Emergency Gibraltar Water Tank

2023010320

City of Santa Barbara

NOE - Notice of Exemption

1/18/2023

1/18/2023

Kaitlin Mamulski

City of Santa Barbara, Public Works Engineering

Project Planner

Lead/Public Agency

630 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93102

(805) 897-2685

kmamulski@santabarbaraca.gov

153-030-015

Categorical Exemption

15301 Existing Facilities Class 1

CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (d), Existing Facilities. This Project meets the Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 (d) categorical exemption, because the Project includes adding an emergency temporary water tank as an interim restoration measure until the repair and maintenance of the existing damaged main water tank is completed. The temporary emergency water tank will not result in an expansion of use. Minor subsurface disturbance to connect existing pipes to the temporary water tank is negligible as improvements will occur in ruderal areas with the same depth of disturbance where ground disturbance has already occurred. The Project site is in an area of archaeological sensitivity and a robust Phase I and Phase II Archaeology Report was prepared in 1988 as part of the Gibraltar Dam Strengthening Project. The areas of proposed work will occur in previously disturbed ruderal areas. The area of disturbance is not anticipated to exceed 400 square feet and subsurface disturbance will occur to expose existing pipes connected to the existing water tank and reconnect them to the proposed temporary tank. The same depth of disturbance in previously disturbed areas is proposed, therefore, there it is unlikely for any protentional impact at this specific site. However, because the area is archaeologically sensitive, an archaeological monitor and a Native American monitor will be required during construction. Although the Project site is not located in a mapped fire hazard severity zone, it is adjacent to “Very High” fire hazard severity zones. Because of the minor work proposed and the limited access, it is not anticipated that there will be any fire risks associated with this project. During construction, red flag days will be avoided to reduce risk of fire hazards. The Project site contains an existing above ground water tank, and the proposed temporary emergency tank will match color and blends into the natural surroundings, therefore, the Project is not anticipated to have a visual impact on the environment. In conclusion, the Project will restore essential water supply to the residence of the dam keeper until the repair and maintenance of the existing tank can be completed. The Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards the environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Department recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the repair and maintenance per Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 Categorical Exemption Class 1 (d) and for minor alterations and maintenance of the damaged water structure per the State CEQA Guidelines.