Middle Fork Surge Shaft Rehabilitation
Summary
SCH Number
2003108165
Public Agency
Placer County Water Agency
Document Title
Middle Fork Surge Shaft Rehabilitation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/9/2003
Document Description
This maintenance project on PCWA's Middle Fork of the American River hydroelectric (hydro) system is intended to rehabilitate the existing cracked concrete surge shaft lining. One of the benefits of this repair work should be the significant reduction of the flow of water leaking from the cracked surge shaft. The surge shaft is a ten foot diameter, 600 foot deep, vertical concrete-lined shaft, installed about 1965, which provides a pressure relief vent for the Middle Fork power tunnel. The power tunnel is a critical feature of the 217 megawatt hydro system. As part of the maintenance project, PCWA and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a partner in the hydro system, plan to install an eight foot diameter circular steel liner in the existing shaft, then fill the gap between the steel liner and the existing lining with concrete. During construction, the hydro system will not be in operation, and the surge shaft will be partially full of water. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that water quality is protected. The project is planned to begin in the Fall of 2004, and is expected to take two to three months. The primary beneficiaries of the project will be the people of Placer County and the customers of PCWA and PG&E.
Contact Information
Name
Jon Mattson
Agency Name
Placer County Water Agency
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Placer
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The project consists of the operation, repair, and maintenance of an existing structure, and involves no expansion of use beyond that previously existing. With proposed safeguards, the project has no significant chance of damage to the environment. The project is necessary to maintain safe and efficient operation of the power generation and water supply system.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.