Force Main Slip Lining Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024070989
Public Agency
Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency
(BBARWA)
Document Title
Force Main Slip Lining Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/25/2024
Document Description
On July 24, 2024, the BBARWA Board of Directors approved the Force Main Slip Lining Project ("Project").
The 16-inch force main operates under high pressure, delivering all wastewater from the City of Big Bear Lake to the Agency's Wastewater Treatment Plant. On March 11, 2023, the Agency was notified of a sewage spill near 42825 Big Bear Blvd., where staff discovered a 4-inch hole in the force main. On April 15, 2023, the Agency was alerted to a second sewage spill at the same location, revealing a 2-inch hole in the force main. Upon reviewing the construction drawings, it was determined that hydrogen sulfide gas, accumulating at the top of the pipe during low flow conditions, likely caused the corrosion.
While emergency repairs were performed on these holes, the potential for a spill into Stanfield Marsh, recent high flows from the City of Big Bear Lake, limited storage at the Garstin ponds, and the risk of an influent overflow remains. A recent investigation revealed these repairs are necessary to avoid such risks.
The project involves slip lining approximately 3,300 linear feet of existing 16-inch force main in certain parts of the BBARWA service area. All activities will occur within BBARWA's right-of-way.
Contact Information
Name
David Lawrence
Agency Name
Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Big Bear Lake
Counties
San Bernardino
Regions
Citywide
Other Location Info
Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency service area
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 Cal. Code Regs. (State CEQA Guidelines), section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed Project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, §15301, Existing Facilities ("Class 1"). The Class 1 exemption allows, in part, for the repair of existing public mechanical equipment that will result in negligible or no expansion of former use. This includes the rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety. Here, the Project proposes repairs to the force main line, which are necessary to meet current standards of public health and safety and avoid any future risk. Through slip lining, the Project will repair the damaged force main line with negligible or no expansion of its former use.
Finally, none of the "exceptions" to the categorical exemptions apply under State CEQA Guidelines § 15300.2.
County Clerk
San Bernardino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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