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RGBRT - April 8, 2008 - Minutes <br />done. The hydrologic analysis is pending the spillway analysis. Have spent probably about 90% <br />of the funds. <br />6. Reappointment of Travis Smith to CWCB: Gov. Ritter reappointed Travis to the CWCB. Travis <br />expressed "great appreciation for what can be done in this basin compared to other basins" and <br />complimented members for being ahead of the curve in coming up with the process. Travis <br />explained the complexities CWCB is facing with getting a new program up and running, given <br />many different conditions and issues for the different basins. They are now running up against <br />the 6-month limit on cutting a contract, but this kind of control is needed for the program to have <br />integrity. CWCB staff members have a huge burden, so there must be criteria. The SB179 <br />program is not just about providing money for projects. It's seed money for projects that come out <br />of the Roundtable process - projects that address our future demands and therefore are worthy <br />of funding. The pie is getting smaller and competition is more intense. He stressed the need that <br />projects fit the criteria and guidelines. Rick Brown is leaving the end of June. CWCB is going to <br />be looking for someone familiar with this process. This SB179 effort is not just for O&M - the <br />guidelines and criteria are intended to make sure that funded programs address a number of <br />goals, hopefully offering some up-front money to ask those hard questions. <br />The Roundtable congratulated Travis on his reappointment and thanked him for his support of the <br />Roundtable and of its funding requests. <br />7. "Community Collaborative Rain & Hail Study" (CoCoRaHS) - Charles Stilling <br />To encourage volunteers to get involved in a network to measure and record precipitation. <br />CoCoRaHS - There is a need for volunteers. When an unusual precipitation event happens this <br />program provides a way for people to report severe precipitation in their neighborhood. The <br />National Weather Service gets valuable information that the radar in the Valley doesn't show. <br />This is a national grassroots nonprofit community-based high density precipitation network. A <br />video showed volunteers of all ages and backgrounds getting some training over the internet on <br />collecting precipitation events, taking snow core samples, etc. Information at www.cocorahs.org <br />or call Charles if you want to sign up: (719) -852-0912 <br />8. Consideration of Proposed BLM Oil & Gas Lease Sale and Revised Colorado Oil & Gas <br />Commission Regulations - Saguache and Rio Grande Counties <br />Mike G. said he was bringing this matter to people's attention and for information. Mike G. said <br />his board (SLVWCD) had asked him to draft something to the BLM on the importance of <br />protecting our ground water and surface water. As a consequence of his thinking on the topic, he <br />had personally become more concerned about the issues. Mike G. said he was stating his <br />personal views. Mike G. referred to maps showing where these O & G lease parcels are located. <br />Some straddle Embargo Creek and Pinos Creek. Mike G. said he felt if there was any surface <br />contamination running into those creeks it could potentially get into the Rio Grande. Mike G. said <br />he was hesitant to take a position but recognized that if surface waters were contaminated above <br />the recharge zones to the region's aquifers it could potentially create groundwater problems. <br />There are areas that have been previously designated by the USFS as "No Surface Use" over <br />which the lease parcels lie. There have been meetings in Del Norte. He left the maps for people <br />to examine. Comments have to be in to BLM by April 23, and they have to cite specific O & G <br />Lease Numbers. <br />Lots of discussion on this issue, including interaction of water with coal bed methane and <br />intersection between mineral law and water law. Thousands of wells would have been permitted <br />in Colorado. There is the issue of the capacity of agencies to enforce regulations and <br />stipulations. The CO Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has issued new proposed <br />regulations on March 31, 2008 for oil and gas development, and their potential impact of these <br />new regulations was not known. There are ground water contamination issues across the state, <br />impacts upon surface owners, it is the responsibility of the exploration companies as to how they <br />Page 4 of 5