Central Utility Plant Modernization Project

2021010381

California State University, Fresno

NOE - Notice of Exemption

1/29/2021

1/29/2021

Existing central heating and cooling plant

Tinnah Medina

California State University, Fresno

Lead/Public Agency

2351 E. Barstow Ave.
Fresno, CA 93740

(559) 278-2373

tinnahcm@csufresno.edu

California State University, Fresno

Project Applicant

Cedar Ave. & Shaw Ave.

93740

Categorical Exemption

(CEQA Guidelines §15302, State class number: Class 2)

The Project is categorically exempt under Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), having met the conditions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15302. The Project would fall under Class 2 as it would modernize and refurbish the Central Utility Plant and replace the distribution piping, while not increasing the production capacity over existing conditions. Additionally, the Project does not meet any of the exceptions for taking a categorical exemption, under CEQA Guidelines §15300.2. The Project is also statutorily exempt from CEQA, as the solar PV system portion of the Project would meet all conditions of CEQA Guidelines §21080.35. The proposed solar PV portion of the project does not include a substation (PRC CEQA Statute §21080.35[b][2]), nor transmission or distribution facilities; is located on the same parcel of the buildings to be served; does not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface; does not occupy an area that contains plants protected by the Native Plant Protection Act; does not require an individual permit pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act, waste discharge requirements pursuant to the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, an individual take permit for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act or the California Endangered Species Act, and/or a streambed alteration permit pursuant to California Fish and Game Code (PRC §21080.35[d]); and does not remove a tree required to be planted, maintained, or protected pursuant to local, state, or federal requirements or a native tree over 25 years old (PRC §21080.35[e]).

Statutory Exemption

(CEQA Statute §21080.35)

The Project is categorically exempt under Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), having met the conditions set forth in CEQA Guidelines §15302. The Project would fall under Class 2 as it would modernize and refurbish the Central Utility Plant and replace the distribution piping, while not increasing the production capacity over existing conditions. Additionally, the Project does not meet any of the exceptions for taking a categorical exemption, under CEQA Guidelines §15300.2. The Project is also statutorily exempt from CEQA, as the solar PV system portion of the Project would meet all conditions of CEQA Guidelines §21080.35. The proposed solar PV portion of the project does not include a substation (PRC CEQA Statute §21080.35[b][2]), nor transmission or distribution facilities; is located on the same parcel of the buildings to be served; does not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface; does not occupy an area that contains plants protected by the Native Plant Protection Act; does not require an individual permit pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act, waste discharge requirements pursuant to the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, an individual take permit for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act or the California Endangered Species Act, and/or a streambed alteration permit pursuant to California Fish and Game Code (PRC §21080.35[d]); and does not remove a tree required to be planted, maintained, or protected pursuant to local, state, or federal requirements or a native tree over 25 years old (PRC §21080.35[e]).