McMullen Groundwater Conservation District. APPROVED September 26, 2012

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1 McMullen Groundwater Conservation District APPROVED September 26, 2012

2 MCMULLEN GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT RULES RULE 1 DEFINITIONS... 1 RULE 2 WASTE PROHIBITED... 4 RULE 3 WELL REGISTRATION... 4 RULE 4 DEPOSITS... 4 RULE 5 PERMIT REQUIRED... 5 RULE 6 ISSUANCE OF PERMITS... 6 RULE 7 REQUIREMENTS OF DRILLER'S LOG, CASING AND PUMP DATA... 8 RULE 8 PERMIT TERMS AND RENEWAL... 8 A. DRILLING PERMITS... 8 B. PRODUCTION PERMITS C. TRANSPORTATION PERMITS RULE 9 PERMIT AMENDMENTS... 8 RULE 10 WELL LOCATION AND COMPLETION... 8 RULE 11 PRODUCTION LIMITATIONS... 9 RULE 12 EXCEPTIONS TO SPACING AND PRODUCTION RULES RULE 13 REWORKING OR REPLACING OF WELL RULE 14 FINAL ORDERS OF THE BOARD RULE 15 RIGHT TO INSPECT AND TEST WELLS RULE 16 OPEN WELLS TO BE CAPPED RULE 17 RULES GOVERNING CONTESTED CASE HEARINGS A. PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE B. MATTERS CONSIDERED C. NOTICE D. CONFERENCE ACTION... 12

3 E. ASSESSING REPORTING AND TRANSCRIPTION COSTS F. DESIGNATION OF PARTIES G. RIGHTS OF DESIGNATED PARTIES H. PERSONS NOT DESIGNATED PARTIES I. FURNISHING COPIES OF PLEADINGS J. INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF PARTIES AND WITNESSES K. AGREEMENTS TO BE IN WRITING L. DISCOVERY M. SUBPOENAS N. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS... 14

4 O. COMPELLING TESTIMONY; AND SWEARING WITNESSES P. EVIDENCE Q. WRITTEN TESTIMONY R. REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHIBITS S. ABSTRACTS OF DOCUMENTS T. INTRODUCTION AND COPIES OF EXHIBITS U. EXCLUDING EXHIBITS V. OFFICIAL NOTICE W. DOCUMENTS IN DISTRICT FILES X. ORAL ARGUMENT Y. CLOSING THE RECORD RULE 18 REHEARING RULE 19 WATER RIGHTS RULE 20 TRANSPORTATION OF WATER FROM THE DISTRICT RULE 21 REQUEST FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND ASSESSMENT OF PENALTIES RULE 22 GENERAL RULES A. COMPUTING TIME: B. TIME LIMIT: C. SHOW CAUSE ORDERS AND COMPLAINTS: RULE 23 REPEAL OF PRIOR REGULATIONS RULE 24 SAVINGS CLAUSE... 20

5 MCMULLEN GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Notice of the Rules of the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District was published on August 8 and 22, In accordance with Section 59 of Article XVI of the Texas Constitution and Act of May 23, 2001, 77 th Leg., R.S., ch. 1378, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws (SB 1764) and Act of May 23, 2001, 77 th Leg., R.S., ch. 966, 2001 Tex. Gen. Laws (SB 2), and the non-conflicting provisions of Chapter 36, Texas Water Code the following Rules are hereby ratified and adopted as the Rules of this District by its Board. Each rule as worded herein has been in effect since the date of passage and as may be hereafter amended. The Rules, regulations, and modes of procedure herein contained are and have been adopted to simplify procedures, avoid delays, and facilitate the administration of the water laws of the State and the Rules of this District. To the end that these objectives are attained, these Rules will be so construed. These Rules may be used as guides in the exercise of discretion, where discretion is vested. However, under no circumstances and in no particular case may these Rules be construed as a limitation or restriction upon the exercise of powers, duties, and jurisdiction conferred by law. These Rules will not limit or restrict the amount and accuracy of data or information that may be required for the proper administration of the law. In adopting these rules, The District considered all groundwater uses and needs; developed rules that are fair and impartial; considered the groundwater ownership and rights described by Section ; considered the public interest in conservation, preservation, protection, recharging, and prevention of waste of groundwater, and of groundwater reservoirs or their subdivisions, and in controlling subsidence caused by withdrawal of groundwater from those groundwater reservoirs or their subdivisions, consistent with the objectives of Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution; and considered the goals developed as part of the district's management plan under Section ; and developed rules that do not discriminate between land that is irrigated for production and land that was irrigated for production and enrolled or participating in a federal conservation program. The District is authorized under of the Texas Water Code to make and enforce Rules, including Rules limiting groundwater production and the spacing of wells, to provide for conserving, preserving, protecting, and recharging of the groundwater or of a groundwater reservoir or its subdivisions in order to control subsidence, prevent degradation of water quality, or prevent waste of groundwater and to carry out the powers and duties provided by Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code. The District incorporates by reference all authorities granted to the District by the District Act and Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code into its District Rules. These Rules are effective as of September 26, 2012.

