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The New Maximum Benefit Paradigm

The New Maximum Benefit Paradigm. Common Issues with Other Basins and Other RWQCBs. TDS, N and other water quality constituent objectives are common impediments to the use of recycled and imported waters Regional Boards must issue permits that implement their Basin Plans.

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The New Maximum Benefit Paradigm

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  1. The New Maximum Benefit Paradigm

  2. Common Issues with Other Basins and Other RWQCBs • TDS, N and other water quality constituent objectives are common impediments to the use of recycled and imported waters • Regional Boards must issue permits that implement their Basin Plans

  3. The unused concept from Executive Order 68-16 “1. Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective, such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any change will be consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the State, will not unreasonably affect present and anticipated beneficial use of such water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies.”

  4. WC Section 13241 “Each regional board shall establish such water quality objectives in water quality control plans as in its judgment will ensure the reasonable protection of beneficial uses and the prevention of nuisance; however, it is recognized that it may be possible for the quality of water to be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Factors to be considered by a Regional Board in establishing water quality objectives shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following: • (a) Past, present, and probable future beneficial uses of water. • (b) Environmental characteristics of the hydrographic unit under consideration, including the quality of water available thereto. • (c) Water quality conditions that could reasonably be achieved through the coordinated control of all factors which affect waterquality in the area. • (d) Economic considerations. • (e) The need for developing housing within the region. • (f) The need to develop and use recycled water.”

  5. Watermaster’s November 2002 Proposal • Divide Chino Basin into three management zones – Chino North, Chino East and Chino South • Based on WC Section 13241, set TDS and N objectives in Chino North to • maximize beneficial use of all water available to the basin including recycled water • allow the recharge of state project water without mitigation

  6. What are the Causes of TDS and N Degradation in the Chino Basin? • Returns from use from agriculture and urban water uses • Planned artificial recharge • Same processes are occurring in almost all groundwater basins

  7. Watermaster and IEUA Commitments to Backup Maximum Benefit Based Objectives • Recycled Water Management: • 12-month TDS and N effluent limitations of 550 mg/L and 8 mg/L • Commitment to serve the lowest TDS supply available for potable uses • Minimize TDS waste increment

  8. Basin Plan Requirements for Maximum Benefit Based Objectives • Future Chino Basin Desalters • Started planning process for new OBMP desalters in 2003 and have plan adopted and approved by Court in 2007 • Other desalters will be added as necessary as ambient TDS approaches the TDS objective

  9. Basin Plan Requirements for Maximum Benefit Based Objectives • Basin-wide groundwater monitoring for groundwater levels, TDS and nitrogen to assess ambient quality • Surface water discharge and quality monitoring to determine if Chino North groundwater is discharging into the Santa Ana River

  10. Status of Basin Plan Amendment • Approved by: • RWQCB – January 2004 • SWRCB – September 2004 • OAL – December 2004 • No negative comments through adoption process

  11. Successful Applications Outside the Chino Basin • Cucamonga Management Zone – Cucamonga Valley Water District • Beaumont Management Zone – San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority • Yucaipa Management Zone – Yucaipa Valley Water District • San Timoteo Management Zone – STWMA & YVWD

  12. What Did We Gain by Changing the WQ Objectives? • Greater flexibility in water management • Maximized the use of recycled water • Postponed construction of desalting facilities until they are needed to protect beneficial uses • Minimized demand for State Project water

  13. What Obligations Were Incurred by Changing the WQ Objectives? • An increase in monitoring • Commitments are codified in the Basin Plan • Retroactive mitigation if commitments are not met

  14. Questions?

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