Joint Transmission Main (JTM) U2R3-R4 Cathodic Protection System Improvements
Summary
SCH Number
2020100436
Public Agency
South Coast Water District
Document Title
Joint Transmission Main (JTM) U2R3-R4 Cathodic Protection System Improvements
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/23/2020
Document Description
The Joint Transmission Main (JTM) is a 60-inch water pipeline that was constructed in 1961 to convey potable water from a Metropolitan Water District (MWD) connection in Irvine, California to Bradt Reservoir and Schlegel Reservoir in San Clemente, California. Collectively, these facilities comprise the Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS), a section of which is contract operated by South Coast Water District ("District';. The District plans to install or improve cathodic protection equipment at 13 locations within JTM easement along approximately three miles of the pipeline route. Improvements to the cathodic protection system would be completed at existing manways, vaults, airvacs, or similar pipeline access locations. All project work would be within a 20-foot JTM easement. Six of the work locations are at "off-road" sites (Figure 1) and the remaining 7 sites are within or adjacent to paved roads in urban areas. Project work at each of the JTM cathodic protection system locations would generally be confined to a small work area of approximately BxB feet. Some locations will require an excavation to a depth of 10 to 12 feet and may require a somewhat larger work area. When completed, the surface equipment would be similar to the existing features. Construction is expected to take approximately four months, however work at any individual site would generally require only one to five days. Some locations along the JTM easement have become overgrown and may require vegetation removal within the work area. No trees would be removed for construction.
Contact Information
Name
Rick Shintaku
Agency Name
South Coast Water District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills
Counties
Orange
Other Location Info
JTM Easement from City of Laguna Hills to City of Aliso Viejo, CA.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15302 (Class 2) (c)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from environmental review with the following findings:
(a) CEQA Guidelines list classes of projects that have been determined to not have a significant effect on the environment and are therefore exempt from the provisions of CEQA
• Section 15302 (Class 2) (c) categorically exempt replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. The improved cathodic protection equipment will not change the capacity or operation of the JTM in any way.
• Section 15304 (Class 4) categorically exempt minor alterations to land. The proposed project consists of only minor alterations to land. The work areas will be restored when work is completed.
(b) The work areas are without natural or native vegetation that does not provide habitat for any sensitive species. No sensitive habitat or special status species would be adversely affected by the project.
(c) Review by District staff indicates there are no unusual circumstances associated with the project or the property that would require further environmental review.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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