Guest post by Dianne Wassenich. Dianne is the executive director for San Marcos River Foundation. She holds a seat on the steering committee of the EARIP, and serves as its Public Outreach Chair.
The Edwards Aquifer, located in Central Texas, is a unique groundwater system providing water to almost two million people, agriculture and many native species. Two decades of litigation and legislation have not solved the “wildlife vs. people” issues that can arise in the Edwards Aquifer, particularly during dry periods. But serious progress is being made toward a solution through a collaborative, consensus-based, stakeholder process called the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program (EARIP). The goal of the group is to develop a plan to protect federally-listed endangered species, while balancing the region’s water needs and avoiding future litigation.
Why it matters
Comal and San Marcos springs, which provide the base flow for the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers, are fed by the Edwards Aquifer. Recent computer models predict that a drought similar to the 1950’s drought of record would dry up Comal Springs for two years, and the San Marcos Springs would be in jeopardy. The aquifer also feeds the San Antonio and Nueces Rivers.
In addition to putting many endangered species at risk, low spring flows create low river flows, which negatively affect wildlife and limits water supply for other uses impacting Edwards Aquifer-area and downstream communities, farmers and ranchers, and industries. The flow of these rivers is also critical to the health of the bays and estuaries which depends on freshwater inflows for fish and wildlife.
Who is Involved
The EARIP was originally convened by US Fish and Wildlife (USFW) and codified by SB3 in the 2007 Texas Legislative session. The group is tasked with developing a management plan by 2012. Since its inception, a wide variety of stakeholders have been meeting often to accomplish this task, including: water utilities, environmental groups, cities, river authorities, agricultural and industrial users, downstream and coastal interests, and state and federal agencies. To date, stakeholders have raised almost $1million and over $2 million have been granted by USFW and Texas Legislature through the Texas Water Development Board.
Moving toward a solution
The EARIP is on track to submit a Habitat Conservation Plan to the USFW for approval by September, 2012.
The group is currently deciding what aquifer management changes and other measures are needed to protect the federally listed species. Several subcommittees have reviewed scientific studies and made recommendations, and more evaluations and studies are being completed this summer. Recharge projects are being considered as well as many other kinds of projects that would protect the species during very dry times.
Get Involved
In April, public meetings about the Habitat Conservation Plan will be held in seven counties in the Edwards Aquifer region, stretching from Kerrville to Corpus Christi.
Dates, locations and information about the process are available online. Comments on the program can be submitted on the site until June 2, 2010.
Learn more at: http://earip.tamu.edu/.