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are removed, however, the soil of a vineyard is ripped and the
drip irrigation system, with the exception of some of the drip
hoses and sprinklers, is destroyed, rendering the components
unusable. “Ripping” is a process by which the hardpan (crusted
surface of the ground) is opened and broken by means of dragging
a large knifelike device through the ground. Normally, ripping
takes place when vines are being removed for the planting of new
vines. Drip irrigation systems are not designed or constructed
to be permanent and may be removed from the ground. The removal,
however, results in all piping, with the exception of the main
lines that carry the water supply to the block, manifolds,
valves, and possibly some drip tubing, being rendered unusable.
The local California county’s (Sonoma) taxing authority
treats the drip irrigation systems as property used in vineyard
development and not as land improvement.
The Well
Water used by petitioners for all uses on their farm
property is supplied by a well. In May 1998, petitioners began
the process of replacing their old well with a new one. A well
permit was approved November 25, 1998, and construction of a new
well began on January 18 and was completed on February 5, 1999.
The boring of the new well was 17 inches in diameter and drilled
to a depth of 156 feet. A 12-inch PVC casing was inserted in the
well and set by means of fine sand poured into the boring around
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Last modified: November 10, 2007