Drilling and Construction of Monitoring Wells – Borrego Springs Subbasin
Summary
SCH Number
2023030024
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Drilling and Construction of Monitoring Wells – Borrego Springs Subbasin
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/1/2023
Document Description
The Department of Water Resources Technical Support Services Program proposes to drill and install two single-completion monitoring wells in the Borrego Springs Subbasin in cooperation with Borrego Water District. The purpose of the wells is to fill data gaps within the groundwater monitoring network and provide hydrogeologic data. Construction of the wells is anticipated to conclude by March 31, 2023.
Contact Information
Name
Albert Lu
Agency Name
CA Department of Water Resources
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Borrego Springs
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Southern California, Statewide
Zip
92004
Total Acres
<1
Jobs
1
Township
10S
Range
6E
Section
8
Base
San Bern
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Information Collection, Class 6, 15306, Title 14 CCR
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed Project is categorically exempt under Class 6, Section 15306 because it consists of basic data collection and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a significant impact to an environmental resource.
A preconstruction survey was conducted which revealed no sensitive resources on the proposed Project site. A California Natural Diversity Database search indicates known populations of: Ovis canadensis nelsoni pop. 2, Helianthus niveus ssp. Tephrodes, and Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii to exist within the Clark Lake USGS 7.5’ quad where the proposed project is located. The proposed Project site was scouted for potential activity of these listed species and none was found on the site. The possibility exists that the bighorn sheep species listed above may be present in the nearby mountains and hills, but the construction activities would be a transitory disturbance and the animal would be able to avoid the construction area. The DWR construction monitor will conduct a daily survey for nesting birds. If evidence of nesting birds is found, construction will halt until the birds conclude nesting behavior. The proposed project site is located on the landowner’s orchard, thus the area is already heavily disturbed and unsuitable for habitation.
Visqueen or a similar type of plastic sheeting will be placed under all equipment to reasonably prevent minor equipment oil or fluids to drip onto the ground. Water, fluids, and hazardous materials would not be expected to contact the ground. The adjacent roadway has no vehicle traffic and will not require traffic control measures.
Overall, no significant impacts would be anticipated for biological resources, air quality, visual impact, water quality, land surface, or historic and archaeological resources. Operation of the drill rig would create noise; the completed monitoring wells would be silent.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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