Drilling and Construction of Monitoring Well G9 – Indio Subbasin
Summary
SCH Number
2024030482
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Drilling and Construction of Monitoring Well G9 – Indio Subbasin
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/14/2024
Document Description
The Department of Water Resources Technical Support Services Program proposes to drill and install one single-completion monitoring well in the Indio Subbasin in cooperation with the landowner, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). 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 last 3-4 weeks.
Drilling will consist of initially setting a 16-inch by 50-foot permanent conductor casing to advance a 10-inch-diameter boring. The monitoring well will be drilled up to 300 feet below ground surface (bgs) in the shallow aquifer zone. Geophysical logging performed within the boring include gamma ray; spontaneous potential; short-normal, long-normal and point electrical resistivity logs; vertical deviation; and a caliper survey. After the geophysical logs have been completed and formation samples evaluated, DWR will construct a target well screen of 100-250 feet bgs and seal the well.
All drill cuttings will be stockpiled on-site with the potential for re-use. Fluid and drill cuttings are expected to be nonhazardous and will be sampled and analyzed for constituents for concern prior to disposal. Should soil testing within the drill cutting reveal contaminants of concern above threshold levels, cuttings are to be disposed of at a designated waste facility. All drilling fluids and borehole water will be containerized in plastic lined roll-off bins and disposed of at a designated waste facility unless otherwise specified by DWR or CVWD.
Contact Information
Name
Vanessa Velasco
Agency Name
California Department of Water Resources
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
La Quinta
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide, Countywide
Parcel #
777-280-013
Township
6S
Range
7E
Section
4
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6
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. The state listed threatened and endangered species within the California Natural Diversity Database and USFW’s IPaC resource list with the potential to occur in the region according to the Indio USGS 7.5’ quad are: desert tortoise, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, desert pupfish, Peninsular bighorn sheep, and Least Bell’s vireo. The proposed project site was scouted for potential activity of these listed species or their habitat and none was found on the site. The possibility exists that Peninsular bighorn sheep species 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 proposed project site is void of trees and trees adjacent to the site are mostly ornamental and nonnative.
Should the proposed activities occur during bird nesting season between February 15 – September 15, 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 or measures are implemented to avoid any impacts to the nesting birds. Proposed well drilling activities are not anticipated to affect nesting migratory birds, occupied nests, or eggs if they occur.
The Cortese List was reviewed, and the proposed project is not within or impacting any landfills, contaminated, or hazardous waste site. 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. All construction activities will occur on the parcels and not require traffic control measures on adjacent streets.
The project will adhere to the noise ordinance set by the county and implement noise barriers if needed to avoid impacts to the community.
Overall, no significant impacts would be anticipated for biological, air quality, noise, visual, water quality, land surface, or historic and archaeological resources.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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