Trestle Encampment Cleanup Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024110014
Public Agency
City of Petaluma
Document Title
Trestle Encampment Cleanup Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/1/2024
Document Description
This project is being undertaken to protect the Petaluma River and prevent future damage to the riparian channel from encampments of unhoused. The purpose of the Trestle Encampment Cleanup Project is to remediate two unpermitted encampments on private property near the Petaluma River that are a public safety issue for the unhoused residing there and for the surrounding areas. The City is coordinating with property owners where the encampments have been formed, as well as with at least one representative from all City departments and lead representatives from local partners, such as HomeFirst, DST, and COTS, on project planning. The week of September 30, 2024, the City received notice of funding award for the Project and is taking immediate action to mobilize cleanup efforts. The encampment at APNs: 007-391-009, 007-391-005 is located within an area of approximately 20,000 square feet from 15 to 300 feet of the top of bank of the Petaluma River in a riparian area. The encampment at APNs: 048-142-015, 048-142-014 is located in an area of approximately 10,000 square feet from 15 to 120 feet of the Petaluma River in a riparian area. Both encampment areas are partially or wholly within the floodway of the Petaluma River. The encampment includes unpermitted structures such as shed-like buildings, retaining walls built into the embankment of the river, and other modifications that have altered the riverbank and are not safe for human habitation.
On September 30, 2024 residents of the encampments were notified that an abatement was in process due to public safety issues. HomeFirst, DST, and COTS provided outreach, supplies, and shelter options. The encampments were red tagged by Code Enforcement on October 8, 2024, signaling to encampment residents that they could move items out, but no longer reside at the encampments. All service providers continue to case conference all individuals that resided at the encampment and provide them services.
A remediation plan was then put in place with both property owners to remove any and all encampments from both properties. Remediation will include removal of all structures and waste accumulated on the site. Heavy machinery including but not limited to bulldozers, front-end loaders, and backhoes as well as hand tools such as chainsaws and shovels may be used in the areas outside of the top of the bank of the Petaluma River. Top of bank shall be marked by a biologist retained by the Department of Public Works. Unpermitted encampment debris and structures within the top of bank will be removed by personnel using hand tools.
All work crews will be protected from exposure to hazardous waste and materials by personal protection equipment (PPB) including gloves, face masks, and full body coverage where necessary. All debris will be placed in containers provided by Recology and transported offsite for disposal at a licensed facility. All biohazardous material, including human waste and impacted soils will be removed by FS Global Solutions and disposed in appropriate facilities. Nonnative, invasive blackberry brambles and other brush will be removed from both sites to eliminate cover and prevent future encampments from being built in this area. No protected trees will be removed without a Tree Removal Permit issued from the City of Petaluma. FS Global Solutions will direct the installation of erosion control treatments including but not limited to mulch cover and straw wattles where necessary to prevent topsoil erosion into the waterway where necessary. The debris removal and site remediation work will occur from October 31, 2024 until completed but no later than November 22, 2024. All work will pause during any periods of rainfall and will recommence after soils have dried.
Contact Information
Name
Karen Shimizu
Agency Name
City of Petaluma Community Development Department
Job Title
Deputy Community Development Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Petaluma
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Cinnabar Road and Petaluma Boulevard
Zip
94952
Total Acres
0.7
Parcel #
048-142-015, 048-142-014, 007-391-009, 007-391-005
State Highways
101
Railways
SMART Railway
Airports
Petaluma Municipal Airport
Schools
Petaluma City School District Schools
Waterways
Petaluma River, Capri Creek, Corona Creek, Lynch Creek
Township
N/A
Range
N/A
Section
N/A
Base
N/A
Other Location Info
196 Cinnabar Road, 0 Petaluma Blvd North
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 15304 (Minor Alterations), Class 15321 (Enforcement Actions), Class 15330 (Minor Actions to Prevent)
Reasons for Exemption
Additionally, the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 153004, Minor Alteration to Land, 15321, Enforcement Actions By Regulatory Agencies, and 15330, Minor Actions to Prevent, Minimize, Stabilize, Mitigate or Eliminate the Release or Threat of Release of Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substance, and because the activity involves the removal of unpermitted structures and debris within the Petaluma River floodplain and riparian corridor. There are no cumulative impacts, unusual circumstances or other factors that would make the exemption inapplicable. Therefore, this project is categorically exempt under CEQA sections 15304(f), Minor Alteration to Land, 15321(b), Enforcement Actions, and 15330, Minor Actions to Prevent Release.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15269 (Emergency Project)
Reasons for Exemption
Two established encampments have been identified for cleanup through the grant-funded Trestle Encampment Cleanup Project. Both encampments are on private property and include unpermitted structures that have been built into the banks of the Petaluma River. Due to proximity to the Petaluma River, the encampments pose a threat to the water quality of the Petaluma River and the health and safety of the public. The City received notice of funding award for the Project the week of September 30th, 2024, and is taking immediate action on a coordinated cleanup effort in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare, as well as protection of the environment including the Petaluma River.
The trestle encampments present a clear and imminent danger, that poses a risk to public health, safety and welfare, the subject undertaking is statutorily exempt pursuant to Section 15269(b), Emergency Project (and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(2)).
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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