Section 10723.8 Of Chapter 4. Establishing Groundwater Sustainability Agencies From California Water Code >> Division 6. >> Part 2.74. >> Chapter 4.
10723.8
. (a) Within 30 days of deciding to become or form a
groundwater sustainability agency, the local agency or combination of
local agencies shall inform the department of its decision and its
intent to undertake sustainable groundwater management. The
notification shall include the following information, as applicable:
(1) The service area boundaries, the boundaries of the basin or
portion of the basin the agency intends to manage pursuant to this
part, and the other agencies managing or proposing to manage
groundwater within the basin.
(2) A copy of the resolution forming the new agency.
(3) A copy of any new bylaws, ordinances, or new authorities
adopted by the local agency.
(4) A list of interested parties developed pursuant to Section
10723.2 and an explanation of how their interests will be considered
in the development and operation of the groundwater sustainability
agency and the development and implementation of the agency's
sustainability plan.
(b) The department shall post all complete notices received under
this section on its Internet Web site within 15 days of receipt.
(c) The decision to become a groundwater sustainability agency
shall take effect 90 days after the department posts notice under
subdivision (b) if no other local agency submits a notification under
subdivision (a) of its intent to undertake groundwater management in
all or a portion of the same area. If another notification is filed
within the 90-day period, the decision shall not take effect unless
the other notification is withdrawn or modified to eliminate any
overlap in the areas proposed to be managed. The local agencies shall
seek to reach agreement to allow prompt designation of a groundwater
sustainability agency. If agreement is reached involving a material
change from the information in the posted notice, a new notification
shall be submitted under subdivision (a) and the department shall
post notice under subdivision (b).
(d) Except as provided in subdivisions (e) and (f), after the
decision to be a groundwater sustainability agency takes effect, the
groundwater sustainability agency shall be presumed to be the
exclusive groundwater sustainability agency within the area of the
basin within the service area of the local agency that the local
agency is managing as described in the notice.
(e) A groundwater sustainability agency may withdraw from managing
a basin by notifying the department in writing of its intent to
withdraw.
(f) This section does not preclude the board from taking an action
pursuant to Section 10735.6.