Caltrans Encroachment Permits for the Digital 299 Fiber Optic Broadband Project
11 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2022010017
Lead Agency
California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC)
Document Title
Caltrans Encroachment Permits for the Digital 299 Fiber Optic Broadband Project
Document Type
NOD - Notice of Determination
Received
Posted
7/20/2023
Document Description
Vero Fiber Networks, Inc. (Vero) is proposing to build the Digital 299 Fiber Optic Broadband Project, which would install approximately 300 miles of new conduit and fiber optic cables to provide internet to unserved or underserved communities in northern California. The project route generally follows the state route 299 corridor through Humboldt county and would include working within Caltrans’ right-of-way. Conduit would be installed along adjacent roads within pre-disturbed road shoulders. At water crossings, conduit would be attached to bridges or bored under the waterway. Disturbance to waterways would only occur if waterways were not holding water at the time of construction. Some last-mile connections would be attached to utility poles during a second phase of the project. The project also includes the construction of up to five small regeneration buildings (in-line amplifier [ILA] buildings) placed along the route. While the specific locations of the ILA buildings are presently unknown, Vero would supplement this analysis and permitting as necessary prior to construction of the regeneration buildings, which are all expected to be sited on private land. ILA buildings would not be placed in areas with sensitive biological or cultural resources, and Vero would strive to construct the buildings in pre-disturbed lo-cations. Vero prepared a joint NEPA/CEQA environmental document (i.e., an environ-mental assessment/initial study with a mitigated negative declaration) and a notice of determination for the project. The California Public Utilities Commission is the CEQA lead agency. A NEPA lead agency has not been determined. Caltrans, acting as a re-sponsible agency, has reviewed the joint environmental document and adopted the findings in the notice of determination. Caltrans will issue encroachment permits for work occurring within Caltrans’ right-of-way provided that all applicable environmental commitments identified in the joint environmental document are implemented.
Contact Information
Name
Cassie L Nichols
Agency Name
Caltrans
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Responsible Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Humboldt
Regions
Northern California
State Highways
Highway 299
Notice of Determination
Approving Agency
Caltrans
Approving Agency Role
Responsible Agency
Approved On
Determinations
(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment
No
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(2b) A Mitigated or a Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
(2c) An other document type was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project
Yes
(4) A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted for this project
Yes
(5) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project
No
(6) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
Attachments
Notice of Determination
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