Frequently Asked Questions
2007-2008 Membership Dues
0 - 10 irrigated acres = $10 11-20 irrigated acres = $15
21 - 40 irrigated acres = $20 41-80 irrigated acres = $40
More than 80 irrigated acres = 50 cents per irrigated acre
2007 - 2008 Membership Fee = $55.00
$55 Membership Fee + Irrigated Acreage Fee = Total Annual Dues
What is the Subwatershed Group?
It is a group of agricultural interests formed to represent all "dischargers" who own or operate irrigated large and small farms or rural acreages.
Are you a discharger?
The California Water Code has been interpreted to presume that, if you irrigated acreage and any irrigation or storm water leaves your property, that water could contain waste constituents which may affect downstream surface water quality. When any surface water leaving your property contains waste such as sediment, pesticides, organic compounds, etc., then you are a "discharger" subject to regulation.
What are the Subwatershed Group's goals?
- To operate an efficient, economical program that enables members to be in compliance with the Irrigated Lands Waiver.
- File required reports with the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) to provide conditional waiver coverage for members of the Subwatershed Group.
- Develop and implement an economical and scientifically valid water monitoring program for area rivers and agricultural drains (as required by the waiver).
- Spread costs equitably among land owners/operators who are Subwatershed Group members.
- Communicate to landowners where water monitoring results indicate problems and work to solve those problems.
What work has the subwatershed already completed?
- Formed a non-profit, 501c3 organization with a Board of Directors.
- Completed the conditional waiver "deliverable" due April 1, 2004
- Paid approximately $76,000 for water monitoring and testing.
How do land owners/operators join the Subwatershed Group?
- Fill out and submit the PNSSNS Subwatershed Group Membership form.
- Pay the $55 + acreage membership dues.
What will the membership dues be spent on?
- Water sampling and analysis
- Preparation of Regional Board reports
- Membership data base management
- New member and membership renewal materials
- Outreach meetings for landowners to help implement best management practices to improve water quality.
What if you don't join the Subwatershed Group?
You must file a Notice of Intent with the Water Board to participate in the conditional waiver as an individual or apply for a waste water discharge permit. The cost for filing as an individual discharger can be considerable. The California Farm Bureau Federation estimates start up costs and monitoring for an individual waiver at $10,000 for the first year and $3,000 to $6,000 annually thereafter for monitoring and reporting.
Who is responsible for making the Subwatershed successful?
The individual members of the Subwatershed Group. Failure of the group to meet deadlines, develop the proper monitoring programs or work to correct water quality problems would mean that individual landowners would be responsible for fulfilling those requirements. While the Board of Directors signed the notice of intent for the Subwatershed, it is the Group's participants who are ultimately responsible for participating in Subwatershed activities and paying their fair share of all costs to carry out the conditional waiver program.
What other commitments are involved in joining the Subwatershed Group?
Land owner participants must agree to allow Regional Board staff, upon reasonable notification, access onto their property to determine compliance with the conditions of the waiver. Individuals are free to withdraw from the Subwatershed Group at any time and obtain an individual waiver from the Regional Board.