Title
Consider EAA staff recommendation to approve a conversion of base irrigation groundwater owned by Slate Creek Ranch, LLC.
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 changes in land use submitted by Slate Creek Ranch, LLC.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Permits/Enforcement Committee to consider an EAA staff recommendation to adopt a Final Order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving an Application to Convert Base Irrigation Groundwater to unrestricted irrigation groundwater based on a change in land use. 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. Following is a summary of...
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