Overview Key Points of the Current Framework:

The five water quality issues addressed in Ag Order 4.0 in RWQCB Region 3:

1. Irrigation & Nutrient Management for Groundwater Protection
2. Irrigation & Nutrient Management for Surface Water Protection
3. Pesticide Management for Surface Water and Groundwater Protection
4. Sediment and Erosion Management for Surface Water Protection
5. Riparian Habitat Management for Water Quality Protection

Other key points:

• Staff asserts that some elements of the proposal are required to be consistent with the East San Joaquin Order and Non Point Source Policy.  
• Staff suggests there could be potential to delay monitoring and reporting based on the risk to water quality of an operation and/or proximity to impaired waterbodies. The specifics of if/how this would work has not been identified and is open for input.
• Staff suggests that there are opportunities to include certifications to deprioritize operations and reduce regulatory reporting for certified operators. The specifics of if/how this would work has not been identified and is open for input.