BILL ANALYSIS �
AB1630
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Date of Hearing: April 9, 2014
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Mike Gatto, Chair
AB 1630 (Alejo) - As Introduced: February 10, 2014
Policy Committee: Environmental
Safety and Toxic Materials Vote: 5-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill appropriates $2 million to the State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) from the Waste Discharge Permit Fund
(WDPF) for use by the Greater Monterey County Regional Water
Management Group to develop an integrated plan to address the
drinking water and wastewater needs of disadvantaged communities
in the Salinas Valley. Specifically, this bill:
1)Requires the plan to address the needs of disadvantaged
communities in the Salinas Valley whose waters have been
affected by waste discharges and include recommendations for
planning, infrastructure and water management actions
necessary to provide efficient and affordable access to safe
drinking water.
2)Requires the appropriated funds to be available for the
assessment and land feasibility studies necessary to develop
the plan. Allows remaining funds, if any, to be spent on
projects or further implementation studies.
3)Requires the Greater Monterey County Regional Water Management
Group to consult with the SWRCB, Department of Public Health,
representatives of disadvantaged communities and other
appropriate stakeholders.
FISCAL EFFECT
1)A $2 million appropriation from the Waste Discharge Permit
Fund.
2)Unknown, likely minor, costs to SWRCB and the Department of
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Public Health for participation in the development of the
plan.
Revenues from regulatory fees, fines and penalties for water
quality and underground storage tank violations are deposited in
the WDPF to be used for waste clean-up or abatement.
According to the SWRCB, there is currently a balance of
approximately $2.9 million in the account. The Governor's
2014-15 proposed budget includes $2.3 million from this account
for state and regional water boards and the Department of Fish
and Wildlife to regulate marijuana growing operations to prevent
or reduce adverse water quality and fish and wildlife impacts.
Another $1 million is proposed to be spent during FYs 2015-16
and 2016-17 for similar purposes.
If the Legislature approves the Governor's proposal, there may
not be sufficient funding in the account. According to the
SWRCB, future penalty funds are difficult to predict and have
ranged from $200,000 and $1.5 million per year. In anticipation
of some future funds, the Governor's proposed expenditures
exceed the current account balance by $400,000.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose . This bill provides the funds necessary to develop an
Integrated Water Management plan for the Salinas Valley to
identify ways in which water quality can be improved and
greater access to safe drinking water can be provided to
disadvantaged communities in this region.
2)Background . Polluted surface and groundwater pose serious
health risks and will require major remediation efforts. The
UC Davis Nitrate Report, released in January of 2012,
identified irrigated agriculture as the single largest source
of nitrate pollution in groundwater. The report also
identifies the Salinas Valley as a significantly impacted
area.
The Regional Water Management Group for the Greater Monterey
County is was formed to create a comprehensive plan for the
region. The group includes government agencies and private
and public organizations throughout the region.
3)Prior Legislation. This bill is a reintroduction of last
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year's AB 1 (Alejo) which was held on this committee's
Suspense File.
Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081