Seismic Monitoring Station
Summary
SCH Number
2023040347
Public Agency
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
(OES)
Document Title
Seismic Monitoring Station
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/13/2023
Document Description
This new station will contribute to the CA Earthquake Early Warning System (CEEWS) designed protect against the loss of life and property during a large earthquake, prevent critical infrastructure damage, and expedite recovery following a large earthquake. The network to which this sensor is connected will contribute real-time data to accurately record and warn people of strong shaking due to earthquakes in the region, and help provide records of ground motion that would be of immense scientific, engineering, and public safety value.
Under a renewable site access permit with a private landowner, USGS plans to install and operate an outdoor seismic monitoring station at the Lat/Long location noted above. Three-day installation will take place in a roughly 20 ft x 20 ft. area, to install two small structures located within an approximately 10 ft by 30 ft area: Structure 1 would be a cabinet that houses the solar array, battery backup power, satellite tracking receiver/antenna and a cell antenna for real-time data transfer. Structure 2 would be a vault for the earthquake sensors covered by a concrete pull box. Construction of the site would include digging two post holes, each approximately 3 feet deep by 1 foot wide. One post hole would be for the cabinet and mast for the antenna and solar panel and the second post hole for the earthquake sensor. A short trench would be dug between the two holes and a liquid-tight conduit would run between the vault and the cabinet and then buried. Concrete would be poured in the first hole with a metal pole that would act as the mast for the antennas and solar panel. A small concrete pad would be poured at surface level, on which the cabinet that houses the electronics would sit. The second post hole would include an 8-inch diameter PVC pipe in the hole that would be secured with grout/concrete. A concrete pull box would be placed around the pipe and secured with grout/concrete. The box would be buried almost flush with ground surface, leaving the top few inches above grade. Access to site is entirely by existing roads and trails. There are no hazardous substances involved. If needed, a small generator (~8 KW) will be used to power a hand-loaded concrete mixer and any other tools needed for the work. All spoils would be removed from the site and disposed in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Contact Information
Name
Jose Lara
Agency Name
Cal OES
Job Title
Program Manager III
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
San Bernardino
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Coordinates: (35.14978, -118.197) Station name: Cache Creek, CI.CCK
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3, CEQA Guidelines Section15303, Class 4 Section15304 and Class 6 Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt in accordance with Class 3 as described above; construction of new small weatherproof enclosures to operate seismic sensor equipment for the purpose of data collection (Class 6). In accordance with Class 4, the project described above consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. None of the exceptions to a notice of exemption apply.
County Clerk
San Bernardino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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