Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a Joint Funding Agreement between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for stream and spring flow data collection, in an amount not to exceed $500,830.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt resolution and order No. 09-17-879 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 17-866-AM between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services for a total amount of $500,830, of which the EAA contribution will not exceed $351,715, for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018, and authorizing the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Research & Technology Committee recommendation to approve the annual hydrologic data collection agreement between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the EAA. The EAA and its predecessor agency (the EUWD) have cooperated with the USGS to jointly fund hydrologic data collection projects for over 40 years.
Task 1. Surface Water Gauging.
Surface water flow data are collected for nine major basins that cross the recharge zone of the Southern (San Antonio) segment of the Balcones Fault Zone of the Edwards Aquifer. The data are used for estimating annual recharge to, and spring discharge from, the aquifer. In the 2017-2018 JFA, the EAA will coorperatively fund the operation and maintenance of:
Fifteen full-range stream gages (routine equipment)
Six discharge below base stations
Two springflow separation stations:
Two periodic measurement stations; and
Six National Stream Information Program (NSIP) stream gages.
A listing of specific gauges is included in the JFA. Deliverable for Task 1 are: daily spring discharge data on the internet, quarterly reports; data tables for 2017 to be delivered by January 31, 2018; and data published in the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS Web) in real-time.
Task 2. Conduct Edwards Aquifer Recharge Calculations and Springflow
Discharge Calculations.
The annual estimates of groundwater recharge and springflow discharge from the Edwards Aquifer will be calculated using the Puente method (USGS WRl-7810). Annual recharge estimates are based on data collected from a network of stream flow and rainfall gauging stations for the nine drainage basins that comprise the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The deliverable for Task 2 is a table of estimated groundwater recharge and springflow from the Edwards Aquifer to be provided by April 1, 2018. These data will be included in the EAA hydrologic data report for 2017.
The 2017-18 USGS JFA includes a number of modifications to the scope of work related to improving the efficiency of data collection efforts and USGS programmatic changes. This JFA includes the installation and operation of one additional gauge on the Blanco River near Valley View Road.
The total value of the JFA is $500,830, of which the EAA contribution will not exceed $351,715. The overall total cost of this JFA has increased by $17,725, from 2016-2017 to 2017-2018. The increase is related to the addition of a new gauge on the Blanco River near Valley View Road which results in an increase of about 3.5% for 2017-2018.
At the August 22 meeting, the Research & Technology Committee voted to recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 17-866-AM between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey for data collection services for a total amount of $500,830, of which the EAA contribution will not exceed $351,715, for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018, and authorizing the General Manager to execute the agreement.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
U.S. Geological Survey is not an M/WBE vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal E. Conduct Research that Enhances Understanding and Effective Management of the Aquifer
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of this JFA is not to exceed $500,830. The EAA's contribution will not exceed $351,715. Because this JFA spans two EAA fiscal years, funding for the first three months of the JFA ($87,929) is available in the 2017 operating budget. Funding for the remaining nine months of the JFA ($263,786) will be included in the 2018 operating budget.