Policies

1. Policy IU-1.2 Water for military installations

   We collaborate with military installations to avoid impacts on military training and operations from groundwater contamination and inadequate groundwater supply.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy IU-2.1 Minimum parcel size

   We require new lots smaller than one-half acre to be served by a sewer system. We may require sewer service for larger lot sizes depending on local soil and groundwater conditions, and the County’s Local Area Management Program.

   GO TO POLICY

3. Policy IU-3.4 Natural floodways

   We retain existing natural floodways and watercourses on County-controlled floodways, including natural channel bottoms, unless hardening and channelization is the only feasible way to manage flood risk. On floodways not controlled by the County, we encourage the retention of natural floodways and watercourses. Our priority is to reduce flood risk, but we also strive to protect wildlife corridors, prevent loss of critical habitat, and improve the amount and quality of surface water and groundwater resources.

   GO TO POLICY

4. Policy IU-5.5 Energy and fuel facilities

   We encourage the development and upgrade of energy and regional fuel facilities in areas that do not pose significant environmental or public health and safety hazards, and in a manner that is compatible with military operations and local community identity.

   GO TO POLICY

Goals

1. Goal NR-2 Water Quality

   Clean and safe water for human consumption and the natural environment

   GO TO GOAL

Policies

1. Policy NR-2.1 Coordination on water quality

   We collaborate with the state, regional water quality control boards, watermasters, water purveyors, and government agencies at all levels to ensure a safe supply of drinking water and a healthy environment.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy NR-2.2 Water management plans

   We support the development, update, and implementation of ground and surface water quality management plans emphasizing the protection of water quality from point and non-point source pollution.

   GO TO POLICY

3. Policy NR-2.3 Military Coordination on water quality

   We collaborate with the military to avoid or minimize impacts on military training and operations from groundwater contamination and inadequate groundwater supply.

   GO TO POLICY

4. Policy NR-2.4 Wastewater discharge

   We apply federal and state water quality standards for wastewater discharge requirements in the review of development proposals that relate to type, location, and size of the proposed project in order to safeguard public health and shared water resources.

   GO TO POLICY

5. Policy NR-2.5 Stormwater discharge

   We ensure compliance with the County’s Municipal Stormwater NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit by requiring new development and significant redevelopment to protect the quality of water and drainage systems through site design, source controls, stormwater treatment, runoff reduction measures, best management practices, low impact development strategies, and technological advances. For existing development, we monitor businesses and coordinate with municipalities.

   GO TO POLICY

6. Policy NR-2.6 Agricultural waste and biosolids

   We coordinate with regional water quality control boards and other responsible agencies to regulate and control animal waste and biosolids in order to protect groundwater and the natural environment.

   GO TO POLICY

7. Policy NR-5.3 Multiple-resource benefits

   We prioritize conservation actions that demonstrate multiple resource preservation benefits, such as biology, climate change adaptation and resiliency, hydrology, cultural, scenic, and community character.

   GO TO POLICY

Policies

1. Policy RE-4.1

   Apply standards to the design, siting, and operation of all renewable energy facilities that protect the environment, including sensitive biological resources, air quality, water supply and quality, cultural, archaeological, paleontological and scenic resources.

   • RE 4 .1.1: Consult with Native American tribes in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources and in the preparation and implementation of measures required to identify, evaluate, protect, and manage cultural resources.
   • RE 4.1.2: RE development applications shall be subject to thorough environmental review, including consideration of water consumption, before being permitted.
   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy RE-4.2

   Ensure that renewable energy facilities do not disrupt, degrade, or alter the local hydrology and hydrogeology.

   • RE 4.2.1: Require a groundwater impact assessment that evaluates the short and long-term impacts to groundwater usage.
   GO TO POLICY

Policies

1. Policy HZ-3.6 Contaminated water and soils

   We advocate for and coordinate with local and regional agencies in efforts to remediate or treat contaminated surface water, groundwater, or soils in or affecting unincorporated environmental justice focus areas. We pursue grant funding and establish partnerships to implement the County’s Site Remediation Program in unincorporated environmental justice focus areas, with particular emphasis in addressing the types of contamination identified in the Hazard Element tables.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy HZ-3.7 Well Water Testing

   In unincorporated environmental justice focus areas that are not served by public water systems, we periodically test well water for contamination, identify potential funding sources, and, where feasible, provide technical assistance to implement necessary improvements, with particular emphasis in addressing the types of contamination identified in the Hazard Element tables.

   GO TO POLICY

1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Build human capital and promote enterprise, with a focus on environmentally friendly businesses, to strengthen the local economy and provide opportunities for residents and families to be self-reliant.

   Action Statement C.1

   Promote child and youth development, social and civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship by establishing a multigenerational community council with youth in leadership positions to advocate for and support activities that enrich our community and our environment.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

2. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Become a destination renowned for culture, environment, health, and well-being for people of all ages and abilities.

   Action Statement D.1

   Establish a resource conservation program to designate open space resources, establish a dedicated funding source, and actively promote open space protection through land acquisition, conservation easements, mitigation monitoring, volunteer support, and other similar tools.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

   Action Statement D.2

   Promote family- and eco-friendly tourism that educates people about our natural surroundings, dark skies, and quiet nature.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Create affordable outdoor recreation activities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents while also reducing the associated impacts to the communities

   Action Statement C.4

   Develop programs and marketing materials that educate visitors on the natural environment and importance of its protection in order to foster responsible tourist behavior.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the desert ecosystem, its natural beauty, and the community’s harmonious relationship with the environment

   Action Statement A.2

   Promote water conservation as an essential part of living in the desert.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Maintain local control of water

   Action Statement B.2

   Review state laws and San Antonio Water Company bylaws.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Maintain and enhance Helendale’s aesthetic value

   Action Statement C.3

   Design a recycled water system for irrigation and landscaping.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Improve Lucerne Valley’s water and sewer infrastructure with a focus on the community’s sustainability

   Action Statement D.4

   Coordinate with the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to have the agency update its analysis of the Lucerne Valley Groundwater Basin.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Increase water availability and accessibility

   Action Statement A.4

   Explore grants for water storage programs or a Lytle Creek fire hydrant study.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the historic western themed rural lifestyle

   Action Statement A.7

   Protect, maintain, and expand open spaces in the community.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN