Sycamore Creek Bank Stabilization Project
Summary
SCH Number
2008078163
Public Agency
Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Sycamore Creek Bank Stabilization Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/10/2008
Document Description
The RCD and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) propose to stabilize the channel, bank, and improve riparian habitat along a portion of Sycamore Creek in Santa Clara County, California. Sycamore Creek is a tributary to Uvas Creek, which is designated critical habitat for the South-Central California Coast (S-CCC) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Distinct Population Segment (DPS). Streambank erosion along lower Sycamore Creek delivers fine sediment to Uvas Creek, which degrades salmonid spawning habitat. The proposed Sycamore Creek Bank Stabilization Project (Project) would stabilize and revegetate the channel and over-steepened banks along Sycamore Creek to reduce erosion, control the release of sediment and improve habitat for various species that may utilize the riparian corridor.
The proposed Project would stabilize the streambanks by grading them to a slope of 2h:1v. Numerous large pieces of concrete riprap and other debris would be removed from the bed and banks. At the downstream end of the Project, about 50 feet upstream of an existing concrete weir, a sub-grade sheetpile wall and boulder weirs would be installed to prevent further incision of the channel. The sheetpile would be located downstream of the boulder weirs and would not be visible at the surface or active unless the existing concrete weir were to fail. A series (5) of rock vortex weirs would be constructed in the channel immediately upstream of the sheetpile wall. The rock weirs would act as local grade control features and create a series of step-pools. A 12-inch layer of native stream substrate (gravel/cobble) would be placed in the channel bed throughout the Project reach. The entire riparian area would be revegetated with the application of native seed and installation of woody shrub cuttings and container plants.
Construction of the Project is anticipated to take 45 calendar days. All Project activities, except for revegetation, would occur between August 1 and October 15 to avoid the nesting season of bird species. Revegetation activities would be completed by November 15. The Project is scheduled to be constructed in 2008.
Contact Information
Name
James McKenna
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District, Santa Cruz County
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Morgan Hill
Counties
Santa Clara
Other Location Info
12775 Uvas Rd.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec.15301Class1;Sec.15303Class3
Reasons for Exemption
Sec.15304,Class4
This project is categorically exempt pursuant to Sec. 15333 Small Habitat Restoration Project for the following reasons:
-The project does not exceed five acres in size and assures restoration and enhancement of habitat for plants and wildlife.
-There will be no significant adverse impact on endangered, rare or threatened species or their habitat pursuant to section 15065
-The project will not result in impacts that are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.
-There are no hazardous materials at or around the project site that will be disturbed or removed.
Furthermore, this project corresponds with examples of small restoration projects given in Sec. 15333, and will include the following types of restoration activities and benefits 1) stream or river bank stabilization with native vegetation or other bioengineering techniques, the primary purpose of which is to reduce or eliminate erosion and sedimentation, 2) stream bank revegetation the primary purpose of which is to improve habitat for amphibians and other wildlife, and 3) revegetation of disturbed areas with native plant species.
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.