Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) Committee

Chair: Dr. Salini Sasidharan, Oregon State University

Vice Chair: Dan Dorran, Umatilla County

Technical Subcommittee

Objective: To gather, analyze, and manage all data relevant to the LUBGWMA, ensuring the Committee’s strategies are data-driven.

Primary Subcommittee Coordinator:  Dr. Salini Sasidharan, Oregon State University

Alternate Subcommittee Coordinator: Ian Toevs, Lamb Weston

Subcommittee General Meeting Schedule

Every Last Wednesday of the Month: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Check this Meeting Info OR Check this Calendar

Virtual Meeting Link

Zoom

Active Members of the Committee (02/09/2024)

Goal of the LUBGWMA Committee from the Bylaw

Ground Rules for Meeting

Follow the LUBGWMA Committee Bylaw and Committee Structure

Supporting Material to Facilitate Discussion of Technical Subcommittee  

Information Based on the LUBGWMA Workshop 1 and PPT

Priorities Identified at the Workshop

Potential Task Forces Identified at the Workshop

Active Task Forces

Technical Subcommittee Meeting Agenda and Minutes

02/28/2024 : 2 PM - 3 PM

Attendance

Agenda Discussion

Summary of the Discussion

Task Force: Hydrogeology Basin Study and Nitrate Mass Balance and Transport Model

• Define hydrogeology Boundary, identify the pilot study area, perform groundwater flow model, transport model
• What are the questions we want to explore?
• What other hydrogeology studies are happening in the basin?
• We ask questions that we want to answer?  
• How do we reduce the nitrate in the aquifer a) past nitrate b) future nutrient (BMP Subcommittee) e.g., monitoring data and communicate these studies across the LUBGWMA Committee and Subcommittee (Communication Subcommittee and Jane Hill)
• What area of the basin are we looking at? Relevant work? Other partners?
• Who is doing what and create flow chart? Ask Jane Hill to coordinate this for us? Recommendation for next meeting?
• Different approach for source attribution? Watershed model?

Task Force: Data available in the basin

• OWRD - Gravel aquifer Ordnance Depot data
• DEQ - Monitoring data from permitted area - DEQ doesn't do the monitoring at permitted facilities.  The facilities do their monitoring and submit results to DEQ
• Two data sets from alluvial aquifer
• Task : Groundwater level for describing these changes? Do we do it? Or ask the agency to provide this info?
• Task : Land Use and Nitrate application data - HERAC Lead the effort - Voluntary report system, so where the data exist?
• Data sources are from agencies - So we have to identify these tasks are key priorities and then the Subcommittee identify a mechanism to collect these data and create recommendations to the committee
• Agencies are creating the GIS platform - How do we help to accelerate this process?
• Data sensitivity and protect data; quality controls; who is responsible?
• EPA has an interest in providing a platform for data sharing and network exchange with Tribe. Leading the data repository for the above tasks
• How many data platforms are under discussion? State Agency, Tribe, EPA, Morrow County, OSU hydrogeology study, HEARC,  Morrow/Umatilla county drinking water EPA grant database

Technical Subcommittee Meeting Agenda and Minutes

05/22/2024: 2 PM - 3 PM

Attendance

Stacy Schumacher - CTUIR

Data Management Platform  

• Data Coordinator: Full Time job
• Platform Development : 1-2 Year
• Cost: Potential Budget: 3 personal; not sure the cost.
• Long Term Management is needed
• USDA Centers of Excellence: Host at HAREC
• DEQ-EPA System: Web-based platform can be the first start off.
• Live Data Collection is possible
• Hosted Locally Server
• Possibly talk about developing a future mobile platform for farmers that can be provided in a live platform.
• DEQ Continue Data Platform Discussion - Add in the agenda

Summary and Recommendations for LUBGWMA Committee

1. Coordinating Efforts

• Summary of Ongoing Studies: Provide an overview of all current research activities within the LUBGWMA, including their objectives, methodologies, and progress. This overview will help align efforts across the committee and subcommittees, ensuring collaboration and preventing duplication of work.
• Data Deposition Protocol: Establish a standardized protocol for data deposition to ensure consistency, integrity, and ease of access for all stakeholders. This protocol should detail data formats, submission guidelines, and access rights.
• Communication of Upcoming Field Activities: Clearly outline and communicate upcoming field activities (e.g., water sample collection, drilling) to all relevant parties. This communication will aid in coordinating efforts, sharing resources, and optimizing scheduling.

2. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

• Stakeholder Communication Survey: Discuss and decide on the best approach for conducting monthly or quarterly surveys. These surveys will gather input from stakeholders outside of LUBGWMA’s direct interests, helping to understand their needs and improve engagement. This feedback is vital for aligning LUBGWMA’s activities with broader community and stakeholder expectations.
• Internal and External Network Communication: Develop strategies to enhance communication within the LUBGWMA internal network. Establish clear pathways and guidelines for how this group communicates with external stakeholders, ensuring consistency and clarity in messaging.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Data Sharing: Create a template for data sharing that includes delegation of responsibilities and clear guidelines for data use. This SOP will streamline data sharing processes, enhance transparency, and ensure all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities.

3. Recommendations

• Step 1: Central Excel Sheet for LUBGWMA Data Requirements:

• Develop and maintain a central Excel sheet listing data requirements for various solutions that the LUBGWMA Committee will lead. This tool will help streamline data management, ensure quality control, and facilitate data sharing across different agencies and stakeholders.

• Step 2: Current LUBGWMA Data Collection Activities:

• Create an Excel sheet detailing all ongoing data collection activities, which should include:

• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Research Title
• Organization
• Start Date and End Date
• Data Type (e.g., Surface Water, Groundwater, Hydrogeology, Crop, Meteorological, Other)
• Collection Period (Frequency and Duration)
• Willingness to Share Data
• Timeline
• Links to Published Material

• This detailed record will help identify current data gaps, enhance data integration efforts, and support informed decision-making.

• Step 3: Survey Implementation:

• Decide on the frequency (monthly or quarterly) and format of surveys. These surveys should gather information on ongoing research activities and fill in the 'Current LUBGWMA Data Collection Activities' sheet with data from stakeholders. Effective survey implementation will ensure comprehensive communication of needs and progress.