Community Air Grant- Community Monitoring at the Salton Sea Air Basin
Summary
SCH Number
2018128542
Public Agency
California Air Resources Board
(ARB)
Document Title
Community Air Grant- Community Monitoring at the Salton Sea Air Basin
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/21/2018
Document Description
Comite Civico Del Valle will use community air grants to maintain and further expand a particulate matter monitoring program (IVAN Air Monitoring Network), as well as pilot a methane monitoring program in the Eastern Coachella Valley. CCV will first calibrate, select site location, and deploy Dylos C1700 monitors, (approx 125x90x185 mm and weighing around 16oz). Then they will calibrate and deploy Alphasense methane sensors, (14"x12"x8"). After deployment of both monitors and sensors, they will disseminate and analyze data from both the Dylos C1700 and the Alphasense methan sensors. Both monitors and sensors will be installed at existing buildings such as residences, schools, or public or private facilities, in the communities of the Eastern Coachella Valley. At locations where there is no position that meets EPA and CARB siting guidelines, CCV will install monitoring equipment with a 5-ft aluminum pole and screws to hosting site. CCV may be required to obtain encroachment permits where monitors and sensors will be co-located for collaboration and calibration. Sensor and monitor data will be relayed, wirelessly through cellular technology, to an existing on-line data visualization network for public viewing presented on the IVAN Air Monitoring Network.
Contact Information
Name
Rachel Pallatin
Agency Name
Air Resources Board
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Imperial, Riverside
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15061b3, 15301, 15306
Reasons for Exemption
In accordance with CEQA, the use of the common sense exemption is based on the "general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment." The use of this exemption is appropriate if it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." With certainty, there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
The project also qualifies as a class 1 exemption under Article 19 of categorical exemptions, section 15301, b/c the activities proposed involve minor alteration of existing public structures. Dylos C1700 Monitors and Alphasense methane sensors are small devices installed or mounted on walls, panels or poles. Typical installation of the devices does not involve construction, trenching or ground disturbing activities. Both monitors and sensors will be installed at existing buildings such as residences, schools, or public or private facilities. The proposed deployment does not expand existing use of the structures. The installation will require a 5-ft aluminum pole placed where there is no position that meets EPA and CARB siting guidelines. Installation of this aluminum pole requires a minimal addition of four screws to hosting site. The project also qualifies as a class 6 exemption under article 19 of categorical exemptions, 15306, b/c the activities proposed involve collection of info and does not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
The project will not result in any specific or general exceptions to the use of categorical exemption as detailed under CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2, b/c the project will not cause an impact to an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern nor does the project have unusual circumstances that could possibility have a significant effect on the environment. The project would not result in impacts to scenic highways, hazardous waste sites, historic resources, or other sensitive natural environments, or have a cumulative effect to the environment. No significant environmental impacts are anticipated to occur.
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.