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PRAAGS opposes exporting groundwater 

Editor’s note: The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will today consider adopting an ordinance to regulate the exportation of groundwater both within and outside the boundaries of the County.The Paso Robles Agricultural Alliance for Groundwater Solutions (PRAAGS) issued this open letter opposing exporting groundwater outside the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin.

Dear Chairman Gibson and Supervisors Arnold, Hill, Mecham and Ray,

At your September 9, 2014 meeting you will be considering the adoption an ordinance to regulate the exportation of groundwater both outside and within the boundaries of the County.

PRAAGS has and will continue to be focused upon the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin. We are committed to bring local control to the basin and that it is sustainable over time. We are therefore opposed to the export of groundwater outside this basin. We also believe that it is premature to adopt or modify existing ordinances until the impact of the current state legislation reflected in the Pavley and Dickinson bills is fully understood.

You have also made it clear that you believe a water district is needed to manage the basin and it is hoped that you will soon request LAFCO to begin this process. We therefore believe it is inappropriate for the county to make any such determination as to the movement, transfer or delivery of groundwater outside the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin. In the interim, exceptions could be made for short term emergency needs.

We thank you for the opportunity to comment on this most important topic.

Sincerely,

Jerry Reaugh
Chairman, PRAAGS

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