Alabama Water Resources Association Geological Survey of Alabama Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) Update: Reporting Subcommittee Alabama Water Resources Association September 5, 2013 Orange Beach, Alabama Patrick E. O’Neil Geological Survey of Alabama

Reporting Subcommittee The Reporting Subcommittee shall review and revise all issue papers, documents, reports, databases, legislation and plans created by the AWAWG and approve them as to final form. The Reporting Subcommittee shall play a key leadership role, in consultation with the Legal and Legislation Subcommittees in reviewing, revising and finalizing the statewide water management plan and any attendant proposed legislation developed by the AWAWG. Members: Pat O'Neil, co-chair - Geological Survey of Alabama Tom Littlepage, co-chair - ADECA, Office of Water Resources Lynn Sisk - Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management Stan Cook - Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Glen Zorn - Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries

Final Report to Gov. Bentley Introduction/Background Accomplishments of the AWAWG Next steps Policy options and recommendations 12 Issue papers Action plan Appendices

Accomplishments

Next Steps

Policy Options and Recommendations 12 Water Issue papers Groundwater and surface water assessments Water resources management Water resources data Water conservation and reuse Instream flows Economic development Key stakeholder and public education and outreach Interbasin transfers Riparian and legal issues Drought planning Enhanced Certificates of Use/Permitting Interstate coordination issues

Policy Options and Recommendations 12 Water Issue papers Overview Stakeholder Comments Implementing Recommendations Water for a Quality of Life, 1990 Policy Options

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows - Overview

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows - Overview

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows - Considerations The science of instream flow is maturing within the context of regulated riparian systems but, there is inadequate research for Alabama streams relating instream flows to biological condition, habitat quality, and ecological functions. While it may be desirable to conduct site-specific hydrologic modification studies for all waters of the State, resource limitations may require studies on a small percentage of waters and the use of other analysis methodologies. The ELOHA methodology is a tool that could be used to provide a scientific process to accomplish this very goal of assessing instream flows across large regions.

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows – Stakeholder comments Water utilities expressed some support for instream flows in conjunction with water-use permitting and to address instream flows on a case-by-case basis using a solid scientific methodology. Water utilities emphasized that maintaining treatable, healthy waters for human consumption must be considered the first priority of water use and management. Water centered tourism is a driving force of many local economies and lowered water levels and flow rates will hurt some local economies severely. Angling and other water-based recreational services are generally best delivered under close approximations to natural flow regimes and water quality.

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows – 1990 Report Develop and enact legislation which sets forth the basis for establishing and protecting instream flows and uses of Alabama streams. (Status: This recommendation has not been implemented.) Develop supporting administrative rules and regulations needed to determine the instream flows required to accommodate competing interests, establish maximum withdrawal quantities, and protect instream uses.

Policy Options and Recommendations Instream Flows – Policy options At the Governor’s direction, the AWAWG would create an Alabama Instream Flow Committee composed of scientists, agency representatives, and water stakeholders (business and industry NGO, water utility NGO, environmental NGO). Provide support and resources for investigating the instream flow needs of Alabama’s aquatic ecosystems and for evaluating the utility of existing flow tools for management purposes.

Category Governor Legislature Agency/Regulatory Other Action Plan Issue Area Policy Options Category Governor Legislature Agency/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.

Appendices Water resources data summary Analysis of 1990 study Comparison of 1990 study to WMIA report 2012 Stakeholder comment abstracts Stakeholder response matrix

Final Thought “ Take your time because we are in a real big hurry!” The late James Vernon “Doc” Walters UA Professor of Civil Engineering