Consumptive Water Use Within LURC Jurisdiction

1
Consumptive Water Use Within LURC Jurisdiction

• Comprehensive Land Use Plan Information Series
• January 4, 2006

2
Comprehensive Plan

• Water Resources, goals and policies viewed
  primarily in terms of water quality and other
  characteristics
• Water quantity mentioned, but essentially no
  specific issues identified

3
Regulatory Perspective

• LURC regulates alteration of the water table in
  most subdistricts, including agricultural
  irrigation
• MDEP only regulates water withdrawal if
  associated with an activity that requires a
  permit
• Case History The Cherryfield Foods conundrum

4
Regulatory Perspective

• Mid 1990s In-stream flow included in permit
  review Atlantic Salmon listing increased concern
  for stream flows
• 1998 to 2000 Increased review of flow and water
  levels restrictions by permit condition and
  reporting required
• Since 2000 Collaborative interagency technical
  review of flows and water levels conditions
  limiting withdrawals and requiring annual
  reporting

5
Permitting Activities

• Major users
• Cherryfield Foods, Poland Spring, and Saddleback
• Rangeley Water District
• Boralex Stratton Energy (?)
• Two municipal wells (no permits)
• Minor users
• Two agricultural irrigators
• One bottled water

6
Policy Activities

• Groundwater policy
• To legislature in 2006
• Interim reporting
• To be replaced by MDEPs standards
• LURC provides reported data to MGS
• MDEP water use standards
• Work in progress
• Water Use Management Plan (WUMP) for the Pleasant
  River