Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) Update: Reporting Subcommittee

Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) Update: Reporting Subcommittee

Alabama Water Resources AssociationAlabama Water Resources AssociationSeptember 5, 2013September 5, 2013

Orange Beach, AlabamaOrange Beach, Alabama

Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) Update: Reporting Subcommittee

Alabama Water Resources AssociationAlabama Water Resources AssociationSeptember 5, 2013September 5, 2013

Orange Beach, AlabamaOrange Beach, Alabama

Patrick E. O’NeilPatrick E. O’NeilGeological Survey of AlabamaGeological Survey of Alabama

Reporting SubcommitteeReporting SubcommitteeReporting SubcommitteeReporting Subcommittee

The Reporting Subcommittee shall review and revise all issue papers, The Reporting Subcommittee shall review and revise all issue papers, documents, reports, databases, legislation and plans created by the documents, reports, databases, legislation and plans created by the AWAWG and approve them as to final form. The Reporting AWAWG and approve them as to final form. The Reporting Subcommittee shall play a key leadership role, in consultation with Subcommittee shall play a key leadership role, in consultation with the Legal and Legislation Subcommittees in reviewing, revising and the Legal and Legislation Subcommittees in reviewing, revising and finalizing the statewide water management plan and any attendant finalizing the statewide water management plan and any attendant proposed legislation developed by the AWAWG. proposed legislation developed by the AWAWG.

Members:Members: Pat O'Neil, co-chair - Geological Survey of AlabamaPat O'Neil, co-chair - Geological Survey of Alabama Tom Littlepage, co-chair - ADECA, Office of Water ResourcesTom Littlepage, co-chair - ADECA, Office of Water Resources Lynn Sisk - Alabama Dept. of Environmental ManagementLynn Sisk - Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management Stan Cook - Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural ResourcesStan Cook - Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Glen Zorn - Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and IndustriesGlen Zorn - Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries

The Reporting Subcommittee shall review and revise all issue papers, The Reporting Subcommittee shall review and revise all issue papers, documents, reports, databases, legislation and plans created by the documents, reports, databases, legislation and plans created by the AWAWG and approve them as to final form. The Reporting AWAWG and approve them as to final form. The Reporting Subcommittee shall play a key leadership role, in consultation with Subcommittee shall play a key leadership role, in consultation with the Legal and Legislation Subcommittees in reviewing, revising and the Legal and Legislation Subcommittees in reviewing, revising and finalizing the statewide water management plan and any attendant finalizing the statewide water management plan and any attendant proposed legislation developed by the AWAWG. proposed legislation developed by the AWAWG.

Members:Members: Pat O'Neil, co-chair - Geological Survey of AlabamaPat O'Neil, co-chair - Geological Survey of Alabama Tom Littlepage, co-chair - ADECA, Office of Water ResourcesTom Littlepage, co-chair - ADECA, Office of Water Resources Lynn Sisk - Alabama Dept. of Environmental ManagementLynn Sisk - Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management Stan Cook - Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural ResourcesStan Cook - Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Glen Zorn - Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and IndustriesGlen Zorn - Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries

Final Report to Gov. BentleyFinal Report to Gov. BentleyFinal Report to Gov. BentleyFinal Report to Gov. Bentley

Introduction/BackgroundIntroduction/Background Accomplishments of the AWAWGAccomplishments of the AWAWG Next stepsNext steps Policy options and recommendationsPolicy options and recommendations

12 Issue papers12 Issue papers Action planAction plan AppendicesAppendices

Introduction/BackgroundIntroduction/Background Accomplishments of the AWAWGAccomplishments of the AWAWG Next stepsNext steps Policy options and recommendationsPolicy options and recommendations

12 Issue papers12 Issue papers Action planAction plan AppendicesAppendices

AccomplishmentsAccomplishmentsAccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Next StepsNext StepsNext StepsNext Steps

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and Recommendations12 Water Issue papers12 Water Issue papers


Groundwater and surface water assessmentsGroundwater and surface water assessments Water resources managementWater resources management Water resources dataWater resources data Water conservation and reuseWater conservation and reuse Instream flowsInstream flows Economic developmentEconomic development Key stakeholder and public education and outreachKey stakeholder and public education and outreach Interbasin transfersInterbasin transfers Riparian and legal issuesRiparian and legal issues Drought planningDrought planning Enhanced Certificates of Use/PermittingEnhanced Certificates of Use/Permitting Interstate coordination issuesInterstate coordination issues

