Imperial County Supervisors celebrate adoption of State Water Board stipulate order
The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted the final draft stipulated order on Tuesday that includes conditions benefiting the Salton Sea restoration.
The Board’s action revised State Water Board Order WRO 2002-0013, which was approved in 2002 authorizing the largest agricultural to urban water transfer in the United States.
The final order presented to the State Water Board was supported by Imperial County as well as the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), Imperial Irrigation District (IID), San Diego County Water Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife California, and the Pacific Institute.
During the State Water Board meeting, Imperial County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Michael Kelley urged the State Water Board to adopt the final stipulated order as a testament to the state’s commitment to restoring a sustainable Salton Sea. Chairman Kelley stated, “This is a result of everyone working together and pushing together. There is no longer a need to discuss what the problems are at the Salton Sea. We are finally to a point where I can see the door opening. We have to go forward, we have to seek funding and resolve the problem we have here in the State of California. Now is the time to take action.”
The revised stipulated order reaffirms the State Water Board’s continuing jurisdiction over the implementation of restoration efforts of the Salton Sea.
“The California Water Resources Board Stipulated Order is a direct result of the tireless work of Imperial County, Imperial Irrigation District, Salton Sea Authority and the citizens of Imperial County advocating for action. Although in the eleventh hour, California is now being responsive to the obligations under the Quantification Settlement Agreement. Now, Imperial County and local stakeholders must remain vigilant to see the 10-year management plan implemented and a long term plan developed,” stated District 4 Supervisor Ryan E. Kelley.
For more information on the adopted final draft stipulated order, click here.