6 RULE 1. DEFINITIONS Definitions of Terms: In the administration of its duties, the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District follows the definitions of terms set forth in Chapter 36, Water Code, and other definitions as follows: (1) Acre-foot means the amount of water necessary to cover one acre of land one foot deep, or about 325,000 gallons of water. (2) "Agriculture" means any of the following activities: a. cultivating the soil to produce crops for human food, animal feed, or planting seed or for the production of fibers; b. the practice of floriculture, viticulture, silviculture, and horticulture, including the cultivation of plants in containers or nonsoil media, by a nursery grower; c. raising, feeding, or keeping animals for breeding purposes or for the production of food or fiber, leather, pelts, or other tangible products having a commercial value; d. planting cover crops, including cover crops cultivated for transplantation, or leaving land idle for the purpose of participating in any governmental program or normal crop or livestock rotation procedure; e. wildlife management; and f. raising or keeping equine animals. (3) "Agricultural use" means any use or activity involving agriculture, including irrigation. (4) "Aquifer" means a geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring. (5) Aquifer Layer in the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District may be specified as the Carrizo, Queen City, Wechus, Recklaw, Sparta and Wilcox. (6) "Artesian Well" means a well completed in the confined portion of an aquifer such that water will rise in the well, by natural pressure, above an overlying impermeable stratum. (7) "Authorized Well Site means: The location of a proposed well on an application duly filed until such application is denied; or the location of a proposed well on a valid permit. An authorized well site does not act as a permit to drill. (8) "Beneficial Use" or "Beneficial Purpose" means using groundwater for: a. agricultural, gardening, domestic, stock raising, municipal, mining, manufacturing, industrial, commercial, recreational or pleasure purposes; b. exploring for, producing, handling, or treating oil, gas, sulfur, or other minerals; or c. any other nonwasteful purpose that is economically necessary for a purpose authorized by law. 6

7 (9) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District. (10) Contiguous acreage means land with the same continuous boundary within the District that is owned or legally controlled for the purpose of groundwater withdrawal by the well owner or operator. A majority of the contiguous acreage assigned to the well shall bear a reasonable reflection of the cone of depression impact near the pumped well, as based on the best available science. Land that is owned or legally controlled by the well owner or operator that is separated only by a road, highway or river from other land owned or controlled by the well owner or operator is contiguous. (11) "Desired future condition" means a quantitative description, adopted in accordance with Section , of the desired condition of the groundwater resources in a management area at one or more specified future times. (12) "District" means the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District. (13) District Office means the office of the District located at PO Box 232, Tilden, TX (14) Exempt Well" means any artificial excavation constructed, fitted or equipped to produce less than 25,000 gallons of water per day. Exempt Wells must be registered in accordance with these rules but are otherwise exempt from any other requirements for obtaining permits, installing meters, or reporting usage. (15) "Exploratory Hole" means any hole drilled to a depth below the top of any stratum containing groundwater for the purpose of testing well capacity, water quantity and water quality. An excavation ceases to be an exploratory hole and becomes a well that may require a permit if any pumping occurs after the well is completed with casing and a pump, or if production occurs in excess of an amount to complete the tests listed above. (16) "Groundwater" means water percolating below the surface. (17) "Groundwater reservoir" means a specific subsurface water-bearing reservoir having ascertainable boundaries and containing groundwater. (18) Irrigation means the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops. (19) "Modeled available groundwater" means the amount of water that the Texas Water Development Board determines may be produced on an average annual basis to achieve a desired future condition established under Section

8 (20) "Management Area" means an area designated and delineated by the Texas Water Development Board under Chapter 35 as an area suitable for management of groundwater resources. (21) "Open or Uncovered Well" means any artificial excavation drilled or dug for the purpose of exploring for or producing water from an underground reservoir, if that well is not capped, covered or plugged as required by these rules. (22) "Owner" means any person, firm, partnership or corporation that has the right to produce water from the land either by ownership, contract, lease, easement, or any other estate in the land. (23) "Party" means any person, whether as an owner, lessor, lessee, tenant or operator, who operates a water well within the boundaries of the District, or who is or may be affected by either granting or denying an application. The following persons shall be automatically designated parties in any contested case: a. the General Manager of the District; b. the applicant; c. any other person who timely files an objection to an application; and d. any other person designated by the Board or Presiding Officer at a contested case hearing. (24) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, organization, government, agency, business trust, estate, trust, association or any other legal entity. (25) "Plugging" means sealing a well bore by any method that meets the requirements of these rules. (26) "Pollution" means the alteration of the physical, thermal, chemical, or biological quality of, or any water in the District that renders the water harmful, detrimental, or injurious to humans, animal life, vegetation, or property or to public health, safety, or welfare, or impairs the usefulness or the public enjoyment of the water for any lawful purpose. (27) Property legally assigned to a well is property owned or legally controlled for purposes of groundwater withdrawal by a well owner or operator and assigned to a well by the owner or operator. (28) "Public water supply well" means a well that produces the majority of its water for use by a public water system. (29) Rate of Production means the amount of groundwater that is stated in the District s operating permits that limits the number of gallons of groundwater produced per minute ( gpm ), with a maximum annual cap of overall groundwater production specified in acre-feet. For example, a District operating permit could state that the authorized rate of production is 1000 gpm, not to exceed a total amount of 5000 acre-feet of groundwater production per year. 8

