Title
Consider EAA staff recommendation to approve a conversion of base irrigation groundwater owned by EDMRGE Farms 1, Ltd.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the Permits/Enforcement Committee recommend the board adopt a Final Order Granting Application to Convert Base Irrigation Groundwater to Unrestricted Irrigation Groundwater based on the installation of water conservation equipment submitted by EDMRGE Farms 1, Ltd.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Permits/Enforcement Committee to consider an EAA staff recommendation to adopt a Final Order approving an Application to Convert Base Irrigation Groundwater to unrestricted irrigation groundwater based on the installation of water conservation equipment. Generally, irrigation Initial Regular Permit (IRP) holders cannot permanently change the place of use or the purpose of use for base irrigation groundwater (BIG) withdrawal rights. However, §711.342 of the EAA Rules allows IRP holders to convert BIG withdrawal rights to unrestricted irrigation groundwater withdrawal rights, if certain conditions are met under the following two scenarios:
Water Conservation: IRP holders must submit an application that demonstrates the conservation of water after the installation of water conservation equipment, or
Change in Land Use: IRP holders must submit an application to the EAA consistent with §711.342 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Rules, demonstrating, among other things, either sufficient physical development of all or a portion of the land, or evidence the land is no longer practicable to farm.
The regular permit holder applying to convert BIG withdrawal rights must also provide supporting documentation. In addition to the information provided by the applicant, EAA staff reviews county records and performs a site inspection to verify the BIG withdrawal rights conversion application. In the application presented for consideration, these requirements have been met. The following is a summary of the BIG conversion application.
P201-866 (ME00349)
IRP No. P201-866 (ME00349), originally approved by the board on July 8, 2025, is currently permitted for 169.826 acre-feet of BIG withdrawal rights.
On February 19, 2026, the applicant filed an Application to Convert Base Irrigation Groundwater for IRP No. P201-866 (ME00349) with the EAA. The applicant requested to convert 51.895 acre-feet of BIG withdrawal rights to unrestricted irrigation groundwater withdrawal rights due to the installation of water conservation equipment. EAA staff reviewed this application and determined that the requested conversion of 51.895 acre-feet of BIG meets the requirements of §711.342 of the EAA Rules. The applicant has installed a Zamatic Pivot, in optimum condition, irrigating a total of 81.272 acres. The low elevation spray application system (LESA) is equipped with new hoses and nozzles/applicators and was installed in 2025.
The draft Final Order prepared by General Counsel is also attached to this item.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
This agenda item does not involve the procurement of goods or services by the EAA and, therefore, this section is not applicable.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item does not relate to a specific goal or action step within the Strategic Plan but supports the general EAA mission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.