Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group
For The Southern High Plains of Texas
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Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group For The Southern High Plains of Texas
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October 28, 2004 Regular Meeting Minutes1. Call To Order and Welcome.Chairman H. P. Brown Jr. called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. in the A. Wayne Wyatt Board Room of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 office, 2930 Avenue Q, Lubbock, Texas. Notice of the meeting was provided to each member and was also filed in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at the following locations: Lubbock County Courthouse, Administrative Offices of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, and the regional water planning group web site at www.llanoplan.org.2. Roll Call Of Members and Establish Quorum. The following Llano Estacado Water Planning Group members were in attendance: Chairman H.P. Brown Jr.; Vice-Chairman Ches Carthel; Secretary-Treasurer Jim Conkwright; and members Bruce Blalack, Dallas Brewer; Harvey Everheart, Don James; Bob Josserand; Richard Leonard, Terry Lopas; Don McElroy, Gene Montgomery, Kent Satterwhite, and Jim Steiert. Unable to attend (excused absences): Those unable to attend today’s meeting were: Delaine Baucum (meeting conflict); Delmon Ellison Jr., (crop harvest); Bill Harbin, (meeting conflict); Sukant Misra (unexpected conflict); Ken Rainwater, (meeting conflict); and Jerry Webster, (meeting conflict). Absent members (unexcused absences): None. There was a quorum of the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group members in attendance (14 of 20 members or 70% attendance). A total of 32 persons attended today’s meeting. Others in attendance: Dr. Herb Grubb, HDR Engineering; Temple McKinnon, TWDB; Melanie Barnes, Lubbock County League of Women Voters; Jason Coleman, South Plains Underground Water Conservation District; Clyde Crumley, Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District; Tim Fambrough, Region G liaison; Joan Glass, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Arnold Husky, High Plains Water District; Steve Jones, Texas Department of Agriculture; Malcolm Laing, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Justin McCright, White River Municipal Water District; Scott Orr, Judy Reeves, and Bruce Rigler, High Plains Water District; Grady Reed, HDR Engineering; Mickey Rogers, White River Municipal Water District; and Steve Stevens, Mesa Water, Inc. Carmon McCain of the High Plains Water District staff was also present to take minutes of the meeting. ACTION ITEMS: 3. Approval of the March 25, 2004 meeting minutes. The minutes of the March 25, 2004 LERWPG meeting were provided to members by e-mail / hard copy for review prior to today’s meeting. There being no additions or corrections, a motion was made by Bob Josserand and seconded by Terry Lopas that the minutes of the March 25, 2004 LERWPG meeting be approved as printed. All voted “aye,” and the motion unanimously passed. 4. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report. The Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group financial statement for the period March 25, 2004 to September 30, 2004 was provided to members for review prior to today’s meeting. Since the previous report, Mr. Conkwright said receipts during this period included funding from the Texas Water Development Board in Austin, while the primary expenditures were to HDR Engineering, the consultant for Region O. The report shows a September 30 ending balance of $43,380.02. A motion to accept the report as printed was made by Jim Conkwright and seconded by Don McElroy. All voted “aye,” and the motion unanimously passed. 5. The LERWPG will consider a request from the League of Women Voters of Lubbock County to add Melanie Barnes as a regional water planning group member representing the public. The League of Women Voters of Lubbock County submitted a letter to Chairman Brown recommending that Melanie Barnes, PhD, be nominated as a League member representing the public interest on the LERWPG. (A copy of this letter was provided to members prior to today’s meeting.) Chairman Brown noted that this would be the addition of a planning group member, rather than filling a vacancy. Mr. Josserand asked that there be discussion on this request before any action is taken. He is recommending that the League of Women Voters of Lubbock County withdraw this request. Josserand said that the public might be better served by asking a resident of a smaller community in the region to serve as a member of the water planning group—rather than add another member from Lubbock, which is “extremely well-represented” by the chairman and five others on the group. Chairman Brown then asked for any additional discussion. Mr. Terry Lopas stated that the current LERWPG by-laws do not contain a nominating process for new members. Until now, the group has only had to fill vacancies and has not received a request to add a new member representing the 11 water user groups. He noted that there might be a need to add a procedure to solicit and/or evaluate potential regional water planning group members. Mr. Ches Carthel asked Ms. Barnes for clarification regarding the League of Women Voters of Lubbock County. Ms. Barnes said the Lubbock Chapter represents Lubbock County. The reason for the nomination letter is that a League of Women Voters representative is either involved with or is a member of the other regional water planning groups in the