Groundwater and surface water assessmentsGroundwater and surface water assessments Water resources managementWater resources management Water resources dataWater resources data Water conservation and reuseWater conservation and reuse Instream flowsInstream flows Economic developmentEconomic development Key stakeholder and public education and outreachKey stakeholder and public education and outreach Interbasin transfersInterbasin transfers Riparian and legal issuesRiparian and legal issues Drought planningDrought planning Enhanced Certificates of Use/PermittingEnhanced Certificates of Use/Permitting Interstate coordination issuesInterstate coordination issues



OverviewOverview Stakeholder CommentsStakeholder Comments Implementing Recommendations Implementing Recommendations

Water for a Quality of Life, 1990Water for a Quality of Life, 1990 Policy Options Policy Options

OverviewOverview Stakeholder CommentsStakeholder Comments Implementing Recommendations Implementing Recommendations

Water for a Quality of Life, 1990Water for a Quality of Life, 1990 Policy Options Policy Options

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows - OverviewInstream Flows - Overview

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows - OverviewInstream Flows - Overview

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows - ConsiderationsInstream Flows - Considerations

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows - ConsiderationsInstream Flows - Considerations

The science of instream flow is maturing within the The science of instream flow is maturing within the context of regulated riparian systems but, there is inadequate context of regulated riparian systems but, there is inadequate research for Alabama streams relating instream flows to research for Alabama streams relating instream flows to biological condition, habitat quality, and ecological functions.biological condition, habitat quality, and ecological functions.

While it may be desirable to conduct site-specific While it may be desirable to conduct site-specific hydrologic modification studies for all waters of the State, hydrologic modification studies for all waters of the State, resource limitations may require studies on a small percentage resource limitations may require studies on a small percentage of waters and the use of other analysis methodologies. The of waters and the use of other analysis methodologies. The ELOHA methodology is a tool that could be used to provide a ELOHA methodology is a tool that could be used to provide a scientific process to accomplish this very goal of assessing scientific process to accomplish this very goal of assessing instream flows across large regions. instream flows across large regions.

The science of instream flow is maturing within the The science of instream flow is maturing within the context of regulated riparian systems but, there is inadequate context of regulated riparian systems but, there is inadequate research for Alabama streams relating instream flows to research for Alabama streams relating instream flows to biological condition, habitat quality, and ecological functions.biological condition, habitat quality, and ecological functions.

While it may be desirable to conduct site-specific While it may be desirable to conduct site-specific hydrologic modification studies for all waters of the State, hydrologic modification studies for all waters of the State, resource limitations may require studies on a small percentage resource limitations may require studies on a small percentage of waters and the use of other analysis methodologies. The of waters and the use of other analysis methodologies. The ELOHA methodology is a tool that could be used to provide a ELOHA methodology is a tool that could be used to provide a scientific process to accomplish this very goal of assessing scientific process to accomplish this very goal of assessing instream flows across large regions. instream flows across large regions.

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – Stakeholder commentsInstream Flows – Stakeholder comments

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – Stakeholder commentsInstream Flows – Stakeholder comments

Water utilities expressed some support for instream flows in Water utilities expressed some support for instream flows in conjunction with water-use permitting and to address instream conjunction with water-use permitting and to address instream flows on a case-by-case basis using a solid scientific methodology. flows on a case-by-case basis using a solid scientific methodology. Water utilities emphasized that maintaining treatable, healthy Water utilities emphasized that maintaining treatable, healthy waters for human consumption must be considered the first waters for human consumption must be considered the first priority of water use and management. priority of water use and management.

Water centered tourism is a driving force of many local Water centered tourism is a driving force of many local economies and lowered water levels and flow rates will hurt some economies and lowered water levels and flow rates will hurt some local economies severely. Angling and other water-based local economies severely. Angling and other water-based recreational services are generally best delivered under close recreational services are generally best delivered under close approximations to natural flow regimes and water quality.approximations to natural flow regimes and water quality.

Water utilities expressed some support for instream flows in Water utilities expressed some support for instream flows in conjunction with water-use permitting and to address instream conjunction with water-use permitting and to address instream flows on a case-by-case basis using a solid scientific methodology. flows on a case-by-case basis using a solid scientific methodology. Water utilities emphasized that maintaining treatable, healthy Water utilities emphasized that maintaining treatable, healthy waters for human consumption must be considered the first waters for human consumption must be considered the first priority of water use and management. priority of water use and management.

