Jefferson Street Emergency Sewer Main Replacement
Summary
SCH Number
2025020304
Public Agency
City of Petaluma
Document Title
Jefferson Street Emergency Sewer Main Replacement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/11/2025
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to replace sanitary sewer gravity mains. The gravity mains in the area are aged and the material is prone to cracking. Additionally, the gravity mains have had reports of sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) in the past. On December 18, 2025, it was discovered that there were multiple breaks in the sewer main via closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection. Repair of the sewer main is now urgent and essential for the continued function and operation of the City's municipal services. The emergency repair work will include replacing 465 linear feet of new 6-inch and I0-inch PVC SDR-26 gravity mains at different slopes to improve the flow and provide longevity. The work involves replacement of two (2) sanitary sewer mains, extending or shortening and reconnection of fourteen (14) sewer laterals, and the replacement of one (1) sewer manhole. All improvements will occur within the existing right-of-way.
Contact Information
Name
Steve Worrell
Agency Name
City of Petaluma
Job Title
Senior Civil Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Petaluma
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Payran Street and Jefferson Street
Zip
94952
Total Acres
N/A
Parcel #
N/A
State Highways
101 and 116
Railways
SMART
Airports
Petaluma Municipal
Schools
Live Oak Charter, Valley Oaks, and Petaluma City School District
Waterways
Petaluma River, Lynch Creek, Washington Creek
Township
N/A
Range
N/A
Section
N/A
Base
N/A
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec.15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
On December 18, 2025, the sewer main on Jefferson Street showed signs of deterioration and multiple breaks. The sewer main is a critical infrastructure and requires an immediate replacement in order to maintain municipal sewer service and protect public health, safety, and welfare, as well as protection of the environment including the Petaluma River.
The replacement of the sewer main will restore its full function and service and correct the imminent risk of further failure. As the failure of a sewer main in East Petaluma and proximate to the Petaluma River presents 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 Section21080(b)(2)).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Section 15302 (Replacement Reconstruction), Section 15303 (Small Structures)
Reasons for Exemption
On December 18, 2025, the sewer main on Jefferson Street showed signs of deterioration and multiple breaks. The sewer main is a critical infrastructure and requires an immediate replacement in order to maintain municipal sewer service and protect public health, safety, and welfare, as well as protection of the environment including the Petaluma River.
Additionally, the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301, Existing Facilities, 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction, because the project involves replacement of existing sanitary sewer gravity mains and a manhole, and extending or shortening of sewer laterals. The replacement of existing utility infrastructure will support existing development in the area and there is negligible or no expansion of use beyond what currently exists. 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 15301 (b), Existing Facilities, and 15302(c), Replacement or Reconstruction).
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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