Welcome to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region Welcome to the California Environmental Protection Agency

Irrigated Lands - Development of the Long-Term Program

Long-Term Irrigated Lands Program

The Central Valley Regional Water Board has adopted regulatory requirements for discharge from irrigated lands (tailwater, water from underground drains, operational spills, stormwater runoff) under a Conditional Waiver. These regulatory requirements are considered part of an interim program for regulation of discharges from irrigated agricultural lands. The Regional Water Board is currently developing a long-term strategy for regulating discharges from agricultural lands to protect waters within the Central Valley.

Environmental Impact Report

  • Environmental Impact Report Contract Signed, 88 KB, PDF (PDF Info)
    Jones and Stokes Associates (JSA) was selected to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for an Irrigated Lands Water Quality Regulatory Program, which will be developed with several opportunities for public input. The contract was signed in July 2005. A key first step in developing the EIR is for JSA to prepare an Draft Existing Conditions Report, which will describe the current regulatory setting, surface water conditions, and ground water conditions within the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Tulare Lake Basins. EIR public outreach meetings and draft reports will be posted as they become scheduled and produced. For additional information, contact Adam Laputz at (916) 464-4848 or by email at awlaputz@waterboards.ca.gov.
  • Request for Qualifications for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Regulation of Discharges from Irrigated Lands, 156 KB, PDF (PDF Info)
    A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified environmental services firms, for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Regulation of Discharges to Waters of the State from Irrigated Lands within the Central Valley Region. RFQ bids to be received by 9 July 2004. For additional information, contact Adam Laputz at (916) 464-4848 or by email at awlaputz@waterboards.ca.gov.

Existing Conditions Report

  • Existing Conditions Report Under Revision
    The February 2006 Existing Conditions Report is currently being revised to address previous stakeholder comments and provide a more focused, concise report that can be used to establish baseline conditions for development of the Long-Term Program and the Environmental Impact Report.
  • Draft Central Valley Existing Conditions Report, February 2006, 88 KB, PDF (PDF Info)
    This report will serve as a foundation to develop alternatives for a long-term water quality regulatory program to address discharges from irrigated agriculture. Public comments are encouraged. Seven public outreach meetings are scheduled. Comment deadline extended to 5:00 PM, 26 May 2006.

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--Web page updated 07/01/2008