9 (30) Transport means transferring or moving groundwater outside the District. (31) Transport Permit means an authorization issued by the District allowing the transport of a specific quantity of groundwater outside the District s boundaries for a designated time period. All applicable permit Rules apply to transport permits. (32) "Undesirable Water" means water that is injurious to vegetation, to land, or to fresh water, or water that can cause pollution. (33) "Waste" means any one or more of the following: a. withdrawal of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir at a rate and in an amount that causes or threatens to cause intrusion into the reservoir of water unsuitable for agricultural, gardening, domestic, or stock raising purposes; b. the flowing or producing of wells from a groundwater reservoir if the water produced is not used for a beneficial purpose or in an amount in excess of the amount reasonably needed for that beneficial purpose; c. escape of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir to any other reservoir or geologic strata that does not contain groundwater; d. pollution or harmful alteration of groundwater in a groundwater reservoir by saltwater or by other deleterious matter admitted from another stratum or from the surface of the ground; e. willfully or negligently causing, suffering, or allowing groundwater to escape into any river, creek, natural watercourse, depression, lake, reservoir, drain, sewer, street, highway, road or road ditch, or onto any land other than that of the owner unless such discharge is authorized by permit, rule, or order issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under Chapter 26, Water Code; f. groundwater pumped for irrigation that escapes as irrigation tailwater onto land other than that of the owner of the well unless permission has been granted by the occupant of the land receiving the discharge; or g. for water produced from an artesian well, waste has the meaning assigned by Section , Water Code. (34) "Water" means groundwater. (35) Water Meter means a water flow measuring device that can accurately record the amount of water produced during a measured time. (36) "Well" or "Water Well" means means any facility, device, or method used to withdraw groundwater from within the District s boundaries. (37) Well Owner or Well Operator means the person who owns a possessory interest in: (1) the land upon which a well or well system is located or to be located; (2) the well or well system; or (3) the legal right to occupy the property and to capture groundwater withdrawn from a well or well system located on the property. The term well owner includes but is not limited to a person that holds a well permit for the well. 9

10 RULE 2. WASTE PROHIBITED Wasting water is prohibited. Any person producing or using groundwater shall use every possible precaution, in accordance with the latest approved methods, to stop and prevent wasting water. Polluting water or allowing water to be polluted is prohibited. Transporting water for a distance greater than 1/4 mile in an open ditch, canal or other water course is per se wasteful and prohibited. RULE 3. WELL REGISTRATION (a) (b) Registration is required for all exploratory holes, exempt wells and wells in the District, and shall be filed with the District on a form and in a manner required by the District. Nonexempt wells meet the registration requirement by filing an application to either drill or operate the well. Exempt Wells that require registration prior to drilling are: (1) any well that is drilled, completed, or equipped so that it is incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons of groundwater a day; (2) an oil or gas rig supply well permitted by the Railroad Commission of Texas provided that the person holding the permit is responsible for drilling and operating the water well and the water well is located on the same lease or field associated with the drilling rig; or (3) a mining well authorized under a permit issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas under Chapter 134, Natural Resources Code, or for production from the well to the extent the withdrawals are required for mining activities regardless of any subsequent use of the water. (c) The District may cancel a previously granted exemption, and may require an operating permit for or restrict production from a well if: (1) the groundwater withdrawals that were exempted under Subsection (b)(2) are no longer used solely as a rig supply water well for an oil or gas well permitted by the Railroad Commission of Texas; or (2) the groundwater withdrawals that were exempted under Subsection (b)(3) are no longer necessary for mining activities or are greater than the amount necessary for mining activities specified in the permit issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas under Chapter 134, Natural Resources Code. 10

