Production and Sales Coordinator, 2006 - 2008
Professional Memberships 2014 – Present, American Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Selected Projects Yolo Bypass Environmental Impact Statement / Environental Impact Report (EIS/R), United States Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, CA, 2013 – 2018. Kabir was responsible for leading the tipping point analyses of Yolo Bypass project alternatives considered in the EIS/R. The tipping point analyses evaluated the likely economic impacts caused by decreased rice and processing tomato production on local mills, processors, lenders, and insurers. The tipping point studies were reviewed with local stakeholders and included as a technical appendix to the public EIS/R released in late 2017.
Solano County Cache Slough Baseline Study and Agricultural Economic Impact Analysis, Solano County and BAE, Fairfield, CA, 2013 – 2014. Kabir worked with Solano County staff and senior economists at ERA Economics to evaluate alternative habitat conservation (land retirement) policies proposed for the Cache Slough area of Solano County. He developed the database for an economic optimization model of irrigated agriculture in Solano County. The model was used to estimate areas and crops likely to be targeted for habitat restoration based on economic conditions and physical criteria such as elevation, soil quality, and habitat potential. The findings of the analysis were summarized in a report submitted to Solano County and presented to stakeholders. Miranda Driver Research Associate, ERA Economics
Miranda joined ERA in 2015 supporting economic analyses through surveys, outreach, data management, report preparation, and agricultural market research. She led ERA’s data analysis and survey outreach for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s rulemaking process for the California cannabis regulations Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessments (SRIA). Miranda has 8 years of experience in agricultural policy and economics, and serves on several agricultural advisory committees in Yolo County and has held leadership roles for the Farm Bureau. She has worked with a range of agriculture organizations and has an in depth understanding of the unique requirements, regulations, and concerns facing this industry. In addition to her position at ERA, Miranda is a founding partner of CalAgJobs, an agricultural policy, job hub and recruiting service.
Education B.S., Applied Computer Graphics, California State University, Chico
Professional Experience Research Associate, ERA Economics, 2015 – Present Director, CalAgJobs.com, 2013 – Present Public Outreach Coordinator, CA Tobacco Control Program, California Dept. of Public Health, 2014 Program Assistant & Coordinator, Marketing, California Farm Bureau Federation, 2010-2013
Professional Memberships Yolo County Farm Bureau, 2010 – Present, Activities Chairman, Yolo County Young Farmers and Ranchers 2015 – 2016 National Agri-Marketing Association, 2016
Selected Projects MAURCSA (SB 94) Standardized Economic Impact Assessment (SRIA), California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento, CA, 2016 – 2018. Estimate the economic impacts of medicinal and adult use cannabis cultivation regulations and other licensing requirements being developed by the Department of Food and Agriculture. Miranda assisted in a comprehensive cannabis cultivator survey and stakeholder outreach for the SRIA. She prepared cultivator production budgets, financial information, and compiled local regulatory costs for the SRIA. The medical cannabis SRIA was published in January 2017, and the MAUCRSA SRIA will be reviewed by California Department of Finance economists and published for public review in early 2018. Economic Multiplier Analysis of Specailty Crop Agriculture in the Sacramento Area, SACOG, Sacramento, CA, 2015 – 2016. Miranda developed the economic data required to assess the total value of specailty crop agriculture in the 6-county Sacramento area. She led survey or growers and other agribusiness to compile farm financial and economic data. The data were used to populate economic input-output models that were used to quantify the economic value of specialty crop agriculture (production, processing, and distribution) in terms of jobs, buinsesses, value-added, and taxes.
Appendix B: LSCE Team Firm Fee Schedules
LSCE Team Proposal to Develop a GSP for the Owens Valley Groundwater Basin 63
500 FIRST STREET WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA 95695 SCHEDULE OF FEES - ENGINEERING AND FIELD SERVICES 2018 Professional:* Senior Principal $205/hr. Principal Professional $202/hr. Project Manager $190/hr. Senior Professional $182/hr. Project Professional $142 to 170/hr. Staff Professional $120 to 130/hr.
