Agenda Item

7.4 24-456Consideration of Rescission of Urgency Ordinance 3106 Requiring Land Use Applicants to Provide Enhanced Water Analysis During a Declared Drought Emergency

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    Margaux Kambara 7 months ago

    Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors,

    I am not against cannabis cultivation. I am for sustainability and resilience. The emergency nature of drought no longer exists, but the action prompted by Ordinance 3106 warrants continuation as policy. Specifically, requiring hydrology reports as part of commercial cannabis cultivation permit application reflects the Vision 2028 value, preserving the well-being of residents.

    Water is essential for life. Relying on a comprehensive groundwater management plan that accounts for drought management and the interest in hauling water for commercial agriculture can help safeguard groundwater. Rescinding Ordinance 3106 without making hydrology reports a routine part of the county’s groundwater management exposes a gap and vulnerability.

    The long-term impact of water demand on Lake County aquifers by commercial cannabis cultivation is not known. Assuming that well recharge and aquifer recharge will continue indefinitely while under greater water demand is not supported by data. Hydrology reports can be a tool to help the county protect residents from catastrophic failure of wells and aquifers. These reports can help the county take proactive action. Retaining the requirement for these reports reinforces the county’s commitment to the well-being of residents.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Margaux Kambara
    Lake County Resident, Registered Voter
    & Property Owner