State seeks feedback on new subsidence guidelines at September workshops

The public is invited to comment on new state subsidence guidelines at three workshops next week.

The Department of Water Resources is holding meetings on Sept. 9 in Clovis, Sept. 10 in Delano and Sept. 11 in Willows. The workshops are focused solely on collecting feedback on a recently released draft document that supports one of the goals of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act — avoiding or minimizing subsidence, land sinking. 

The document outlines fundamental concepts of subsidence and explains what practices local groundwater agencies should use in their groundwater sustainability plans to halt or minimize subsidence. One overarching theme is the need for GSAs to adopt a regional approach to managing subsidence. 

Each workshop follows a similar agenda, which includes introductions, an overview of the document, a question and answer period, then public comment. Registration is encouraged for planning purposes, but is not required. Walk-in registration will be available.

Public comments may be provided in-person at the meetings and in writing to sgmps@water.ca.gov until Sept. 22. Electronic files should be PDF or Microsoft Word compatible.

Snail mail:
Department of Water Resources
Sustainable Groundwater Management Office
ATTN: Subsidence BMP
P.O. Box 942836 Sacramento, CA 94236-0001