11 (d) (e) (f) (g) The District may require compliance with the District's well spacing rules for the drilling of any well, except a well exempted under Subsection (b)(3). Registrants shall equip and maintain exempt wells to conform to the District's rules requiring installation of casing, pipe, and fittings to prevent the escape of groundwater from a groundwater reservoir to any reservoir not containing groundwater and to prevent the pollution or harmful alteration of the character of the water in any groundwater reservoir. An exemption provided under Subsection (b) does not apply to a well if the groundwater withdrawn is used to supply water for a subdivision of land for which a plat approval is required by Chapter 232, Local Government Code. Groundwater withdrawn under an exemption provided in accordance with this section and subsequently transported outside the boundaries of the district is subject to any applicable production and export fees under Sections and of the Texas Water Code. RULE 4. APPLICATION FEE AND DEPOSIT (a) Each application for a permit or permit amendment shall be accompanied by a $100 application fee that covers administrative expenses related to the application. Permit renewals do not require the application fee, unless permit amendments are sought with the renewal. (b) Each application for a permit to drill a well must be accompanied by a $ deposit. Said deposit shall be returned to the applicant by the District if: (1) the application is denied; (2) the application is granted but only upon receipt of a correctly completed registration and log of the well; or (3) the permit location is abandoned without having been drilled, but only upon return and surrender of the Permit marked abandoned. (4) In event neither the registration and log of the well nor abandoned permit is returned to the District office within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the permit was approved, or after any extension granted by the District, the deposit shall become the property of the District. RULE 5. PERMIT REQUIRED (a) (b) A permit is required prior to drilling or producing a well, or increasing the size or capacity of a well such that the well could reasonably be expected to produce in excess of 25,000 gallons of water per day. A permit is not required for drilling exempt wells, as listed in Rule 3(b). Applications for permits to drill or operate a well must be filed at the office of the 11

12 District in Tilden, Texas. The General Manager shall publish a Notice of Application in a paper of general circulation within the District stating the name of the applicant, the location of the well and the requested production amount. (c) If no protest is filed within ten (10) days of publication of the notice of application, the General Manager may issue the permit without action by the Board. The Board of Directors will approve or deny the application at a meeting of the Board of Directors following notice and hearing, if a hearing is required. (d) If a protest is filed the Board shall conduct a hearing. Notice shall be given to all interested parties. The Board may convene a preliminary hearing to establish parties, to narrow the issues, and to schedule a full contested case trial if necessary. The Board may vote to issue a permit or deny the application if it determines the application may be decided by summary disposition. If the matter is not settled by summary disposition the board shall schedule a contested case hearing to hear evidence and receive argument to determine the outcome of the contest. Following the contested case hearing the Board shall issue a final decision stating the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the disposition of the application. (e) A protest shall be deemed filed when written notification is filed with the Board. The protest must include evidence as to why the particular application should be denied, including evidence as to the effect on the water reservoir, the conservation and preservation of water, the prevention of waste, the protection of property rights, and other pertinent matters, which evidence shall be taken into consideration by the Board. Where there are competing applications, the Board shall also take into consideration which of the applicants filed an application first. (f) If the Board determines the applicant has provided substantial evidence that the permit meets all the requirements of these rules, the Board shall issue the permit. (g) If the application is denied, the applicant may file a motion for rehearing before the Board. A motion for rehearing must be filed with the Manager of the District or written notice by registered mail given twenty (20) days, from the date the application is denied. If no such motion is filed, the application shall be deemed to have been abandoned by the applicant. If a motion for rehearing is filed, the Board shall set a time and place for a hearing and notify the necessary parties thereof in accordance with Rule 19. At least 72 hours notice shall be given by the Board to the necessary parties for said hearing. If the Board does not set a hearing on the motion within ninety (90) days of receipt, the motion shall be deemed denied. (h) On approval of an application, the District shall issue a permit to the applicant. The permittee s right to produce shall be limited to the extent and purposes stated in the 12

13 permit. Operating permits shall be valid for a period not to exceed five (5) years, at which time the permit may be renewed. A permit shall not be transferable except when an application has been made to amend the permit to change the name of the permittee. The General Manager may grant such an amendment without notice, hearing, or further action by the Board. RULE 6. ISSUANCE OF PERMITS (a) The board may issue the following types of permits: (1) Well Drilling Permit, which allows drilling a new well, expanding an existing well, redrilling or re-equipping an existing well, or plugging a well; (2) Well Production Permit, which allows water to be withdrawn from a nonexempt well; (3) Transportation Permit, which allows groundwater to transported outside the boundaries of the District. (b) (c) The Board shall issue or cause to be issued a drilling permit for a well upon proper application executed and filed by the owner if that application meets all the requirements of these rules. An application shall be considered filed if it is administratively complete and accompanied by the required deposit. Applications must be on forms provided by the District, in writing and prepared in accordance with and contain the information called for on the form of application. The application will be considered administratively complete if it is properly completed following all instructions issued by the Board with respect to the filing of an application. Administratively incomplete applications will not be considered. (d) Rules for the filing of applications: (1) If the applicant is an individual, the application shall be signed by the applicant or his duly appointed agent. The agent must present Power of Attorney as authority to represent the applicant. (2) If the application is by a partnership, the applicant must be designated by the firm name followed by the words "a Partnership" and the application must be signed by at least one of the general partners duly authorized to bind all of the partners. (3) In the case of a corporation, government agency, county, municipality or any other body politic and corporate, the application shall be signed by a duly authorized official. A copy of the resolution or other authorization to make the 13

