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Regulators Propose Large Penalty For Illegal Water Diversion

The California State Capitol Building in Sacramento (file photo)
Andrew Nixon
/
Capital Public Radio
The California State Capitol Building in Sacramento (file photo)

California water regulators are taking steps to stop illegal water diversions by irrigation districts with some of the oldest water rights. As Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, the latest action proposes the largest penalty against a district since the drought began.

The State Water Resources Control Board claims the Byron Bethany Irrigation District illegally diverted water from a pumping plant for 12 days after the board announced water cuts. It proposes a $1.5 million fine. The district, near Tracy, is a senior water right holder that is also suing the state over water cuts. Water Board attorney Andrew Tauriainen says it’s the first fine proposed since Governor Jerry Brown gave the board the authority to issue new penalties in the drought.

Tauriainen :“I do expect the board to take a very very close look at all the circumstances surrounding this diversion and others that may come before it when it decides what size penalty to come up with. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the board would come up with a much higher penalty than that proposed here.”

In a statement, Byron-Bethany Irrigation District called the board's action a "brazen abuse of authority," and retaliation for its lawsuit. The district says it will request a hearing before the water board.