Santa Rita Ranch Acquisition and Flow Enhancement Project
2 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020040054
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights
Document Title
Santa Rita Ranch Acquisition and Flow Enhancement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/27/2024
Document Description
The project involves the approval of Water Code section 1707 petitions filed by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County for a permissive instream flow dedication for two water right licenses of up to 234 acre-feet of water per year in Santa Rita Creek.
Contact Information
Name
Matthew McCarthy
Agency Name
State Water Resources Control Board
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Templeton
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Unincorporated
Zip
93465
Total Acres
1,715
Parcel #
046-041-065
Airports
Mac Gillivray Airport
Waterways
Santa Rita Creek tributary to Paso Robles Creek thence the Salinas River
Township
27 S
Range
10 E
Section
1
Base
MDBM
Other Location Info
3520 Old Creek Rd, Templeton, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Classes 1, 4, 7, and 8 (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15301, 15304, 15307, and 15308.)
Reasons for Exemption
The project meets the Class 1 categorical exemption for existing facilities. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301.) The project involves negligible or no expansion of use beyond what existed at the time the State Water Board approved the change.
The project meets the Class 4 categorical exemption for minor alterations to water and land. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15304.) This exemption consists of “minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation.” (Id., italics added.) While the area is not an “officially designated wildlife management area” or “fish production facility” under the example listed in subdivision (d) of the regulation, it will “result in improvement of habitat for fish and wildlife resources or greater fish production.” (Id.)
The project meets the Class 7 and 8 categorical exemptions for actions by regulatory agencies for the protection of natural resources and the environment (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15307 & 15308). These exemptions apply to actions authorized under state law to assure the “maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection” natural resources and the environment. The very purpose of Water Code section 1707 is for “preserving or enhancing wetlands habitat, fish and wildlife resources” in the water. (Wat. Code, § 1707.)
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).
Reasons for Exemption
It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. The release of stored water from the reservoir can mimic natural flow conditions. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).)
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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