ESPA Comprehensive Management Plan Framework Development Natural Resource Interim Legislative Committee July 12, 2006 Jerry Rigby Chairman Idaho Water Resource Board

SCR 136 “These (disputing) parties are negotiating a framework for settlement that makes it critical that the State of Idaho Water Resource Board establish public policy with regard to the future management of the aquifer system”

First Phase Development of a “Framework Plan” which will be presented to the 2007 Legislature.

Second Phase Depending on guidance from the Legislature, will be development of a comprehensive management plan.

Scope  Process to be open to public.  Plan to be comprehensive but have sideboards.  Plan Framework should include interim measures that can be implemented before final plan.  Plan should address; Aquifer management goals and level of management to adjust demand and legally useable supply.

Scope Context for the plan framework: Legal constraints and precedents Technical/modeling tools Existing studies and plans

Preliminary Approach The Board has determined that the most effective way to engage the public, affected parties to ongoing litigation and stakeholder groups is to formulate a series of Aquifer Management Alternatives which will be based on adjusting or balancing water demand and legally and administratively available supply.

Multiple Levels of Management  Options to include minimal, modest and aggressive alternatives.  Aquifer water budget components for recharge and discharge will be the quantification targets associated with the options.

Approach  Include specific measures and techniques that can be used to accomplish the desired water budget adjustments.  Costs for implementation of the various management levels will be determined.  Initial evaluation of the state and local economic cost/benefit of the alternatives will be undertaken.

Approach  Adaptive mechanisms to quantify progress and adjust implementation measures to be incorporated.  Funding mechanisms, including development of a fee structure, to support selected management alternatives.

Process  Facilitator and the Board to decide details of the process, including specifics of public involvement.  Preliminary schedule anticipates presentation of management options and opportunity for public comment.

Process  Development of the initial framework plan.  Additional public meetings to present the preliminary framework recommendations.  Presentation of the framework plan and summary of public comment to the 2007 legislature.