Title
Receive report from EAA staff on the role of the Contributing Zone in maintaining historical water quantity and quality.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to receive a report from EAA staff on the importance of the Contributing Zone to the Edwards Aquifer system. As the EAA moves to develop its own version of an Edwards Aquifer Protection Program type of program through the Next Generation concept, the critical role of the Contributing Zone in conserving, preserving and enhancing quality and quantity of recharge to the Aquifer needs to be taken into account to maximize program effectiveness. Recognizing the value of the Contributing Zone will lead to development of improved criteria for evaluating the benefits of potential easement acquisitions region wide. Mark Hamilton, Executive Director of the Aquifer Management Services Division, will provide a summary of the physical processes that occur in the Contributing Zone and how those processes function to maintain historical water quantity and quality in the Edwards Aquifer system.
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