Article from Action News Now.
Linda Watkins-Bennett
Feb 22, 2022
CHICO, Calif. – Aqualliance has filed lawsuits against three groundwater sustainability plans, filed by local agencies.
The group is dedicated to challenging threats to the Sacramento River watershed.
The lawsuits target the Butte, Colusa and Vina subbasins’ Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and the California Water Impact Network are co-plaintiffs.
The lawsuits charge that all three sustainability plans pose a threat to groundwater users and the environment by accepting domestic well failures and failing to prevent over use of groundwater.
There are also concerns about land subsidence, not properly addressing climate change and identifying projects and management plans that are ambiguous and unenforceable.
Groundwater subbasin management plans are mandated by the Department of Water Resources under an order issued in 2014.
The plans in question have been submitted, but have not been approved by DWR.
Aqualliance says the lawsuits don’t seek money, just more protections.
To view the lawsuits click here.