4/23/07 -- The San Joaquin Resource Conservation District has announced its annual dues for the San Joaquin County and Delta Water Quality Coalition.  For the calendar year of 2007, the dues will be $1.75/acre and for any parcel under 10 acres it will be $20.  Dues must be paid within 30 days to remain in good standing with the Coalition.  Any dues paid after August 1, 2007 will be assessed at a rate of $2.00 per acre and $25 for parcels under 10 acres. 

Members will be receiving statements in the mail in May.  It is important to keep their membership in good standing in order to comply with the Regional Water Quality Control Boards regulations and Irrigated Lands Program.  Anyone who is not in good standing with the Coalition must develop their own monitoring and discharge program.  Individual programs can cost as much as $30,000 per farm, so the District is encouraging growers to make sure they keep their membership up to date. 

As stated by the Regional Board's regulations, the Coalition must turn in a list of all participating members in the Coalition.  The Regional Water Quality Control Board is responsible for implementing the Irrigated Lands Program (ILP) and enforcing the laws.  They are currently in the field looking for individuals who have not filed an individual monitoring plan with the RWQCB and who are not members of a watershed coalition.  Those who fall into this category can be facing violation notices and new requirements to implement a water quality monitoring program.  And with today’s technology they will be able to find those who are not in compliance.

"It is important for growers to realize the need to comply with the Regional Board's Irrigated Lands Program regulations"  states Bill Koster, Chairman of the Resource Conservation District, "if you do not belong to the Coalition or implement your own program, it can be very costly to the grower.  That is why we put together the Watershed Coalition to provide growers with a cost effect alternative to comply with the law."

For More Information Contact:

Mike Wackman at 916-684-9359