Tri-Valley and Fish Slough Groundwater Model Development and Isotope Study
Summary
SCH Number
2024081173
Public Agency
Mono County
Document Title
Tri-Valley and Fish Slough Groundwater Model Development and Isotope Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/27/2024
Document Description
The project will develop a numerical MODFLOW groundwater model covering the Tri-Valley area, including the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern, for the purpose of better understanding and quantifying the amount and the flow of groundwater in this area. The groundwater model will be calibrated to existing historical data and serve as a predictive tool to analyze future groundwater conditions and potential management. Additionally, the project will perform an isotope study to help determine key characteristics of the groundwater in the region, such as source and age. The project is intended to provide confidence in the state-of-science of the Tri-Valley/Fish Slough groundwater system and to provide a framework for analyzing future groundwater management options. Mono County and the Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District (TVGMD) will both make use of the model and isotope study. TVGMD has applied to be a GSA within its statutory boundaries, and Mono County has applied to be the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for the other parts of the Tri-Valley basin that are not included within TVGMD’s statutory boundaries. Thus, both decisionmakers will use the MODFLOW model to inform their decisions as GSAs. This model will help inform both agencies how, where, and when new wells should be constructed, whether water usage should be limited, and inform permitting decisions for new projects that may impact the overall health of the basin.
Contact Information
Name
Erin Bauer
Agency Name
Mono County Community Development Department
Job Title
Planning Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Area
Counties
Mono
Regions
Countywide
Zip
93514
State Highways
Highway 6
Other Location Info
Tri-Valley area and Fish Slough subbasin.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306. Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
This project will develop a numerical groundwater flow model of the Tri-Valley portion of the Owens Valley and Fish Slough Subbasins, information gathering activities which will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
County Clerk
Mono
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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