state. Region O is the only area that does not have League of Women Voters involvement. There were three League of Women Voter candidates suggested at the time of the formation of the regional water planning group; however, they were all working on their degrees and they declined to participate. While other planning group members represent the public in a sense, Barnes said they each have some sort of attachment to an individual entity, such as a municipality or organization. For example, Dr. Rainwater represents the public and is also a Texas Tech University faculty member. Ms. Barnes said the League of Women Voters of Lubbock County simply wanted to offer another perspective of someone who was there to watch the regional water planning process and to represent the public without an attachment to cotton, corn, cattle, or other water user groups. Chairman Brown asked if there were League of Women Voters chapters in smaller towns. Ms. Barnes said regional chapters are located in Amarillo, Lubbock, and Midland. No chapters are located in the smaller towns of the region. Mr. Josserand asked Ms. Barnes about the League of Women Voters representation on the other regional water planning groups. She replied that the League of Women Voters President indicated that four of the 16 RWPGs had a named LWV representative, while the others had LWV members associated with the groups. A motion was made by Mr. Carthel and seconded by Mr. Josserand that Agenda Item # 5 be tabled pending development of a new member nomination process. All voted “aye,” and the motion unanimously passed. 6. The LERWPG will consider a request from the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority to add Greg Ingham with the City of Plainview as a regional water planning group member representing municipalities. The nomination letter from the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority misstated that Mr. Ingham would be added as a regional water planning group member representing municipalities, instead of water utilities. Because of this, a motion was made by Mr. Carthel and seconded by Mr. Josserand that Agenda Item # 6 be tabled until the next meeting. All voted “aye” and the motion unanimously passed. Mr. Carthel asked if the position needed to be filled by a private water utility provider as compared to a municipality. It was his recollection that Mr. Rieff was appointed to the RWPG because he was one of the few private water suppliers in the region. Ms. Temple McKinnon said she would check to see if that was a requirement. Chairman Brown asked Mr. Lopas, Mr. Steiert, Mr. Carthel, and Mr. Josserand to serve on a committee to investigate the new member process and develop a possible revision to the LERWPG by-laws. 7. The LERWPG will consider appointing Steve Jones as a non-voting member representing the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) following the retirement of Ron Bertrand. A motion to appoint Steve Jones as a non-voting member of the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group, representing the Texas Department of Agriculture, was made by Mr. Carthel and seconded by Mr. Josserand. All voted “aye” and the motion unanimously passed. Chairman Brown then welcomed Mr. Jones as a member of the regional water planning group. 8. The LERWPG will consider appointing Jim Estes as a non-voting member representing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) following the death of Joe Bragg. Since the posting of today’s agenda, it has been learned that Malcolm Laing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality should be considered for the appointment rather than Jim Estes, who retired. As this is not correctly stated on today’s agenda, a motion was made by Mr. Conkwright and seconded by Mr. Josserand that no action be taken on this agenda item and that it be revised/reposted for the next meeting. All voted “aye” and the motion unanimously passed. 9. The LERWPG will appoint a nominating committee to present a slate of officers for 2005-2006. The executive committee met and has recommended appointment of Delmon Ellison Jr., Mr. Don McElroy, and Mr. Jim Steiert as members of the nominating committee. A motion to accept the recommendation was made by Mr. Josserand and seconded by Judge Dallas Brewer. All voted “aye” and the motion unanimously passed. The nominating committee would meet between now and the next LERWPG meeting to offer a slate of officers for 2005-2006. Chairman Brown said it has been some time since the LERWPG last met. He said he felt that the group shared his philosophy in meeting “only when there is business to be conducted.” He apologized for a bit of confusion on the above agenda items. 10. Technical Consultant Dr. Herb Grubb with HDR Engineering will present drafts of the following Sections of the Initially Prepared 2006 Regional Water Planning Report: A. Description of Planning Region: Task 1, Section 1.0; B. Population and Water Demand Projections: Task 2, Section 2.0; C. Water Needs Assessment: Task 4, Section 4. Dr. Grubb introduced his colleague, Grady Reed, to the regional water planning group. Mr. Reed will be assisting Dr. Grubb with the development of the 2006 regional water management plan. Dr. Grubb stated that these draft documents are the first step in the preparation of the initially prepared 2006 Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Report. It is the objective of the Senate Bill 2 legislation to update and revise the regional water plans developed in 2001. Dr. Grubb then discussed “Section A: Description of Planning Region – Task 1, Section 1.0. Information and data have