14 application may be. (4) In the case of an estate or guardianship, the application shall be signed by the duly appointed guardian or representative of the estate. (e) Applications must set forth the following: (1) the name and address of the fee owner of the land upon which the well is to be drilled or the well is located, and the owner of the water rights, if separate; (2) if the applicant is not the owner of the property, legal and notarized documentation establishing the applicable authority to construct and operate a well for the proposed use; (3) a map showing the proposed location of the well to be drilled as provided in the application including the County, the section, block, survey and township; labor and league; and exact number of yards to the nearest nonparallel property lines; or other adequate legal description; (4) the proposed use of the well, whether municipal, industrial, irrigation, agricultural or other; (5) the size of the pump; (6) the approximate date drilling or operation is to begin; (7) the location of all wells within a quarter mile on the proposed location, if any; (8) an agreement by the applicant that a complete well registration and log will be furnished to the District (on forms furnished by the District) upon completion of this well and prior to producing any water (except for such production as may be necessary to the drilling and testing of the well); (9) any additional data as may be required by the Board and included on the form; and (10) a water conservation plan and a declaration that the applicant will comply with the district s management plan. (f) All legal documents that sell or lease water rights shall be recorded with the County Clerk with the deed of record for the related surface acreage. 14

15 (g) Aggregation of Production In issuing an operating permit, the authorized withdrawal for a given well may be aggregated with the authorized withdrawal from other permitted wells designated by the District, at the discretion of the District. Applicable spacing requirements and production allowances will be considered in determining whether or not to allow aggregation of withdrawal. For the purpose of categorizing wells by the amount of groundwater production, where wells are permitted with an aggregate withdrawal, the total authorized withdrawal will be assigned to the wells in aggregate, rather than allocating to each well it s pro rata share of production. This will allow a well owner, with a number of water wells that supply a single well system, to apply for an operating permit for the well system without being required to apply for a separate operating permit for each individual well. RULE 7. REQUIREMENTS OF DRILLER'S LOG, CASING AND PUMP DATA Complete records shall be kept and reports thereof made to the District concerning the drilling, maximum production potential, equipping and completion of all wells drilled. Such records shall include an accurate driller's log, required by Section , Occupations Code, any electric log made and any additional data concerning the description of the well, its maximum rate of production. Drilling records must be filed with the District within 90 days after completion of the well. A well log and well registration form must be provided to the District prior to any production from the well except for production necessary to drilling, completing and testing the well. RULE 8. PERMIT TERMS AND RENEWAL a. Drilling Permits. A drilling permit for a well or well site will automatically expire within one years from its issuance if the permitted well(s) has not been completed or is not significantly under development. The Board may grant one extension for a period of up to six (6) months. b. Production Permits. Production permits shall be valid for a period not to exceed five (5) years, at which time the permit may be renewed. The General Manager may renew a production permit for the same amount of withdrawal, point of withdrawal, place of use, and purpose of use without hearing or notice except that upon renewal, production permits shall be subject to any new criteria or pumping limitations established by these rules. c. Transportation Permits. Transportation permits shall be valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance if construction of the conveyance system has not been initiated prior to the issuance of the permit. Transportation permits shall be valid for thirty (30) years if construction of the conveyance system has been initiated prior to issuance of the permit or if construction of the conveyance system begins during the term of the initial 3 year permit. 15

16 RULE 9. PERMIT AMENDMENTS (a) (b) Permits may be amended by filing an amendment application with the board. Amendments shall be granted or denied following the same procedure and requirements of an original application. The District may amend permits that may be necessary to prevent waste and achieve water conservation, minimize as far as practicable the drawdown of the water table or the reduction of artesian pressure, lessen interference between wells, or control and prevent subsidence. RULE 10. WELL LOCATION AND COMPLETION (a) (b) (c) (d) After an application for a well permit has been granted, the well, if drilled, must be drilled within thirty (30) feet of the location specified in the permit. If the well should be commenced or drilled at a different location, the drilling or operation of such well may be enjoined by the Board. All well drillers and persons having a well drilled, deepened, or otherwise altered shall adhere to the provisions of this Rule prescribing the location of wells and proper completion. Wells may not be drilled within one hundred (100) feet of any property line. In addition, well must be located so that the distance to any other existing well is at least one foot for each gallon-per-minute of production capacity of the new well. If the capacity of the well exceeds one-thousand (1000) gallons-per- minute then the minimum spacing distance must be an additional one-half (1/2) foot for each gallon-per-minute in excess of onethousand. EXAMPLES: 500 gallons per minute=500 feet 750 gallons per minute=750 feet 1000 gallons per minute=1000 feet 1250 gallons per minute=1375 feet 1500 gallons per minute=1750 feet 1750 gallons per minute=2125 feet For the purpose of preventing waste, the Board reserves the right in particular subterranean water zones or reservoirs to enter special orders increasing or decreasing distances provided by this requirement. RULE 11. PRODUCTION LIMITATIONS (a) (b) A well or well system may only be permitted to be drilled and equipped for production of a cumulative total of ten (10) gallons per minute per contiguous acre owned or operated. In no event may a well or well system be operated such that the total annual production exceeds one/half (1/2) acre foot of water per acre owned or operated per aquifer layer. 16

