Title
Receive report from EAA staff on the EAA rules compliance programs and enforcement actions.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
This item is for discussion purposes only. No action is required.
SUMMARY
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Permits/Enforcement Committee to receive a report from EAA staff regarding the general evolution of the EAA rules compliance programs, staff's current approach to non-compliance, and when compliance matters are brought to the Permits/Enforcement Committee and/or the Board of Directions for further consideration or action.
Staff will discuss how the EAA compliance approach has evolved over time and review the development of EAA’s Compliance and Settlement Guidelines. Staff will review the role of Settlement Guidelines in developing compliance-related settlement offers and the options available to an alleged violator when responding to these offers, including settlement Counter-Offers and proposed Supplemental Environmental Projects. In support of these discussions, the current version of the Edwards Aquifer Authority General Manager’s Compliance and Settlement Guidelines (March 4, 2023) is attached to this item.
Staff will facilitate this discussion and answer related questions at the March 26 meeting.
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:
Revenue received through compliance settlements is dedicated to the Conservation/Aquifer Protection Fund. This revenue is used solely to fund projects expressly devoted to the protection and benefit of the Edwards Aquifer. No revenue derived from compliance settlements is used to fund operating expenses of the EAA.