The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
Governor Jerry Brown of California signed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on September 16, 2014. This is a combined bill comprised of three legislative bills. Senate Bill SB1168, (Pavley)Assembly Bill AB 1739 (Dickenson) and Senate Bill SV1319 (Pavley)
Understanding the Dilemma of Water in California
Prompted by a drought, which is common in California, this legislation helps in the regulation and management of underground water throughout California. Under this act, medium and high priority basins are regulated as to the amount of pumping that is allowed. Ground water is critically important as a reserve due to the frequent droughts in the state of California. When surface water gets used up, ground water is called upon. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires agencies of medium and high basins to be in compliance by 2042.
The Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
Local agencies form Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) to manage their groundwater basins. As infrastructure is vital, overuse of groundwater from Aquifer systems can cause land problems with wells, buildings, and roads. Also, seawater intrusion is an important issue in California’s coastal groundwater basins. Interconnected surface water depletion usually results during droughts. Adequate groundwater is essential to keep water flow even and constant.
Let SBEMP Help You Become Fluid In Procedures Concerning the SGMA and GSA
Our experienced Palm Springs environmental attorneys are essential in helping local agencies navigate the law and understand requirements of these laws. The laws are complex, and our attorneys are well versed in transnational practice, as well as counseling on issues effecting real property. These include underground oil tank remediation, proper asbestos removal and removal of contaminated soil and of course when dealing with groundwater.
Our Palm Springs environmental attorneys can also offer counseling on proper hazardous waste packaging and disposal.
