Rule 391-3-28-.04. Severe Drought Declaration

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.

1. (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. (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. (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.
2. (b) The Director shall establish acceptable Flint River stream flow measures (in cubic feet per second), at one or more defined locations.

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 12-5-540et seq.

History. 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Repealed: New Rule entitled "Severe Drought Declaration" adopted.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.