Seismic Monitoring Station
Summary
SCH Number
2021070284
Public Agency
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
(OES)
Document Title
Seismic Monitoring Station
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/16/2021
Document Description
This new station will contribute to the CA Earthquake Early Warning System (CEEWS). This expansion, in accordance with the mission of the USGS, could help protect against loss of life and property during a large earthquake, prevent critical infrastructure damage, and expedite recovery following a large earthquake. The network to which this sensor is connected will contribute real-time data to accurately record and warn people of strong shaking due to earthquakes in the region, and help provide records of ground motion that would be of immense scientific, engineering and public safety value.
Under a renewable five-year research permit with Sequoia National Park, USGS plans to install and operate an outdoor seismic monitoring station at the Lat/Long location noted above. Three-day installation will take place in a roughly 20 ft x 20 ft. area, to install two small structures: 1. 4’x3’x10” sensor vault set on a 6” concrete base, with two attached PVC-pipe postholes (10” diameter) running from center of vault, to a maximum of 10’ into the ground, leading to two seismometers (1 strong motion accelerometer and 1 broadband seismometer); 2. 4’x3’x6” concrete base on which a battery box, solar panel equipment, antenna mounts, and communications equipment are housed. A flexible conduit 1’ deep and 5” wide will connect the two structures. Grounding rods will be inset next to the equipment to protect the site from lightning strikes. Holes for the vault, solar panel mount, and antenna and fence poles will be dug by a small backhoe or hand-operated auger. Access to site is entirely by existing roads and trails. There are no hazardous substances involved. If needed, a small generator (~8 KW) will be used to power a hand-loaded concrete mixer and any other tools needed for the work.
Contact Information
Name
Nate Ortiz
Agency Name
Emergency Services, Office of
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Shepherd’s Saddle Road and Sycamore Drive, Sequoia National Park, CA
36°29'26 "N 118°50'40"W, 36.490556, -118.844444
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3, CEQA Guidelines Section15303, Class 4 Section15304 and Class 6 Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt in accordance with Class 3 as described above; construction of new small weatherproof enclosures to operate seismic sensor equipment for the purpose of data collection (Class 6). In accordance with Class 4, the project described above consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. None of the exceptions to a notice of exemption apply.
County Clerk
Tulare
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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