Within the affected areas, the Division may predict or
declare when severe drought conditions exist or are expected to exist during a
given year, based on historical, mathematical, meteorological indicators, or
other scientific considerations including, but not limited to, stream flows,
ground-water levels, precipitation forecasts, or the Palmer Drought Severity
Index administered by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration. The severe drought predictions or declarations shall be
developed in consultation with the state climatologist, the state geologist, or
other appropriate experts.
(a) On or
before March 1 of each year, the Division may issue a prediction as to whether
severe drought conditions are expected during that calendar year.
(1) If the historical, mathematical,
meteorological indicators or other scientific considerations do not predict a
severe drought for that specific year, there shall be no implementation of the
rules related to the Flint River Drought Protection Act's auction
provisions.
(2) If the historical,
mathematical, meteorological indicators or other scientific considerations
predict a severe drought for that specific year, and the Division predicts or
otherwise declares a severe drought on or before March 1, then the rules
related to the Flint River Drought Protection Act's auction provisions may be
implemented.
(b) The
Director shall establish acceptable Flint River stream flow measures (in cubic
feet per second), at one or more defined locations.
Notes
Ga. Comp. R.
& Regs. R.
391-3-28-.04
O.C.G.A. ยง
12-5-540
et
seq.
Original Rule entitled
"Drought Fund Establishment and Operation" adopted. F.
Jan. 20, 2006; eff.
Feb. 9, 2006.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Severe Drought
Declaration" adopted. F. June 23, 2006;
eff. July 13, 2006.
Amended: F. May 18,
2015; eff. April 3,
2015, as specified by the
Agency.