17 A well(s) may also be applied for to be operated such that the total annual production exceeds one/half (1/2) acre foot of water per acre owned or operated in a different aquifer layer underneath the land. A well may not be drilled so that it screens more than one aquifer, in compliance with 16 Texas Administrative Code , as amended. (c) (d) (e) All production permits are issued subject to future changes in the Desired Future Conditions of GMA 16 and the Modeled Available Groundwater determined by the Texas Water Development Board. The District, to the extent possible, shall issue permits up to the point that the total volume of exempt and permitted groundwater production will achieve an applicable desired future condition. In issuing permits, the District shall manage total groundwater production on a longterm basis to achieve an applicable desired future condition and consider: (1) the modeled available groundwater determined by the Texas Water Development Board; (2) the Texas Water Development Board s estimate of the current and projected amount of groundwater produced under exemptions granted by District rules and Section ; (3) the amount of groundwater authorized under permits previously issued by the District; (4) a reasonable estimate of the amount of groundwater that is actually produced under permits issued by the District; and (5) yearly precipitation and production patterns. RULE 12. EXCEPTIONS TO SPACING AND PRODUCTION RULES (a) (b) In order to protect rights of owners of interests in groundwater or to prevent waste, the Board may grant exceptions to the above spacing and production limitation rules. This rule may not be construed to limit the power of the Board, and the powers stated are cumulative of all other powers possessed by the Board. Application for an exception to the spacing or production limitation rule must be submitted in writing to the District office on forms furnished by the District. The application must be accompanied by a plat or sketch, drawn to scale of one (1) inch equaling two thousand (2000) feet. The plat or sketch must show thereon the property lines of the lot where the well is located the location of any wells within one-half (1/2) mile of the well location. The application must also contain the names and addresses of all property owners adjoining the tract on which the well is located, and the owners of the wells within one-half (1/2) mile of the well location. The application and plat must be attested to by some person actually acquainted with the facts who subscribe and swear or affirm under oath before any person entitled to administer oaths, who must also sign and apply the seal of office to the attestation, that all the facts set out in the application are true and correct. 17

18 (c) If the applicant presents waivers signed by the landowners and/or registration/permit holders that are located within the spacing-requirement circumference of the applied-for well(s), stating that they have no objection to the proposed location of the well site, a waiver to the spacing requirements may be granted for the new proposed well location. A waiver may be submitted to the District by a single permit holder to waive the spacing requirements between the permit holder s own wells within in a single well field. The District may waive the spacing requirements on the well field if the applicant submits adequate evidence showing that the increased cone of depression caused by the well field will not increase the impact on nearby existing wells, or cause an overall reduction in the total amount of groundwater available within the District, any greater than the spacing requirements. (d) (e) (f) Providing an applicant can show, by clear and convincing evidence, good cause why a new well should be allowed to be drilled closer than the required spacing, the issue of spacing requirements will be considered during the permitting process. If the Board chooses to grant a permit to drill a well that does not meet the spacing requirements, the Board may limit the production of the well(s) to minimize injury to existing wells or the aquifer. The Board or General Manager, if authorized by the Board, may, if good cause is shown by clear and convincing evidence, enter special orders or add special permit conditions increasing or decreasing spacing requirements. The hearing notice shall state that the application does not meet spacing requirements of the District, and an exception is requested by the applicant. RULE 13. REWORKING OR REPLACING OF WELL (a) (b) A permit is not required to rework, redrill, or replace an existing well in a manner that will not change the existing well. A permit is required to replace a well, or to rework, redrill, or reequip a well in a manner that would increase the rate of production of the well to a rate of production greater than 25,000 gallons per, consistent with Rule 3. RULE 14. FINAL ORDERS OF THE BOARD A decision by the board on a permit or a permit amendment application is final: (1) if a request for rehearing is not filed on time, on the expiration of the period for filing a motion for rehearing; or (2) if a request for rehearing is filed on time, on the date: (A) the board denies the motion for rehearing or the motion for rehearing is denied by operation of law; or 18

