Highgrove Landfill Pilot Test Remedial Action Plan

2022060423

Riverside County

NOE - Notice of Exemption

6/20/2022

6/20/2022

Ryan Ross

Riverside County Department of Waste Resources

Planning Division Manager

Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant

14310 Frederick St
Moreno Valley, CA 92553

(951) 486-3200

rmross@rivco.org

92507

259330013, 255240015, 255240004, 255240011, 255240017, 257180017

Closed Highgrove Landfill

Categorical Exemption

15061(b)(3); 15301; 15306

Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule Exemption The activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This project is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) because: The Project proposes to utilize the existing infrastructure of the RCDWR’s groundwater pump and treat system (PNT) to conduct a bioaugmentation pilot test using existing pump and treat wells. The Project involves no expansion of approved uses and would not have a direct, indirect, or cumulatively significant effect on the environment. The Project would not have an effect on environmental resources, as such the Project meets the scope and intent of Section 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption. Based upon the entire record, the Project would not result in the potential for any significant effect on the environment. This determination is an issue of fact and sufficient evidence exists in the record that the activity will not have a significant effect on the environment. As such, the exemption applies and no further evaluation under CEQA is required. See Muzzy Ranch Co. v. Solano County Airport Land Use Comm’n (2007) 41 Cal. 4th 372. Section 15301, Existing Facilities Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. This project is exempt under Section 15301 because: The Project proposes to utilize the existing infrastructure of the RCDWR’s groundwater pump and treat system (PNT) for the Pilot Test. The RCDWR shall use elements of the PNT system to create an injection and recirculation system. Nearby groundwater wells that are part of the PNT system shall not be operated during the Pilot Test. As such, the Project is found not to affect any environmental resources; therefore, the Project meets the scope and intent of Section 15301, Categorical Exemption. Section 15306, Information Collection Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in serious or major disturbances to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted or funded. This project is exempt under Section 15306 because: The Project proposes to continue RCDWR’s ongoing Engineering Feasibility Study which involves site visits and data gathering. The Project does not affect any environmental resources; therefore, the Project meets the scope and intent of Section 15306, Categorical Exemption.