Technical: Engineering Inspector $120 to 130/hr. ACAD Drafting/GIS $125 to 130/hr. Engineering Assistant $100/hr. Technician $100/hr.
Clerical Support: Word Processing, Clerical $72/hr.
**********
Vehicle Use $0.55/mi.
Subsistence Cost Plus 15%
Groundwater Sampling Equipment $170.00/hr. (Includes Operator)
Copies .20 ea.
**********
Professional or Technical Testimony 200% of Regular Rates
Requested Technical Overtime 150% of Regular Rates
Outside Services/Rentals Cost Plus 15%
Services by Associate Firms Cost Plus 15%
* Engineer, Geologist, Hydrogeologist, and Hydrologist
SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES
Professional Fees Principal $ 220.00 per hour Project Manager $ 175.00 per hour Senior Engineer $ 165.00 per hour Senior Geologist $ 160.00 per hour Senior Hydrographer $ 155.00 per hour Senior Environmental Scientist $ 145.00 per hour Project Engineer/Geologist $ 130.00 per hour Project Scientist/Biologist $ 125.00 per hour Senior Archaeologist $ 120.00 per hour Staff Scientist $ 105.00 per hour Senior Field Technician $ 95.00 per hour Field Technician $ 80.00 per hour Administrative Support $ 75.00 per hour
Charges Passenger Car Mileage $ 0.75 per mile Field Vehicle Mileage $ 1.00 per mile Vehicle Use 2WD (in lieu of mileage) $ 105.00 per day Vehicle Use 4WD $ 125.00 per day Water Quality Meter (Horiba) $ 150.00 per day Water Level Indicator (Solinst) $ 35.00 per day Specialized Computer Applications $ 20.00 per hour Necessary Job Related Expenses Cost plus 15 percent
Above fees and charges are subject to annual review and revision. Charges for services will be in accordance with TEAM’s Schedule of Fees and Charges in effect at the time services are rendered.
Terms of payment are as follows: All balances are due and payable upon receipt. Any balance that has not been received within 30 days of the invoice date is assessed a one and one-half percent (1½%) per month late charge. The 1½% (19.56% annual) late payment charge is applied to the delinquent balance every thirty days thereafter. TEAM reserves the right to terminate work in progress on any overdue account.
01/18
www.teambishop.com Offices in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, California William R. Hutchison Rate Sheet Owens Valley GSP
Hutchison Billing Rate (per hour) $200 Refundable airfare estimated (Houston to Las Vegas) $1,200 Rental Car estimated (per day) $100 Hotel estimated (per day) $150
PACIFIC AGROECOLOGY LLC
BILLABLE HOURLY RATE 1 STRUCTURE EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2018
Position Title Hourly Rate Named Personnel Principal $200.00 Viers, Medellín Senior Research Ecologist $188.00 Herbst Senior Research Economist $175.00 Scientist $125.00 Associate Scientist $100.00 Williams Assistant Scientist $90.00 Vaghti Project Analyst $80.00 GIS Technician $75.00 TBD Lab Technician $55.00 Field Technician $50.00 TBD
1 Includes overhead at 25%. CCP Rate Sheet
Owens Valley GSP
Ceppos (Managing Senior Mediator/Facilitator) $208
Wylie (Lead Mediator / Facilitator) $163
Cole-Weiss (Associate Facilitator) $134
Administrative Support $92
ERA Economics 1111 Kennedy Place, Suite #4 Davis, CA 95616 ERA Economics Consulting Services Rate Sheet
ERA charges the following hourly rates for economic consulting services. Rates are effective as of January 1, 2018, and subject to annual updates.
Classification Hourly rate Sr. Principal Economist $210 Principal Economist $165 Senior Economist $150 Economist / Consultant $125 Associate Economist $115 Research Associate $85 Staff Consultant $75
Travel and Direct Costs Direct expenses will be charged at cost with no mark up.
Allowable expenses will be agreed in advance with the client and typically include air travel, meals while on travel, rental car transportation, parking, and hotel expenses. Personal vehicle transportation will be charged at $0.54 per mile.
Invoicing Invoices will be submitted monthly, and will include a summary of total hours, cost, and a summary of the services provided by all staff.