19 (B) the board renders a written decision after rehearing. RULE 15. MEASURING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (a) All groundwater production that has the capability of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day shall be metered or accurately measured by a District-approved method. (b) The accurate reporting and timely submission of pumpage and/or transported volumes is necessary for the proper management of water resources. The permittee or registered well user shall submit complete, accurate, and timely metered pumpage and transport reports as required by the District. 1. A registrant holding a mining permit issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas under Chapter 134, Natural Resources Code, that authorizes the drilling of a water well shall report monthly to the district: (A) (B) (C) the total amount of water withdrawn during the month; the quantity of water necessary for mining activities; and the quantity of water withdrawn for other purposes. 2. A water well used for hydraulic fracturing or other oil and gas production shall report the metered amount of groundwater used within 30 days of each hydraulic fracturing incident. The well shall be registered and metered; and the water user from the well shall accurately and timely report the groundwater production. The registration shall include the name of the (1) surface owner, (2) water rights owner and/or lessee, (3)well owner, and (4) water user. 3. Exempt wells that are solely used for oil and gas rig supply wells under Rule 3(b)(2) shall report usage within 30 days of the rig leaving the site. The well shall be registered and metered; and the water user from the well shall accurately and timely report the groundwater production. The registration shall include the name of the (1) surface owner, (2) water rights owner and/or lessee, (3)well owner, and (4) water user. 4. All other permitted wells shall report metered usage annually to the District, by December 1 st of each year. 19

20 RULE 16. RIGHT TO INSPECT AND TEST WELLS Upon approval by well owner, any authorized officer, employee, agent, or representative of the District shall have the right at all reasonable times to enter upon the lands where a well or wells may be located within the boundaries of the District. District staff may inspect any well or wells on the property, and may read any meter, weir box or other instrument for the purpose of measuring production of water from any well or wells on the property. District staff may take any necessary action to determine the pumping capacity of any well or wells on the property. Any authorized officer, employee, agent, or representative of the District shall have the right at reasonable times to enter upon any land upon which a well or wells may be located within the boundaries of the District for the purposes of testing the pump and the power unit of the well or wells, or making any other reasonable and necessary inspections and tests that may be required or necessary for enforcement of these rules. RULE 17. OPEN WELLS TO BE CAPPED Abandoned and/or deteriorated wells serve as direct conduits to your groundwater or aquifer. The contamination can affect water wells in the area including those used for drinking water, as well as serve as potential hazards for humans and animals. The capping or plugging of abandoned and/or deteriorated wells shall comply with the Texas Department and Licensing and Regulation s Rules for Well Driller s in Title 16 of the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 76. (a) (b) (c) (d) The District may require the owner or lessee of land on which an open, uncovered, abandoned or deteriorated well is located to keep the well permanently closed or capped with a covering capable of sustaining weight of at least 400 pounds, except when the well is in actual use. As used in this section, "open or uncovered well" means an artificial excavation dug or drilled for the purpose of exploring for or producing water from the groundwater reservoir and is not capped or covered as required by Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 756 of the Health and Safety Code. If the owner or lessee fails or refuses to close or cap the well; any person, firm, or corporation employed by the District may go on the land and close or cap the well safely and securely. Reasonable expenses incurred by the District in closing or capping a well constitute a lien on the land on which the well is located, which shall comply with of the Texas Water Code. 20

21 RULE 18. RULES GOVERNING HEARINGS RULE TYPES OF HEARINGS The District conducts two general types of hearings: (1) hearings involving permit matters, in which the rights, duties, or privileges of a party are determined after notice and an opportunity for an adjudicative hearing, and (2) rulemaking hearings involving matters of general applicability that implement, interpret, or prescribe the law or District policy, or that describe the procedure or practice requirements of the District. The District, however, may use its discretion to conduct a hearing on other relevant subject matters. Any matter designated for hearing before the Board may be referred by the Board for hearing before a Hearing Examiner, at the Board s discretion. (a) Permit Hearings: (1) Permit Applications, Amendments, and Revocations: The District will hold hearings on water well drilling permits, operating permits, transport permits, permit renewals or amendments, and permit revocations or suspensions. Hearings involving permit matters may be scheduled before the Board or a Hearing Examiner, at the Board s discretion. If no person notifies the General Manager of their intent to contest the application, and if the General Manager does not contest the application, the application will be presented directly to the Board for a final decision under Rule The Board may grant the application, in whole or in part, or refer the application to the Hearings Examiner for a hearing. If a Person requests a contested case hearing, the Board shall proceed under Rules 18.2,18.4, and (2) Hearings on Motions for Rehearing: Motions for Rehearing will be heard by the Board pursuant to Rule 18.4(o). (b) Rulemaking Hearings: District Management Plan: as required by Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code, the Board will hold hearings to consider amendments to the District s Management Plan and District Rules pursuant to Rule (c) Other Matters: A public hearing may be held on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Board if the Board determines a hearing to be in the public interest, or necessary to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the District. RULE NOTICE AND SCHEDULING OF PERMIT-RELATED HEARINGS. (a) The District shall promptly consider and act on each administratively complete application for a permit. If, within 60 days after the date an administratively complete 21