Water centered tourism is a driving force of many local Water centered tourism is a driving force of many local economies and lowered water levels and flow rates will hurt some economies and lowered water levels and flow rates will hurt some local economies severely. Angling and other water-based local economies severely. Angling and other water-based recreational services are generally best delivered under close recreational services are generally best delivered under close approximations to natural flow regimes and water quality.approximations to natural flow regimes and water quality.

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – 1990 ReportInstream Flows – 1990 Report

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – 1990 ReportInstream Flows – 1990 Report

Develop and enact legislation which sets forth the basis for Develop and enact legislation which sets forth the basis for establishing and protecting instream flows and uses of Alabama establishing and protecting instream flows and uses of Alabama streams. streams.

(Status: This recommendation has not been implemented.)(Status: This recommendation has not been implemented.)

Develop supporting administrative rules and regulations needed Develop supporting administrative rules and regulations needed to determine the instream flows required to accommodate competing to determine the instream flows required to accommodate competing interests, establish maximum withdrawal quantities, and protect interests, establish maximum withdrawal quantities, and protect instream uses. instream uses.


Develop and enact legislation which sets forth the basis for Develop and enact legislation which sets forth the basis for establishing and protecting instream flows and uses of Alabama establishing and protecting instream flows and uses of Alabama streams. streams.


Develop supporting administrative rules and regulations needed Develop supporting administrative rules and regulations needed to determine the instream flows required to accommodate competing to determine the instream flows required to accommodate competing interests, establish maximum withdrawal quantities, and protect interests, establish maximum withdrawal quantities, and protect instream uses. instream uses.


Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – Policy optionsInstream Flows – Policy options

Policy Options and RecommendationsPolicy Options and RecommendationsInstream Flows – Policy optionsInstream Flows – Policy options

At the Governor’s direction, the AWAWG would create At the Governor’s direction, the AWAWG would create an Alabama Instream Flow Committee composed of scientists, an Alabama Instream Flow Committee composed of scientists, agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO). industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO).

Provide support and resources for investigating the Provide support and resources for investigating the instream flow needs of Alabama’s aquatic ecosystems and for instream flow needs of Alabama’s aquatic ecosystems and for evaluating the utility of existing flow tools for management evaluating the utility of existing flow tools for management purposes. purposes.

At the Governor’s direction, the AWAWG would create At the Governor’s direction, the AWAWG would create an Alabama Instream Flow Committee composed of scientists, an Alabama Instream Flow Committee composed of scientists, agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO). industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO).

Provide support and resources for investigating the Provide support and resources for investigating the instream flow needs of Alabama’s aquatic ecosystems and for instream flow needs of Alabama’s aquatic ecosystems and for evaluating the utility of existing flow tools for management evaluating the utility of existing flow tools for management purposes. purposes.

Action PlanAction PlanAction PlanAction Plan

Issue Area Policy Options

CategoryGovernor

LegislatureAgency/Regulatory

Other

Estimated Cost ($K)

Estimated Schedule

Other Comments

Instream Flows

Create and convene a group of scientists, agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO) to begin defining an acceptable framework for implementing instream flows into a statewide water management plan and provide advice for an instream flow research agenda.

Governor Travel and staff time

Start in 2014

A committee to evaluate technical issues associated with instream flows, evaluating flow standards, implementation of standards.

AppendicesAppendicesAppendicesAppendices

Water resources data summaryWater resources data summary Analysis of 1990 studyAnalysis of 1990 study Comparison of 1990 study to WMIA Comparison of 1990 study to WMIA

report 2012report 2012 Stakeholder comment abstractsStakeholder comment abstracts Stakeholder response matrixStakeholder response matrix

Water resources data summaryWater resources data summary Analysis of 1990 studyAnalysis of 1990 study Comparison of 1990 study to WMIA Comparison of 1990 study to WMIA

report 2012report 2012 Stakeholder comment abstractsStakeholder comment abstracts Stakeholder response matrixStakeholder response matrix

Final ThoughtFinal ThoughtFinal ThoughtFinal Thought

“ “ Take your time because we are Take your time because we are in a real big hurry!”in a real big hurry!”

“ “ Take your time because we are Take your time because we are in a real big hurry!”in a real big hurry!”

The late James Vernon “Doc” Walters The late James Vernon “Doc” Walters UA Professor of Civil EngineeringUA Professor of Civil Engineering

The late James Vernon “Doc” Walters The late James Vernon “Doc” Walters UA Professor of Civil EngineeringUA Professor of Civil Engineering

Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) Update: Reporting Subcommittee

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