East Turlock Subbasin GSA Priority Action Area - Cortez Incipient Subsidence
Summary
SCH Number
2025040262
Public Agency
East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
(ETS GSA)
Document Title
East Turlock Subbasin GSA Priority Action Area - Cortez Incipient Subsidence
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/4/2025
Document Description
This project is to adopt a Priority Action Area Plan ("PAA Plan") related to certain parcels in the southwestern portion of the East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency's (ETSGSA) jurisdiction near the unincorporated area of Cortez (referred to as the "Cortez Incipient Subsidence Area") consistent with ETSGSA's implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Sustainability Act (SGMA) within the East Turlock Subbasin GSA's boundaries pursuant to the Revised Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Revised Turlock GSP) and the Demand Reduction Plan attached thereto as Appendix K. The PAA Plan is included as Exhibit B.
The PAA Plan for the Cortez Incipient Subsidence Area is specifically intended to implement initial conservation measures to address a potential trend in groundwater levels declining observed at two representative monitoring site wells, and land surface elevation data from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) suggesting there may be subsidence occurring in that area. Adoption of the PAA Plan for the Cortez Incipient Subsidence Area will establish a designated area in which ETSGSA will consider implementing certain response actions and Groundwater Use Management Program Adjustments related to implementation of Rules and Regulations of groundwater use, prioritize identification and implementation of project opportunities to address groundwater level decline and potential subsidence, conduct additional outreach and coordination efforts, and conduct monitoring and data collection. These objectives are intended to avoid undesirable results and to achieve sustainable management of groundwater within the East Turlock Subbasin GSA's boundaries for the benefit of all beneficial users and uses of groundwater and under the GSA's SGMA obligations and authorities.
Contact Information
Name
Mike Tietze
Agency Name
East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Merced, Stanislaus
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
N/A
Total Acres
see map
State Highways
59
Railways
Santa Fe
Airports
Turlock Municipal
Schools
Ballico-Cressy Elementary, Livingston High School, Turlock
Waterways
Merced River
Other Information
see attached maps
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 7 CA Code 14, Sec 15307; Class 8 CA Code 14, Sec 15308; Common Sense Exemp CA Code 14, Sec 15061, subd. (b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The adoption of the PAA Plan for the Cortez Incipient Subsidence Area is an action taken by the East Turlock Subbasin GSA as authorized by SGMA for the protection of natural resources and the environment, which is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA guidelines sections 15307 and 15308.
As the PAA Plan for the Cortez Incipient Subsidence Area does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment by itself, the common sense exemption applies pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3). Separate and underlying projects and management actions will undergo CEQA analysis as required.
County Clerks
Merced, Stanislaus
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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