22 application is submitted, the application has not been acted on or set for a hearing on a specific date, the applicant may petition the District court of the county where the land is located for a writ of mandamus to compel the District to act on the application or set a date for a hearing on the application, as appropriate. Applications that are not administratively complete will be sent back to the applicant with a list of needed information. If the District does not receive an administratively complete application within 60 days of the District sending the incomplete application notice, then the District may consider the application expired. If an incomplete application expires, the applicant will be required to submit a new application and the deadlines under this Rule will begin again. For applications requiring a hearing, the initial hearing shall be held within 35 days after the setting of the date, and the District shall act on the application within 60 days after the date the final hearing on the application is concluded. An administratively complete application requires information set forth in accordance with Sections , , and these Rules. (b) Notice of permit hearing. (1) If the general manager or board schedules a hearing on an application for a permit or permit amendment, the general manager or board shall give notice of the hearing as provided by this section. (2) The notice must include: (a) the name of the applicant; (b) the address or approximate location of the well or proposed well; (c) a brief explanation of the proposed permit or permit amendment, including any requested amount of groundwater, the purpose of the proposed use, and any change in use; (d) the time, date, and location of the hearing; and (e) any other information the general manager or board considers relevant and appropriate. (4) Not later than the 10th day before the date of a hearing, the general manager or board shall: (a) post notice in a place readily accessible to the public at the District office; (b) provide notice to the county clerk of each county in the district; and 22

23 (c) provide notice by: (A) regular mail to the applicant; (B) regular mail, facsimile, or electronic mail to any person who has requested notice under Subsection (4); and (C) regular mail to any other person entitled to receive notice under the rules of the district. (5) A person may request notice from the District of a hearing on a permit or a permit amendment application. The request must be in writing and is effective for the remainder of the calendar year in which the request is received by the district. To receive notice of a hearing in a later year, a person must submit a new request. An affidavit of an officer or employee of the District establishing attempted service by first class mail, facsimile, or to the person in accordance with the information provided by the person is proof that notice was provided by the district. (6) Failure to provide notice under Subsection (3)(c)(B) does not invalidate an action taken by the District at the hearing. (c) The General Manager may schedule as many applications at one hearing as the General Manager deems necessary. The District may require each person who participates in a hearing to submit a hearing registration form stating: (1) the person's name; (2) the person's address; and (3) whom the person represents, if the person is not there in the person's individual capacity. Hearings will be held in accordance with Section 18. (d) (e) Hearings may be scheduled during the District's regular business hours, Monday through Friday of each week, except District holidays. All permit hearings will be held at the District Office. However, the Board may from time to time change or schedule additional dates, times, and places for permit hearings by resolution adopted at a regular Board meeting. The General Manager is instructed by the Board to schedule hearings involving permit matters at such dates, times, and places set forth above for permit hearings. Other hearings will be scheduled at the dates, times, and locations set at a regular Board meeting. The District may assess fees to permit applicants for administrative acts of the District relating to a permit application. Fees set by the District may not unreasonably exceed the cost to the District of performing the administrative function for which the fee is charged. 23

24 RULE DETERMINATION OF CONTESTED STATUS OF PERMIT HEARINGS (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Written Notice of Intent to Contest. Any person who intends to contest a permit application must provide written notice of that intent to the District office within ten (10) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation. If the Board of Directors intends to contest a permit application, the Board of Directors must provide the applicant written notice of that intent at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the hearing. If no notice of intent to contest is received within ten (10) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation, the General Manager as instructed by the Board of Directors, the General Manager or Board President may approve the permit or the Board will consider the permit at the next regular Board meeting as an uncontested permit application. Participation in a Contested Permit Hearing. The Board or Hearing Examiner may limit participation in a hearing on a contested application to persons who have a personal justiciable interest related to a legal right, duty, privilege, power, or economic interest that is within the District's regulatory authority and affected by a permit or permit amendment application, not including persons who have an interest common to members of the public. Informal Hearings. Permit hearings may be conducted informally when, in the judgment of the Board or Hearing Examiner, the conduct of a proceeding under informal procedures will save time or cost to the parties, lead to a negotiated or agreed settlement of facts or issues in controversy, and not prejudice the rights of any party. Agreement of Parties. If, during an informal proceeding, all parties reach a negotiated or agreed settlement that, in the judgment of the Board or Hearing Examiner, settles the facts or issues in controversy, the proceeding will be considered an uncontested case and the Board or Hearing Examiner will summarize the evidence and make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the existing record and any other evidence submitted by the parties at the hearing. Decision to Proceed as Uncontested or Contested Case. If the parties do not reach a negotiated or agreed settlement of the facts and issues in controversy or if any party contests a staff recommendation, and the Board or Hearing Examiner determines these issues will require extensive discovery proceedings, the Board or Hearing Examiner will declare the case to be contested and convene a pre-hearing conference as set forth in Rule 18.4 and The Board or Hearing Examiner may also recommend issuance of a temporary permit for a period not to exceed 4 months, with any special provisions the Board or Hearing Examiner deems necessary, for the purpose of completing the contested case process. Any case not declared a contested case under this provision is an uncontested case and the Board or Hearing Examiner will summarize the evidence, make findings of fact and conclusions of law, and make appropriate recommendations to the Board. 24