Geotechnical Investigations for High Sierra Crossings Museum at Donner Memorial SP
Summary
SCH Number
2005098270
Public Agency
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Document Title
Geotechnical Investigations for High Sierra Crossings Museum at Donner Memorial SP
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/21/2005
Document Description
The project is a new visitor center, parking lot and entrance road at Donner MSP. This PEF is for the geotechnical investigation necessary to properly site and design the project. The investigation will be done in two phases, with a preliminary investigation to determine the overall subsurface conditions and depth to groundwater. In phase 1, up to six borings will be advanced to a maximum depth of 20 feet to determine subsurface conditions. Soil samples will be collected for laboratory testing. Temporary piezometers will be installed in three borings to monitor groundwater levels and determine seasonal variations (for infiltration system design).
During phase 2, additional borings (4-6) will be advanced to depths of 30 feet in the building area (~ 4 borings) and to shallower depths (10 feet max) in the parking lot and road alignment areas. If needed, 2-3 holes for percolation testing will also be drilled in the approximate areas of the proposed infiltration system (bioswales). The drill rig for Phase 1 and the shallower borings of Phase 2 will most likely be a Hollow Stem Auger, allowing for screening of the cuttings by DPR archaeologists. For the Phase 2 deeper borings, the drill rig will most likely be mud rotary to advance through the cobbles and boulders present. If mud rotary is used, all bentonite drilling fluids will be contained and recirculated. A Spill Prevention and Containment Plan will be developed to prevent releases of drilling fluids to nearby water bodies such as Donner Creek.
Borings will be abandoned using cuttings or bentonite slurry or chips, depending on the requirements of Nevada County. The upper one foot will be backfilled with native soil. All excess cuttings and drilling fluid will be contained on site during drilling and then removed off site to be properly disposed. The piezometers will be monitored by District staff for up to one year, then be decommissioned according to Nevada County requirements.
Contact Information
Name
Susan Wilcox
Agency Name
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Nevada
Other Location Info
Donner Memorial State Park
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Project consists of basic data collection and resource evaluation activities that will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource, included as "soils and structural engineering tests" on the departmental list of exempt activities, in accordance with CCR § 15300.4.
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