-Editorial
At the November 19 meeting held in La Quinta, California, Imperial Irrigation District (IID) General Manager Jaime Asbury recommended that the district no longer requires a standalone Environmental Department. Following an internal assessment, Asbury concluded that, apart from compliance-related components, IID’s existing departments are effectively managing environmental issues.
In May 2024, the IID Board of Directors adopted a governance structure that introduced several strategic direction policies, including SD-10: Environmental Stewardship. This policy outlined the district’s commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and efficient resource management. It emphasized goals such as minimizing environmental impacts, preserving regional resources, adhering to environmental laws, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
Recognizing the growing importance of environmental initiatives and the challenges posed by IID’s geography, the Board approved Resolution 18-2024. This resolution directed the general manager to assess whether a dedicated environmental department would enhance IID’s ability to meet its stewardship goals. The evaluation, detailed in a comprehensive report, addressed functions, structure, staffing, budget, and overall viability of such a department.
IID’s environmental functions are currently distributed across multiple units within the General Services and Water Departments. Each plays a distinct role in compliance, mitigation, and operational oversight.
The General Services Department comprises the Compliance Services Unit and the Hazardous Materials Unit, each playing a crucial role in supporting IID’s operations. The Compliance Services Unit ensures adherence to environmental laws like NEPA and CEQA by managing permitting, encroachment reviews, and mitigation efforts for development projects. Staffed by a Compliance Administrator, a Program Development Specialist, and a Regulatory Compliance Specialist, this unit issued 149 responsible agency letters and participated in over 47 project-related meetings in 2024. Meanwhile, the Hazardous Materials Unit focuses on managing oil, waste, air permits, dust mitigation, and water treatment compliance. Its five-member team oversees regulatory requirements related to local air and environmental health permits, supporting both power and water operations through daily compliance activities.
The Environmental Mitigation Section focuses on compliance for the water department’s operational and maintenance activities. This includes implementing programs tied to the Quantification Settlement Agreement, the Salton Sea, and other conservation projects. Seven staff members ensure adherence to environmental regulations and mitigation agreements specific to water resources.
The report emphasized that while IID’s environmental functions are well-managed, increasing demands from capital projects and regional development require additional resources. Key findings revealed that the Compliance Services and Hazardous Materials units are operationally strong under their current structures, but the Compliance Services Unit is under growing pressure due to escalating regulatory obligations and development projects. With only two staff members, this unit is insufficient to manage the rising workload, necessitating additional personnel to ensure compliance with environmental laws, especially for capital plans and Coachella Valley projects. Furthermore, the report recommended closer legal oversight from the General Counsel’s office to address the complex legalities of environmental compliance, enhance regulatory guidance, and mitigate litigation risks.
The report advises against establishing a standalone environmental department, recommending instead a strategic realignment of resources to bolster environmental compliance and sustainability. Key recommendations include transferring the Compliance Administrator and Program Development Specialist roles to the General Counsel’s office for enhanced legal and regulatory oversight while retaining the Regulatory Compliance Specialist within General Services for operational support.
To address rising workload demands, the report suggests hiring an additional compliance specialist to ensure IID meets its environmental obligations. It also recommends appointing an executive-level liaison under the General Manager’s office to serve as a point of contact for developers, agencies, and stakeholders, thereby improving IID’s visibility and commitment to environmental stewardship. Lastly, the General Counsel’s office should regularly assess workload demands and add staff or consultants as necessary to sustain compliance and mitigate risks.
