Title
Receive report from EAA staff on an incentive program related to Limited Production Wells and settlement alternatives associated with EAA compliance and settlement agreements.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
This item is for discussion purposes only. No action required.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Permits/Enforcement Committee to receive a report from EAA staff regarding: (1) possible incentive programs for owners of Limited Production Wells (LPWs); and (2) settlement alternatives under EAA settlement guidelines. If the committee agrees that these programs promote EAA goals to better manage, enhance and protect the Edwards Aquifer system, EAA staff will further develop and implement these programs.
Limited Production Wells Incentivized Reporting Program
EAA staff proposes an incentive program for owners of LPWs to expand their annual use reporting requirement using the EAA Meter Matters Smartphone Application (“Meter App”); wherein, if the LPW owner uses the Meter App to report at least quarterly meter readings throughout the year, the administrative fee requirement for the next year will be waived through a contractual agreement.
EAA rules (Section 711.67) require that a yearly administrative fee of $25 be paid to the EAA by LPW owners. This fee is intended to cover administrative costs incurred by the EAA (inspections and data management) associated with LPWs. EAA rules (Section 711.69) also require the LPW owners to accurately read the well’s meter on December 31st of each year and file it with the EAA no later than January 31st of each year.
EAA staff would like to incentivize LPW owners to provide meter readings as the year progresses, thus allowing staff the opportunity to advise the owner if their current use may track to exceed annual authorization. By submitting only an end-of-year meter reading, EAA staff does not have a chance to provide this assistance before a violation occurs.
Additionally, the well owner...
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