Section 345.4 - Criteria for Evaluating Supporting InformationThe Department shall apply the following criteria to assess whether the proposed basin or subbasin can be sustainably managed or would limit the sustainable management of adjacent basins or subbasins, and whether there is a history of sustainable management of groundwater levels in the proposed basin or subbasin.
(a) For scientific modifications pursuant to Section 342.2, the Department will consider the adequacy of hydrogeologic conceptual models and technical studies based on their demonstration of scientific support for the boundary modification. The models and technical studies will be evaluated according to the following: (1) Hydrogeologic conceptual models will be evaluated to determine the degree to which they apply technical information to describe the geologic framework, the direction and movement of groundwater flow, the water budget for the basin or subbasin, and any other feature as required by Section 344.12.(2) Qualified maps of surficial geology, structural geology, or geophysical investigations, supporting subsurface interpretations, and any other feature as required by Section 344.14, will be evaluated to assess the presence or absence of a groundwater flow boundary.(3) Potentiometric surface maps, groundwater levels, groundwater recharge and discharge areas, aquifer testing results, water quality data, and any other feature as required by Section 344.14 will be evaluated to assess the presence or absence of a groundwater flow boundary.(b) For jurisdictional modifications pursuant to Section 342.4, the Department shall review evidence from existing water management plans that cover all or a portion of the proposed basin or subbasin. The Department shall evaluate the likelihood that the proposed basin or subbasin can be sustainably managed, the groundwater management practices in place within the basin or subbasin, and the historical and existing aquifer response to these management practices. The water management plan will also serve to provide additional information should it be necessary to clarify questions regarding management activities or supporting technical information.(c) For jurisdictional modifications of basin consolidation or county basin consolidation or basin subdivision pursuant to Section 342.4(b) and (c), the Department will evaluate the adequacy of hydrogeologic conceptual models. The evaluation will assess the degree to which the models apply technical information to describe the geologic framework, the direction and movement of groundwater flow, the components of the water budget for the basin or subbasin, and any other feature as required by Section 344.12.(d) For jurisdictional modifications of basin subdivision pursuant to Section 342.4(c), the Department will evaluate, where applicable, the adequacy of the description and supporting documentation of historical and current conditions and coordination in the existing and proposed basin or subbasin of the following: (1) Current and historical groundwater levels from a groundwater monitoring well network that satisfies the following criteria: (A) A sufficient density of monitoring wells to evaluate and implement sustainable groundwater management as determined by the Department.(B) Wells with perforated intervals in all principal aquifers.(C) The density and distribution of wells is adequate to characterize the potentiometric surface for each of the principal aquifers.(D) The methods of data collection follow best management practices and data are collected at similar intervals and frequency.(E) Groundwater level data demonstrate that the principal aquifers have not experienced long-term declines in groundwater levels.(2) Water quality data, including data showing that areas with known water quality impacts would not be more isolated or concentrated.(3) Current and historical land subsidence data demonstrating that no significant inelastic land subsidence is occurring.(4) Technical information related to groundwater-surface water interactions showing that surface water is not adversely affected by groundwater extractions.(5) Technical information related to recharge areas showing that recharge is not adversely affected by the proposed boundary modification.(6) Evidence of coordination between local agencies and public water systems pertaining to water budgets, data collection, and other agreements designed to promote sustainable groundwater management, as appropriate.(e) For any boundary modification request, the Department may consider any other scientific or technical information that relates to the ability of a proposed basin or subbasin to achieve sustainable groundwater management.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 345.4
1. New section filed 11-6-2015 as an emergency and exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law pursuant to subdivision (b) of Water Code section 10722.2; operative 11-16-2015 and, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Water Code section 10722.2, shall remain in effect until revised by the Department of Water Resources (Register 2015, No. 45). Note: Authority cited: Section 10722.2, Water Code. Reference: Section 10722.2, Water Code.
1. New section filed 11-6-2015 as an emergency and exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law pursuant to subdivision (b) of Water Code section 10722.2; operative 11-16-2015 and, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Water Code section 10722.2, shall remain in effect until revised by the Department of Water Resources (Register 2015, No. 45).