Title
Update on GRU Consumptive Use Permit and Minimum Flows and Levels (NB)
Explanation
At the City Commission special meeting on April 10, 2014, staff provided an update on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) development of Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers. The impact of a change in the proposed rule that was published April 8 on GRU's water consumptive permit (CUP) renewal was discussed. The proposed change in the rule disproportionately affects GRU and could adversely impact GRU's ability to obtain a 20 year CUP. At that meeting the City Commission directed staff to:
1. continue to work with the water management districts to obtain a 20 year CUP;
2. prepare to challenge the rule if the rule disproportionately affects GRU and if efforts to obtain the permit are unsuccessful; and
3. request an extension of the April 28 deadline for filing a petition to challenge the MFL rule as amended.
Staff will provide an update on these efforts and make a recommendation in regard to challenging the rule.
Fiscal Note
The petition to challenge process is estimated to cost approximately $100,000 or less. Adequate funding is allocated in the capital budget.
Recommendation:
Hear an update from Staff on GRU's consumptive use permit and minimum flows and levels.