Remote Automated Weather Station Project
Summary
SCH Number
2017048203
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Remote Automated Weather Station Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/11/2017
Document Description
The Devore CAL Fire RAWS is currently out of compliance with the National Fire Danger Rating System due to its current location. Therefore, the RAWS needs to be relocated. The Devore RAWS site currently doesn't meet the site selection guidelines due to large buildings and trees being too close to the RAWS, extensive paved areas being closer than 50 ft to the unit, large reflective surfaces being located within 50 ft of the unit, and distinct changes in topography due to the newly constructed freeway overpasses and roadways. The RAWS consists of a triangular base with three legs, 20 ft tall mast for a wind sensor, and a small solar panel. The unit is self-contained and is 12 ft x 12 ft x 12 ft on each side. The project site is located at 18958 West Institution Road, San Bernardino, CA 92427. The project site is comprised of native brush which includes yerba santa, California safe, buckwheat, white sage, and rabbitbrush. Elevation is approx 1800 ft. Minimal soil disturbance will consist of spiking the unit's three legs into the ground. The RAWS will require minimal vegetation removal, resulting in a mosaic like fuelbreak, within a 30 ft radius for fire protection. Removal of the brush will be done using hand tools. The installation of the RAWS will be done by approx two people using hand tools and will take about one day. All vehicles will remain on existing roads.
Contact Information
Name
Henry Herrera
Agency Name
Cal Fire
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
San Bernardino
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15303
Reasons for Exemption
The relocation of the RAWS meets the requirements of a class 3, 15303. Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of new small equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. The relocation of the weather station is consistent with the description of activities allowed by a class 3 exemption. Field review by CAL Fire staff confirmed that no exceptions apply, which would preclude the use of a NOE for this project. The department has concluded that not significant environmental impact would occur to aesthetics, ag, forestland, timberland, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology, soils, GHG, hazards, hazardous materials, hydrology, water quality, land use planning, mineral resources, noise, population, housing public services, recreation, transportation, traffic, utilities or service systems. Documentation of environmental review completed by the department is kept on file at 3800 North Sierra Way in San Bernardino, CA.
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