been revised and updated. The planning group members now have the opportunity to review the draft document and suggest any revisions/corrections to Dr. Grubb by Dec. 15, 2004. Chairman Brown said there were some “oddities” in this section, particularly description of the use of feedlot manure on peanuts, which is an edible product. It is important that all information in the regional water plan be as accurate as possible—especially since people outside the region will be reading it. Mr. McElroy also wondered if the document contained an accurate description of the dairy industry on the Texas High Plains. Dr. Grubb briefly discussed the project timeline. In order to have the initially prepared plan completed and submitted to the TWDB by June 1, 2005, the LERWPG will need to meet in January, March, April, May, and June. He then discussed “Section B: Population and Water Demand Projections: Task 2, Section 2.0” This draft document contains the TWDB’s population and water demand projections for cities, rural areas, and water use purposes for each of the 21 counties in the region. He noted that the population projection extends to the year 2060. Dr. Grubb offered the following remarks: The methodology is to see the projected water demand and to assess the existing supply. If there is no shortage, then there is no problem. However, if there is a shortage, then the planning group needs to recommend how to find extra water to meet the demand(s). Section 2.2: Municipal water demand is based upon the 2000 per capita water use for each city. This also has the conservation benefits of the plumbing fixture standards factored in as well. Section 2.7: The Texas Cattle Feeders Association has provided data for some portions of this section. It should be noted that the dairy industry has not grown as fast as expected since the preparation of the 2001 plan. Section 2.8: There may not be enough water to meet projected demands for irrigation use. Dr. Grubb then discussed Table 3-1, “Projected Quantity of Ground Water In Storage for the Llano Estacado region (Individual counties with river basin summaries). It appears that there is 123 million acre-feet of water within the region in 2001. It is projected that will decrease to 58,971,571 acre-feet by 2060. About 50 percent of the ground water in storage in the aquifer has been used during the past 60 years. All counties within the region show long-term ground water declines, with the exception of Dawson, Garza, and Lynn Counties. Dr. Grubb said as well yields decline, there will be additional smaller wells drilled (in-fill drilling). Recess Chairman Brown called a 10-minute recess at 11:20 a.m. Reconvene Chairman Brown reconvened the meeting at 11:30 a.m. Mickey Rogers and the other representatives from the White River Municipal Water District did not rejoin the meeting. Dr. Grubb reviewed the county projected water demand and supply based upon the ground water availability (GAM) runs. Chairman Brown commented that the previous plan had used a mass balance approach and that there was some anguish over the initial GAM run as it was limited by time and money. He is concerned about the accuracy. He said it is important for the best available data to be used for publication. No action was taken on Agenda Item # 10 as the information was presented to the LERWPG members for comment and review. LUNCH Chairman Brown called a lunch recess at 12:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 12:40 p.m. Mr. Everheart and Mr. Lopas did not rejoin the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION: 11. The LERWPG will receive an update on the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) agricultural water conservation program, created by Senate Bill 1053, 78th Texas Legislature. Mr. Conkwright reported that preparations are underway to begin implementation of the agricultural water conservation demonstration project in Floyd and Hale Counties, as authorized by Senate Bill 1053. He said the first two years of the eight-year project would be used in installing equipment and establishing data collection sites. Dr. Grubb asked how this project would relate to the regional water planning process. Ms. Temple McKinnon said this project is not tied to the regional water management plan at this time. 12. The LERWPG will receive a report from Jim Steiert regarding the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department performing an environmental flows assessment for Region O. Mr. Steiert reported that he has asked Cindy Loeffler with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to perform an environmental flow assessment for the LERWPG. Region O had received criticism about the lack of environmental information during the first planning cycle. Chairman Brown thanked Mr. Steiert for taking the lead on this. Mr. Steiert said Dr. Loren Smith with Texas Tech University is working to obtain a better understanding on the amount of recharge occurring through the playa basins. Ms. McKinnon said a proposed playa basin study with the Texas Water Development Board and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service is on hold pending resolution of wetlands issues. Mr. Steiert said researchers know that recharge occurs on the Texas High Plains, yet they do not know how much. It is hoped that researchers will have a better feel for this project in the next two to three months. Dr. Grubb added that the High Plains project in the 1980s attempted the same research, but was unsuccessful. Texas Tech University has a proposal out to evaluate past playa basin recharge studies. 