San Joaquin River Restoration Program Reach 1A Transducers

Summary

SCH Number
2024090825
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Document Title
San Joaquin River Restoration Program Reach 1A Transducers
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/20/2024
Document Description
The project is in Fresno and Madera counties where the San Joaquin River borders the north city limits of Fresno. The Project would include installing eight transducers and one barometric pressure reader (BPR) at Sycamore Island Fishing, Milburn Pond, and Pit 49 Pond connected to the San Joaquin River. Eight In-Situ Rugged Troll transducers and one In-Situ Baro Troll BPR would be installed at fixed locations in the river or connected ponds to record water depth, elevation, and temperature data. The transducers are non-vented with water-tight fittings for the communications cable allowing full submergence during flood flows. A typical installation would consist of locating a clear space on the pond or riverbank. Minor vegetation removal may occur (by hand) but only include nonnative species or native species with a diameter at breast height less than 4 inches. The bulk of the installation would include piecing together the PVC pipe that would be a conduit for the transducer and its cable. The structure would be anchored at the base or linear segment in the water near the riverbed with a precast cement pier block. The pipe would be staked using rebar along the bed and bank to hold it in place against flow. Some entrenchment of the pipe may be used to further hold and protect the pipe from flow and tampering across low-flow exposed areas of the bank. Trenching would occur using hand tools at a maximum depth of 0.5 feet. The exact length of trenching depends on the bank's topography, but the least possible amount of excavation will occur. A standing pipe segment (standpipe) no greater than 18 inches high would be installed with a sweep elbow and ‘T’ post to hold the communications connection above potential sedimentation and low vegetation. The standpipe may be substituted with steel pipe and reinforced with a 12-inch diameter and 6-inch-tall cement base to prevent tampering in locations with a lot of public access. No wet or curing concrete will enter the waterway. A locking cap or plug would be installed at the top of the standpipe to provide communication connection access while maintaining security. DWR completed several projects along the San Joaquin River and is planning to collect data on other potential projects. Installing the transducers in the ponds and river would record surface water levels pre- and post-construction. This data collection will allow DWR to better design proposed projects and monitor past projects for success.

Contact Information

Name
Karen Dulik
Agency Name
California Department of Water Resource
Job Title
Environmental Program Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Cities
Fresno, Madera
Counties
Fresno, Madera
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Road 40 and Avenue 7 1/2, Milburn, Herndon and North Milburn Ave
Other Location Info
The project is in Fresno and Madera counties where the San Joaquin River borders the north city limits of Fresno. The Project would include installing eight transducers and one barometric pressure reader (BPR) at Sycamore Island Fishing, Milburn Pond, and Pit 49 Pond connected to the San Joaquin River.

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6 Information Collection 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded. This project will not result in impacts to any sensitive biological resources. The transducers will collect information that is critical in the monitoring of the river flow. Because this activity can be implemented without any significant environmental impacts, the Categorical Exemptions Class 4 (minor alteration to land), and Class 6 (information collection) will be used for CEQA compliance.

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land 15304(f) - Minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. This project will not result in impacts to any sensitive biological resources. The transducers will collect information that is critical in the monitoring of the river flow. Because this activity can be implemented without any significant environmental impacts, the Categorical Exemptions Class 4 (minor alteration to land), and Class 6 (information collection) will be used for CEQA compliance.
County Clerks
Fresno, Madera

Attachments

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