Geotechnical Investigation for the Vic Trace Replacement Project

2024070051

City of Santa Barbara

NOE - Notice of Exemption

7/1/2024

7/1/2024

Kaitlin Mamulski

City of Santa Barbara, Public Works Engineering

Project Planner

Lead/Public Agency

PO Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990

(805) 897-2685

kmamulski@santabarbaraca.gov

035-033-031

Categorical Exemption

Section 15301 and Section 15306

CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities. This Project meets Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 categorical exemption, because the future replacement will be informed by this seismic and geotechnical investigation of the reservoir area. CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 Information Collection. This Project meets Section 15306 Information Collection Class 6 categorical exemption, because the information collection and resource evaluation activities will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Noise. Subsurface excavation will occur around the reservoir site with the potential to create noise and vibration at levels less than 65 dBA. The short-term noise related impacts associated with the exploratory work will comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance. No work will be allowed outside of the authorized working hours of 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Therefore, the noise effects are considered less than significant. Parks and Recreation. A small portion of the parcel contains an area of unimproved park land; however, the exploratory investigation work will be limited to a small 5 ft by 5 ft by 5 ft test pit with hand tools and will be restored to grade same day. Therefore, the effect on recreation is considered less than significant. Trees. Although the site contains trees over 4-inches in diameter at a height of 4-and-one-half-feet above grade, no trees will be distributed during the geotechnical investigation and onsite activity. Therefore, the effect on trees is considered less than significant. In conclusion, the Project will perform an onsite geotechnical investigation and analysis of the Vic Trace Reservoir and surrounding area. Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards the environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Department recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the Class 1, 15301 and Class 6, 15306 categorical exemptions of the CEQA Guidelines.