Notice of Exemption for Big Sulphur Creek - III Water Extraction Facility Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023020602
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights
Document Title
Notice of Exemption for Big Sulphur Creek - III Water Extraction Facility Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/24/2023
Document Description
Geysers Power Company is proposing to replace its surface water intake facility on Big Sulphur Creek in the Geysers Geothermal Steam Field in Sonoma County, California. The current diversion includes a screened intake that hangs from a bridge and is lowered into the channel when diverting water. Two pumps sit on the channel bank that pump the diverted water approximately 100 vertical feet uphill to an injection well. The new diversion system will include a new screen installed on the creek bed, pumping facilities on the creek bank, and piping system designed to reduce impacts to multiple aquatic species and improve the overall safety and operations of the diversion.
Contact Information
Name
Bryan Muro
Agency Name
State Water Resource Control Board
Job Title
Water Resource Control Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Nearest Township: Middleton
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Big Sulphur Creek Road
Waterways
Big Sulphur Creek
Township
11N
Range
8W
Section
28
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, tit. 14, § 15301; Class 3, tit. 14, § 15303; Class 4, tit. 14, § 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The Project proposes to replace an existing surface water intake along Big Sulphur Creek in the Geysers Geothermal Steam Field to improve efficiency and protect various aquatic species in Sonoma County, California. The Project also includes minor grading and riprap installation along the banks for stabilization purposes. The State Water Board determined that the Project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1, existing facilities (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 15301), Class 3, new construction or conversion of small structures (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 15303), and Class 4, minor alterations to land (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 15304).
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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