San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) Artificial Redds and Scour Chains Installation and Data Collection

Summary

SCH Number
2010068168
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Document Title
San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) Artificial Redds and Scour Chains Installation and Data Collection
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/15/2010
Document Description
Sediment transport and accumulations of sand and silt in and around salmonid spawning habitats are critical elements of the planning and restoration design for the SJRRP. The accumulation of sand and finer materials within salmon spawning nests (redds) may have a significant impact on intragravel flow, which is necessary for oxygenation and successful incubation of the salmon embryos. The project activities are meant to provide data to evaluate how the flow regime affects the quality of redds. The results of the evaluation will assist in the restoration design of the river. DWR will install 12 artificial redds in three chosen riffle sites in the bed of the river in Reach 1A. The exact placement will be selected in the field to locate sites with appropriate water depth and velocity, and bed materials for salmon spawning. Scour chains will be installed across the channel ~10 ft downstream of a pair of redds to measure the net depth of scour and fill that naturally takes place around the artificial redd during heightened discharge events. Approximately 14 scour chains will be located along straight lines perpendicular to the flow direction and spaced 10 ft apart from one another. Exact number of scour chains used for each pair of redds will depend on the channel width. Based on our field observations the average channel width is ~140 ft. A maximum of 84 scour chains will be installed. These activities, including installation, sample collection and maintenance, are planned to be performed by visiting each site immediately after high flow events when flows return to safe levels for river channel access. The installation of each piece of equipment will be temporary and will be removed from the river bed after the study is completed.

Contact Information

Name
Kevin Faulkenberry
Agency Name
California Department of Water Resources
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Cities
Fresno, Madera
Counties
Fresno

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Continued: Class 6, Section 15306 This project will not result in impacts to any special status species. The transducers will collect information that is critical in the monitoring of the river flow. Because this activity can be implemented without any significant environmental impacts, the Categorical Exemptions Class 4 (minor alteration to land or maintenance), and Class 6 (information collection) will be used for CEQA compliance.

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.

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