Seismic and Geodetic Monitoring Station
Summary
SCH Number
2023050475
Public Agency
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
(OES)
Document Title
Seismic and Geodetic Monitoring Station
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/18/2023
Document Description
This new station will contribute to the CA Earthquake Early Warning System (CEEWS) designed to potentially save thousands of lives 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 lease with property owner, UC BSL plans to install and operate an outdoor seismic and geodetic monitoring station at the Lat/Long location noted above. Installation will take place in a roughly 100’ x 10’ area, to install four main structures: 1. 4’x3’x10” sensor vault set on a 6” concrete base, with two attached PVC-pipe postholes (10” diameter) running from center of vault, to a maximum of 10’ into the ground, leading to two seismometers (1 strong motion accelerometer and 1 broadband seismometer); 2. 4’x3’x6” concrete base on which a battery box, solar panel equipment, antenna mounts, and communications equipment are housed; 3. A deep drilled braced GNSS monument consisting of a 4-legged structure encased roughly 35’ deep with grout; and 4. a free standing, 18”, three faced Rohn 45 series tower up to 40’ tall that will facilitate data being telemetered to our USGS partner at Moffett Field. A flexible conduit 1’ deep and 5” wide will connect structure 1 and structure 2. Grounding rods will be inset next to the equipment to protect the site from lightning strikes. A drilling rig will be used to construct the drilled holes for the GNSS monument. Access to site is entirely by existing roads and trails. There are no hazardous substances involved.
Contact Information
Name
Jose Lara
Agency Name
Cal OES
Job Title
Program Manager III
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
Lat/Long: at 37.15843, -121.90343, Dot Map ID: UG1045
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 and geodetic 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
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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