13. The LERWPG will hear a status report from Consultant Dr. Herb Grubb with HDR Engineering, Inc. Dr. Grubb restated that once the water needs are assessed, then the LERWPG must develop water management strategies to solve water demand problems. It is likely that municipal water demands can be met with the addition of extra well fields. However, there are no new agricultural water management strategies recognized at this time. He wondered if other strategies needed evaluation. Mr. Montgomery said a statewide water awareness campaign is one of the key best management practices (BMPs) recommended as part of Senate Bill 1094. He said that it is obvious that water conservation will be needed in the future. It is time to start thinking how the RWPGs will work with UWCDs to energize people and make them aware of the conservation need. It is important to make progress toward the suggested 140 gallons statewide per capita water use goal—however, it is important to remember that not all regions or cities will meet that goal. It is important to maintain a local aspect of water planning. He concluded by reminding the group that the Senate Bill 1094 draft best management practices are all voluntary, and not mandatory. Mr. Montgomery said it would be important for the group to look at all the recommended BMPs, determine which is applicable to Region O, and comment accordingly. Chairman Brown will appoint a subcommittee to do that in the future. 14. The LERWPG will hear a status report from LERWPG Project Manager Temple McKinnon of the TWDB. Ms. McKinnon reported that the Texas Ground Water 2004 conference would be held Nov. 18-19 at the State Capitol in Austin. Several LERWPG members plan to attend. She also added that Mickey Rogers is now the new general manager of the White River Municipal Water District. They are considering the use of treated wastewater from Lubbock to augment the water supply stored in White River Lake. 15. The LERWPG will hear a report from the following Regional Water Planning Group Liaisons: Region A: Kent Satterwhite Mr. Satterwhite gave an overview of recent activity in Region A, which included a presentation by Mesa Water Inc., at a RWPG meeting; a first attempt at a new GAM run for the region; and efforts by the Panhandle Ground Water Conservation District to approve their new Rule # 15. Region B: Ches Carthel. Mr. Carthel was unable to attend the Region B meeting in March due to a meeting conflict. He said the group’s next meeting is Nov. 17 and that water supply issues would be discussed. Region F: Harvey Everheart No report was given since Mr. Everheart had to leave the meeting early. Region G: Terry Lopas / Judge Tim Fambrough Mr. Lopas had to leave the meeting early. Judge Tim Fambrough said he had served two and a half years on the Region G planning group and was looking forward to serving as a liaison between Region G and Region O. 16. Other business A. Public Comment. No public comment was offered at this time. B. Other business. LERWPG Meeting Dates Dr. Ken Rainwater has asked Chairman Brown to consider changing the meeting dates for the RWPG to a day other than Thursday. Due to a conflict with a presentation in California, Dr. Rainwater was unable to attend today’s meeting. He said he is not trying to “dictate the calendar, but would like to see the meeting date changed from Thursdays.” After discussion, the planning group members decided that Monday and Friday would be bad days for meetings. Mr. Conkwright said that Tuesdays would be out due to potential conflicts with regularly scheduled meetings of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District’s board of directors. Judge Brewer said he has court dates on Wednesdays and he would not be able to attend. Chairman Brown said he realizes that it is extremely difficult to find a date to suit everyone’s schedule. It is current policy to send two to three suggested meeting dates to members via e-mail—so that they can check their schedules. Chairman Brown asked that Dr. Grubb and Mr. Conkwright look at possible meeting dates for January, February (tentative) March, April, May, and June 2005. These dates would be provided to members as soon as possible. After brief discussion, a motion to keep the LERWPG meetings on Thursdays was made by Mr. Josserand and seconded by Mr. Steiert. All voted “aye” and the motion passed unanimously. Future of West Texas Water Colloquium Mr. Carthel reminded the group of the upcoming “Future of West Texas Water” colloquium to be held Nov. 5 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Mr. Steve Verett with Plains Cotton Growers, Dr. Gabriel Eckstein and Dr. Ken Rainwater of Texas Tech University, and Mr. Conkwright are speakers for the event. Chairman Brown Thanks Planning Group Members For Their Work Chairman Brown thanked the group for their efforts. “Even though it seems as if we are bogged down at times, the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group is making a difference, he said.” Mr. Bruce Rigler, Secretary of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District Board of Directors, echoed the sentiment. “I share your frustrations, but the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group is respected. I have heard many positive comments about your group.” 17. Adjournment There being no additional business, Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
The above conveys my understanding of the issues discussed and conclusions reached. I assume this understanding is correct until notice of the contrary is received. Respectfully submitted, Jim Conkwright, Secretary-Treasurer
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