Perceptions of Power and Influence within the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency

Jon Detka, Justin Luong, Nazanin RezaeiEnvironmental Studies In Practice (ENVS 201B) - Spring 2018

Overview

Sustainable Groundwater Governance

Our Research

Major Findings

Key Take-Away

Groundwater Governance

VvThe process by which groundwVater resources a re managed through the application of responsibility, participation, information availability, transparency, custom, and rule of law.

Coordinating administrative actions and decision-making between and among different jurisdictional levels (local, regional, state) (Saunier and Meganck 2007)

1. Identify multiple perspectives regarding the importance of SVBGSA in groundwater governance.

2. Explore the context of power and influence in groundwater management.

3. Examine the role different stakeholders have in influencing groundwater governance for “disadvantaged communities”.

Research Focus

Continued overdrafting of groundwater aquifers

Long history of groundwater extraction Salinas Valley

○ 80% Ag , 20% Urban

The challenge

○ Sustain high agricultural production levels

○ Increase access to clean water for DACs

History

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)

GSA

GSP

2014

Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)

Communities designated by census-tract data with median household of $50K

Concern over true spatial representation of marginalized groups

Certain DACs have not had clean water in 30+ years in the Salinas Valley Basin

Groundwater Governance Structure

Method1 hour In-person / phone

17 interview questions

5 critical factors

Efficacy & Fairness in GSAKiparsky et al. 2016

City of Salinas - Local Stakeholders

Gary Peterson SVBGSA - General Manager

Janet Brennan SVBGSA - Env Board Seat

Bruce Delgado CCCRWQCB / Marina GSA

Adam Secondo SVBGSA - Ag Board Seat

Brenda Granillo SVBGSA - Utility Board Seat

Horacio Amezquita SVBGSA - Advisory Committee Member

Am

ount

of I

nflu

ence

Support for Sustainable Groundwater Practices

SJHCAm

ount

of I

nflu

ence

Support for Sustainable Groundwater Practices

EJCW

SVBGSA

1. Identify patterns - aggregated response map

2. Review audio - Influence and support

3. Relate influence to critical governance factors

Data Analysis

Common Themes Representation & Participation Agriculture is not monolithicAgricultural, Influence, and the Salinas Valley GSADisadvantaged communities adequately represented

ScaleWater Quantity is the highest priority

FundingSuccessful GSA needs tax/fee levying ability

Human CapacityGary has been instrumental in facilitating cooperation in the SVBGSA

Agriculture is not monolithic

● Farmers support sustainable groundwater practicesIssues regarding surface water qualityLittle discussion about groundwater quality / quantityEmphasis on rights to water in reservoirs North County vs South CountyNorth County grows more veggies while South County grows more wine grapes○ What’s more important and what should water be

directed to?

Agricultural, Influence, and the Salinas Valley GSA

Agriculture is the driving economic force in the Salinas Valley4 AG Board Seats, Public Board Member perceived to always vote with AG, many other seats supported the super-majorityHeavily focused on sustainable water quantityDo not think that nitrates from fertilizers affect groundwater issuesAg always has to pay for legacy environmental issuesDifficulty in holding individuals responsibleNitrate changes aren’t visible for 50 years

Water Quantity not Quality

A focus on water quality is a focus on sustainability

Supply and rate of extraction in groundwater reservoir is contendedTaking out the Arundo from the river should basically balance the basinWater quality and quantity are tied Water quality “Do no harm” policy“The future of water is reclaimed water”

DACs have adequate representation

Disadvantaged Communities are

Represented

GSA is not responsible for

DACs

Represented via Interests of Other Board Members

DACs have adequate representation

Disadvantaged Communities are

Represented

GSA is not responsible for

DACs

Represented via Interests of Other Board Members

DAC Board Seat is Representative

California Regulated Public Utility

Commision Board Seat

Agricultural Board Seats

Do DACs have adequate representation?

Disadvantaged Communities are

Represented

GSA is not responsible for

DACs

Represented via Interests of Other Board Members

DAC Board Seat is Representative

California Regulated Public Utility

Commision Board Seat

Agricultural Board Seats

Adequate Spatial Representation?

Balancing Profit and Labor

Influence of Agriculture and DACs

Influence of Agriculture and DACs

DACs have adequate representation

Human Right to Water has not been brought up (AB 685, 2013)

The board is aware of it and does not need to be reminded

Ultimately if there is a water shortage people will get water first

Key Points

Are Disadvantaged Communities adequately represented due to the perceived low influence? Potential Avoidance of Responsibility

Conclusions

GSAs ideally positioned to provide equitable representation and promote sustainable groundwater initiatives.

Find consensus on role of GSA in water quality.

Sustaining GSA programs will require funding.

AcknowledgementsSVBGSA - Gary PetersonHoracio Amezquita - San Jerardo Housing CooperativeJanet Brennan - Monterey Co. LandwatchBruce Delgado - CCCRWQCB / Marina MayorAdam Secondo - Secondo Family FarmsBrenda Granillo - Cal WaterEJCW - Environmental Justice Coalition for WaterEric Tyn - CastrovilleEveryone else that provides support to water infrastructure and governance!Our Course Instructors ENVS 201B Cohort And…. WATER