01_HB-1743-SAB-Purpose-Brief-Tom-Reeder

HB 1743 & Why We Are Here
Eco-Flows Science Advisory Board
Nov 8, 2010
Major Water-Related Legislation
2010 Ratified Bills
1.Improve River Basin Modeling –SL 2010-143
– Codifies the requirement for river basin models. Mandates that models
be approved by the EMC. Creates a science advisory board for ecological flows.
2.Modify Water Funding Priorities -SL 2010-151
– Add priority criteria for regionalization and drought water conservation.
3.Water Infrastructure Information Needs –SL 2010-
144
– Improve the collection and utilization of water and wastewater infrastructure information.
4.Water Supply System Capacity Planning –SL 2010-
150
– Revise LWSP when demand exceeds 80% of supply to show how future needs will be met.
Improve River Basin Modeling
• DENR to dev. hydrologic models for all river basins
• Models shall incorporate:
– Surface/groundwater resources in basin
– Ecological & instream flow requirements
– Withdrawals, discharges, & local water supply data
– Projections of future withdrawals
• Models shall predict:
– Inadequate yield to meet all needs
– Inadequate yield to meet all essential water needs
– Adverse effects on ecological flows
River Basin Modeling – Key Definitions
• Ecological Flow
• Ecological Integrity
• Groundwater Resource
• Prevailing Ecological Conditions
• Surface Water Resource
River Basin Modeling-Science Advisory
Board (SAB)
• Directs DENR to establish SAB to assist in
characterizing ecology & flow requirements.
• Key Stakeholders:
– DWR / DWQ / Natural Heritage Program
– NC Wildlife Resources & Marine Fisheries Commissions
– US FWS & National Marine Fisheries
– Agriculture / Forestry / Manufacturing
– Electric Utilities
– Local Governments
– Environmental NGOs
• Members must have expertise in aquatic ecology.
SAB – What It Is
• Members w/ a strong background in aquatic ecology
• An expert panel to collectively:
– Review all relevant studies
– Reports
– Other pertinent information
SAB – What It Is
• Based on its review & discussions:
– The SAB will advise DENR on an approach to
characterize the ecology of river basins and a
method the determine the flows necessary for
ecological integrity.
SAB – What It Is
• A board to develop an approach for planning
purposes that will help users meet anticipated
water needs in the future and address concerns
at a watershed level that includes cumulative
effects.
• A board to provide scientific input as part of a
broader stakeholder process.
SAB – What It Is Not
• Not the final decision maker on this issue.
• SAB will advise on methods/approaches – not
specific flow numbers.
• Not trying to develop a method to replace site-
specific studies needed for a specific EA/EIS or
permit review.
Modeling Supports Planning
Water Supply Planning
River Basin Modeling
Contact Info
Tom Reeder
Director, NC DWR
919-715-3045
[e-mail]