East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Credit Split Policy
Summary
SCH Number
2026010952
Public Agency
East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
(ETS GSA)
Document Title
East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Credit Split Policy
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/28/2026
Document Description
This project is to adopt and implement the East Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETSGSA) Credit Split Policy (Policy), attached hereto as Exhibit B, withing ETSGSA's jurisdiction. The Policy is a component of implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) within ETSGSA's jurisdiction, including implementation of Projects and Management Actions contained in the Revised Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Revised Turlock GSP). These include, but are not limited to Project Numbers 12 to 18 which focus on reducing groundwater use and increasing recharge of the aquifer, when possible. The Policy, supplements ETSGSA's Rules and Regulations and further defines ETSGSA's requirements for landowner eligibility, program approach, and implementation procedures.
The purpose of the Policy is to further define the exact amount of Consumed Surface Water Credit and/or Recharge Credit available to a Water Account Holder that uses surface water for irrigation in lieu of groundwater, or that operates a Recharge Facility to supply direct recharge to the aquifer, and specifies criteria for receipt of applicable credits. The amount of credit available depends on the apportionment of project costs and benefits between the Water Account Holder and ETSGSA as established by ETSGSA's Board of Directors, and in recognition of the relative proportion of funding for the project provided by ETSGSA and the investment made by the Water Account Holder through installation of a surface water supply and/or recharge project.
Contact Information
Name
Mike Tietze
Agency Name
Lead Agency
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Merced, Stanislaus
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
several
Zip
several
Parcel #
multiple
State Highways
State Highway 59
Railways
Sante Fe
Airports
Turlock Municipal
Schools
Denair and Ballico School Districts
Waterways
Merced River, Turlock Lake
Township
N/A
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 7, tit. 14, Sec. 15307; Class 8 tit. 14, Sec. 15308
Reasons for Exemption
The adoption of the Credit Split Policy is an action taken by ETSGSA as authorized by SGMA for the protection of natural resources and the environment, which is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15307 and 15308.
As the Credit Split Policy itself does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment by itself, the common sense exemption applies pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Separate and underlying projects and management actions will undergo CEQA analysis as required.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Common Sense, tit. 14, Sec. 15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The adoption of the Credit Split Policy is an action taken by ETSGSA as authorized by SGMA for the protection of natural resources and the environment, which is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15307 and 15308.
As the Credit Split Policy itself does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment by itself, the common sense exemption applies pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Separate and underlying projects and management actions will undergo CEQA analysis as required.
County Clerks
Merced, Stanislaus
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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