California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2020-041-04 for PG&E In-line Inspection Investigative Digs Project
Summary
SCH Number
2021120509
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4
(CDFW)
Document Title
California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2020-041-04 for PG&E In-line Inspection Investigative Digs Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/22/2021
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued a California Endangered Species Act (CESA; Fish and Game Code, § 2050 et seq.) Incidental Take Permit, No. 2081-2020-041-04, to permit Pacific Gas & Electric Company to incidentally take California tiger salamander which is designated as a threatened species under CESA. (Fish & G. Code § 2050 et seq.; see Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 670.5, subd. (b)(3)(G)).
The ITP authorizes take of California tiger salamander (Covered Species) for activities associated with the PG&E In-line Inspection Investigative Digs Project (Investigative Digs Project) which is necessary to address anomalies identified along Gas Line 301A, which is urgently required for health and human safety. The Investigative Digs Project includes the excavation of five Work Sites along Gas Line 301A to investigate anomalies (i.e. corrosion, dents, or other abnormalities that may compromise the integrity of the pipe) identified during prior in-line inspection of the pipeline. At each Work Site, one bell hole will be excavated to expose the pipe along with up to two sniff holes to facilitate repair of anomalies. In addition to the Work Sites, the Investigative Digs Project will require overland access through annual grassland habitat. Following investigation and repair activities, site restoration will occur. Site restoration will include grading to pre-project contours and conditions and revegetation through application of a seed mix and native topsoil. The Investigative Digs Project is expected to cause the temporary loss of 2.18 acre of habitat for the Covered Species.
Contact Information
Name
Kristie Stein
Agency Name
CDFW
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
San Benito
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
The Project is located along Gas Line 301A west of the City of Hollister, San Benito County, California. The Project encompasses five work sites including a residential area and undeveloped annual grassland habitat. The five work sites are located at the following coordinates: Site #1 (36.86199353°, -121.37655396°), Site #5 (36.88035132°, -121.49342124°), Site #5C (36.84761054°, -121.59691897°), Site #5D (36.84705797°, 121.59962263°), and Site #7 (36.84343705°, -121.60610768°).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15269, subd. (c); Public Resources Code Sec. 21080, subd.(b)(4)
Reasons for Exemption
Approval of this Project is subject to the statutory exemption for “Specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency” (Emergency Project; Pub. Resources Code, §21080, subd. (b)(4)) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Pub. Resources Code, §21000 et seq.). “Emergency” is defined as “A sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services” (Pub. Resources Code, §21060.3).
The Project is necessary to repair anomalies along Gas Pipeline 301A. On November 10, 2021, PG&E provided the following information, “In 2019, PG&E performed an in-line inspection of gas transmission Line 301A. This inspection identified four (4) deformations that require repair within a scheduled time frame. It is imperative that PG&E repair these deformations. Left un-repaired, the deformations may grow in service to and lead to pipeline failure which could result in a hazardous release of gas.” The Project constitutes an emergency measure which is required for immediate health and human safety.
The Project includes the excavation of five Work Sites along Gas Line 301A to investigate anomalies (i.e., corrosion, dents, or other abnormalities that may compromise the integrity of the pipe) identified during prior in-line inspection of the pipeline. At each Work Site, one bell hole will be excavated to expose the pipe along with up to two sniff holes to facilitate repair of anomalies. In addition to the Work Sites, the Project will require overland access through annual grassland habitat. Following investigation and repair activities, site restoration will occur. Site restoration will include grading to pre-project contours and conditions and revegetation through application of a seed mix and native topsoil. The Project is expected to cause the temporary loss of 2.18 acre of habitat for the Covered Species.
Impacts will be minimized and fully mitigated through the implementation of measures required by Incidental Take Permit No. 2081 2020 041 04. Measures include: 1) Monthly Compliance Reports; 2) establishment of avoidance zones; 3) worker education; 4) burrow/crevice excavation; and 5) permanent habitat protection through the purchase of California tiger salamander upland habitat credits at the CDFW approved Sparling Ranch Conservation Bank.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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