Page 35 - Yucaipa Sustainable Groundwater Management Agency - Yucaipa SGMA

DWR Sustainable Groundwater Management Program | BMP Framework December 2016

DWR elected to publish two categories of information that can assist GSAs and stakeholders with
SGMA implementation and preparation of GSPs – BMPs and Guidance Documents.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

BMPs are intended to provide clarification, guidance, and examples to help GSAs develop the es-
sential elements of a GSP. BMPs rely on technical information from other groundwater management
efforts, existing standards, or other guidance or reference reports. The BMP categories include the
following:
• BMP 1: Monitoring Protocols, Standards, and Sites
• BMP 2: Monitoring Networks and Identification of Data Gaps
• BMP 3: Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model

• BMP 4: Water Budget
• BMP 5: Modeling

Guidance Documents

Guidance Documents are prepared for topic areas unique to SGMA, for either topics where no
established practices in the water management industry exist or to provide suggestions with
supporting graphics to aid GSAs in developing certain GSP components. The Guidance Documents
include the following:
• Preparation Checklist for GSP Submittal
• GSP Annotated Outline
• Establishing Sustainable Management Criteria (In Development)
• Engagement with Tribal Governments (In Development)
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication (In Development)

How to Utilize BMPs and Guidance Documents

BMPs and Guidance Documents are organized to follow a logical progression of SGMA compliance
activities. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between BMPs and Guidance Documents in the
general progression of activities needed to manage the groundwater basin sustainability. Figure 2
is provided for illustrative purposes only and DWR acknowledges that the need for and level of
effort required to complete each step will vary widely among basins.
The BMPs and Guidance Documents are only intended to provide technical or general guidance to
GSAs and other stakeholders. GSAs and other stakeholders have the option of using this material,
but the content provided in these documents does not create any new requirements or obligations
for the GSA or other stakeholders.
The BMPs and Guidance Documents do not serve as a substitute for the GSP Regulations or
the provisions in SGMA. Those GSAs submitting a GSP are strongly encouraged to fully read the
GSP Regulations and the text of SGMA. In addition, using these BMPs to develop a GSP does not
equate to an approval determination by DWR.

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