BILL ANALYSIS
AB 997
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 997 (Dickerson)
As Amended May 25, 2001
Majority vote
WATER, PARKS & WILDLIFE 8-0 APPROPRIATIONS 21-0
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|Ayes:|Florez, Dickerson, |Ayes:|Migden, Daucher, Alquist, |
| |Aanestad, Calderon, | |Aroner, Ashburn, Cedillo, |
| |Hollingsworth, Kelley, | |Corbett, Correa, |
| |Thomson, Wyman | |Dickerson, Goldberg, |
| | | |Maldonado, Pacheco, |
| | | |Papan, Pavley, Runner, |
| | | |Simitian, Thomson, |
| | | |Wesson, Wiggins, Wright, |
| | | |Zettel |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Expands the list of activities that are exempt from the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) streambed alteration
notification and approval process. Adds maintenance and
operation of previously permitted existing structures used for
irrigation, water supply and drainage, and existing previously
permitted diversions and crossings. Specifically, this bill
includes maintenance of existing previously permitted:
1)Structures used for irrigation, water supply and drainage in
those activities not subject to the streambed alteration
notification and approval process.
2)Diversions and crossings in those activities not subject to the
streambed alteration notification and approval process.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee analysis, negligible, if any, costs to DFG to modify
their streambed alteration permit program to reflect this
additional exemption. (Fish and Game Preservation Fund).
COMMENTS : According to the author and supporters, rigid
interpretation and implementation of the law subjects routine and
minor agricultural activities to California Environmental Quality
Act review. Activities requiring environmental impact studies
now include grazing and furrowing, as well as the movement of
livestock and equipment. The result is a significant unnecessary
AB 997
Page 2
financial burden as it causes major delays in necessary
agricultural activities. This delay could potentially cost
farmers the entire harvest season.
Supporters state that the DFG streambed alteration program has
become increasingly burdensome and is, at times, unworkable. The
program needs to be modified to allow routine annual activities
to occur. Farmers and ranchers assess their irrigation systems
and crossings following the winter season to determine where
repairs are needed. There are specific cases of farmers and
ranchers applying for a permit following a storm event but being
unable to secure the permit before the initiation of irrigation
or prior to the following winter.
According to the opponents, current law provides for long-term
agreements specifically for the purpose of facilitating on-going
maintenance and operation needs of irrigation and water
distribution systems.
Analysis Prepared by : Kathy Mannion / W., P. & W. / (916)
319-2096 FN:
0000994