STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
BOARD MEETING SESSION -- LAHONTAN REGIONAL BOARD
April 29, 1999
ITEM: 1
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS TO CONDUCT WATER QUALITY RESEARCH AND MONITORING AT LAKE TAHOE
DISCUSSION: Through the efforts of the Regents of the University of California, Davis Tahoe Research Group (TRG) and their contribution to the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP), the University operates in a partnership with both public and private groups concerned with water quality degradation in Lake Tahoe. The comprehensive research and monitoring data set is used in determining the causes of the progressive deterioration of the lake. At the same time this knowledge provides a means to evaluate the adequacy of remedial measures being developed to meet the requirements of watershed management. By piecing together an overall picture of the dynamics of the lake's chemistry, physics and biology, the TRG has been able to provide government agencies with the hard scientific data needed to develop planning, management and enforcement strategies which will prevent future degradation of the lake's famous clarity and protect the surrounding watershed and streams.
TRG research and monitoring data has been used for many purposes, including successful defense in litigation brought against basin agencies, erosion control planning, construction of capital improvement projects, environmental policy, community growth planning, and support of basic research. State and federal planning and enforcement agencies must base their decisions on data that will withstand the most careful scrutiny.
Because of Tahoe's naturally low fertility it historically has been a pristine waterbody. However, the extensive TRG research and monitoring programs have provided clear evidence for the onset of cultural eutrophication in ultra-oligotrophic Lake Tahoe. This continuous, long-term evaluation of lake chemistry and biology since the early 1960's has shown that algal production is increasing at a rate greater than 5 percent per year with a decline of clarity at the alarming rate of approximately one foot per year. Not only is the long-term trend of declining clarity statistically significant, it is now visually perceptive.
The FY 98/99 budget, as signed by the Governor, provides $150,000 annually from the General Fund for Lake Tahoe Water Quality Monitoring. This funding will allow continued evaluation of Lake Tahoe's water quality. The following tasks are proposed to be accomplished:
(1) Algal growth bioassay tests to access nutrient limitation;
(2) Enumeration and identification of phytoplankton and zooplankton species;
(3) Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and phosphorus;
(4) Monitoring of attached algae or periphyton along the shoreline;
(5) Water quality monitoring of urban runoff; and
(6) Analysis of LTIMP stream water quality database.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, the responsible entity for managing this contract, is proposing to combine the $150,000 annual appropriation into a three-year contract. This has the advantage of reducing staff time spent for contract preparation and processing and providing a more stable funding source for the research.
POLICY ISSUE: Should the State Water Resources Control Board adopt a proposed Resolution that will authorize the Executive Director, or his designee, to execute a interagency agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Davis for an amount not to exceed $450,000 for a three year research program.
RWQCB IMPACT: California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region staff shall manage the contract for the proposed project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB adopt a proposed Resolution authorizing the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, execute, and amend as necessary a three year interagency agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Davis for FY 1998/99, 1999/00 and 2000/01 for an amount not to exceed $450,000. The actual amounts for FT 1999/00 ($150,000) and 2000/01 ($150,000) will be subject to the approval of the annual budget.
April 5, 1999 DRAFT
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 99- ___
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE TO NEGOTIATE, EXECUTE, AND AMEND IF NECESSARY AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IN THE AMOUNT OF $450,000 TO CONDUCT LONG-TERM WATER QUALITY RESEARCH AND MONITORING AT LAKE TAHOE IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS, TAHOE RESEARCH GROUP IN SUPPORT OF THE LAKE TAHOE INTERAGENCY MONITORING PROGRAM
WHEREAS:
I. In the Fiscal Year 1998-99 funding was approved for Lake Tahoe Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment at $150,000 per year from the General Fund,
II. The proposed agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Davis would use those funds (FY 98/99 $150,000, FY 99/00 $150,000, FY 00/01 $150,000, a total of $450,000) to conduct long-term water quality monitoring and assessment at Lake Tahoe,
III. The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board would manage an interagency agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Davis in an amount not to exceed $450,000 for three years,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The SWRCB authorizes the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, execute and amend an interagency agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Tahoe Research Group, to conduct long term monitoring, investigations, and research at Lake Tahoe consistent with the mandate of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the goals of the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program.
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on April 29, 1999.
____________________
Maureen Marché
Administrative Assistant to the Board