Madera Ranchos Monitoring Well Basin Characterization Program
Summary
SCH Number
2024120509
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Madera Ranchos Monitoring Well Basin Characterization Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/12/2024
Document Description
In 2014, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was signed into law requiring local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage groundwater in their service area which necessitates the development of an adequate network of appropriately spaced groundwater monitoring wells. With secured funding, the
Department of Water Resources (DWR) has established the Technical Support Services (TSS) program to help GSAs meet their SGMA requirements by providing services to install groundwater monitoring wells, conduct downhole video logging, and training on methods to accurately monitor groundwater levels.
This well is being installed as part of the Basin Characterization Program. The well Installation project consists of installing nested or adjacent groundwater monitoring at locations identified by the GSA that need groundwater level monitoring to support the GSP. All well sites will be marked by Underground Service Alert, then hand tools will be used to excavate to a minimum depth of 5 feet. The driller will use a truck-mounted drill rig to drill a pilot hole while using a mud cleaner to filter out solids and return drilling mud to the drill bit. When the pilot hole is at the desired depth, the driller will expand the borehole to a diameter of approximately 14 inches. Each well cluster will consist of two or three PVC casings, and the base of each well, from the bottom up, will consist of sand, a filter pack, and a bentonite seal. Cement will be pumped from the support truck to place the sanitary seal per state and county requirements. A raised well monument and concrete pad approximately four square feet and four inches tall with four approximately 4-foot high metal crash posts will be installed at ground level to protect the well from potential damage, or the well will be installed in a flush-mounted vault per county road ordinance.
The driller will use a truck-mounted drill rig to drill a pilot hole while using a mud cleaner to filter out solids and return drilling mud to the drill bit.
Once installed, these facilities will become part of the GSA's monitoring program.
Contact Information
Name
Steven Springhorn
Agency Name
Department of Water Resources
Job Title
Senior Engineering Geologist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Madera Ranchos
Counties
Madera
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
Located approximately 200 feet south of the intersection between Avenue 13 and Road 38 in Madera Ranchos, California. This well is located within the right-of-way adjacent west of Road 38.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306. Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
Work activities will consist of installation of a groundwater monitoring well. Project activities are covered under Categorical Exemption Class 6 Section 15306 (Data Collection) of the California Environmental Quality Act. No sensitive biological or cultural resources have been identifed in the area.
County Clerk
Madera
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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