4%-- A

Nov^mbe itS, 1980





TO: COiALD R. FEASTER, Executive Director
FROP : ROBERT R. ATCHISON, Public Information Officer
RE. WCRSA Meeting of Novsber 24, 198

At the Authority's meeting yesterday, its Board selected Geraghty & Miller
as its first preference for negotiations concerning a proposed study of
future water supply in south-central hillsborouh County. The selection
caea after the board listened for more thea an hour as four firm told in
rather unenlightening detail wiy they should get the work. It's readily
apparent why cost of our boards have the staff do the screening and an
order of preference.
A cajor discussion ensued regarding the District's proposal to extend for
a year all penaits that would otherwise expire by ODcember 31. When asked
the reason for the proposal, Gene iHeath indicate* It was so the District
could develop a water shortage plan and reach a determination on the time
length for permit renewals.
Lou de tl Parte advised the Board the District's proposal would only extend
the permit deadl(ie. The Authority would still have the option of filing
for a renewal at any tirwe.
Com5issioner Rainey expressed concern that an agreement, previously approved
by the Authority Board and now pending before the Pasco County Comission,
would preclude any additional request by West Coast for additional pumping
beyond the 30 mgd presently permitted at Cypress Creek. for a five-year
period. Bill Ouyneslager pointed out Utat the Authority has indicated In
the past that its needs can Le oet (apparently front Cross ear) over the
five-year period without increasing the pumping rate at Cypress Creek.
At one point, Phr. Ralney attempted to have the proposed agreemoa t with Pasco
County withdrawn pending coa-pletion of a pui)p test now underway at Cypress
Creek. however, followzeg lengtbly discussion, he withdrew his motion. nHe
Indicated his chief concern was that Cypress Creek water is cheaper to use
than Cross Bar's. Gene pointed out the Authority has sore $1-s111ion in-
vested it Cross 8ar and said it should be used.
Geite distributed copies of the third draft of DER's proposed State Water
Politry. tayor Frewean indicated it was "another attempt, by DER and the
water manaogenet districts to assert their authority." In response to
Gene's question, I Indicated that DfEt wasn't locked into any particular
deadline for adopting the policy. There was comment as to the lack of
definitions in the draft. Uale Twachttann said that was probably because
the draft wasn't yet ready for distribution and was sent only at Gene's
request.