Farmers and landowners within the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board’s jurisdiction have until June 30 to either apply to join a watershed coalition or face the possibility of paying stiff fees and penalties.

Overall, the Central Valley watershed coalitions provide water monitoring services to farmers and the regional board that helps characterize water quality. When water quality problems are identified, coalitions prepare management plans that describe how the coalition and grower will fix the problem.

Today, there are about 28,000 Central Valley farmers representing about 5.2 million acres participating in the program. It’s estimated, however, that there are still about 12,000 farmers who may or may not need to participate in a coalition under the Irrigated Land Regulatory Program.

Three things were decided at the recent regional board meeting in Rancho Cordova, said Kari Fisher, California Farm Bureau Federation Natural Resources and Environmental Division associate counsel.

“First was setting the June 30 deadline. Next, was giving the board’s executive officer discretion to include or disallow watershed coalition participants,” Fisher explained. “And, finally, it requested that the State Water Board review penalty fees and fines for processing applications.

“Our farmers and ranchers need to know that these decisions relating to the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) have been made,” Fisher said.

“We want to get the word out that those who haven’t joined need to take steps immediately to decide if joining a watershed coalition would be beneficial.”

There are three categories that could require fee payment: watershed coalition fees, which can vary by coalition and may include retroactive costs; fees to the state water board; and a yet-to-be determined penalty fee that will be levied by the rate board on those who do not meet the June 30 deadline.

“By law, the fees that the state board establishes must be reviewed every year,” said Danny Merkley, CFBF water resources director. “There are upcoming meetings where growers can participate that will evaluate ILRP fees and penalties, including those for 2009. CFBF staff experts will be actively participating in these proceedings on behalf of our members.”

For more information on the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program requirements and proposed modifications, go to http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/www.swrcb.ca.gov/centralvalley/water_issues/irrigated_lands/index.shtml.