Jordan Gulch Sewer and Bank Stabilization Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025020506
Public Agency
University of California Santa Cruz
Document Title
Jordan Gulch Sewer and Bank Stabilization Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/14/2025
Document Description
The Jordan Gulch Sewer and Bank Stabilization project (proposed project) would construct a soil embankment with rock slope protection (RSP) to prevent future erosion along the Jordan Gulch maintenance/emergency access road to protect an existing sanitary sewer line. The purpose of the proposed project is to prevent erosion and slope failure along the Jordan Gulch maintenance/emergency access road to protect a sanitary sewer line, which is critical infrastructure for the campus. The proposed project would also protect an adjacent historic lime kiln from erosion damage. The proposed project includes construction of five components: soil embankment with rock slope protection to prevent future erosion, a concrete rock berm to prevent excess runoff from eroding the embankment; reestablishment of a storm water diversion structure (Middle Fork Diversion) following construction to prevent further erosion; permanent fencing at the top of the embankment and to preserve the historic lime kiln adjacent to the site; and replacement of the existing asphalt maintenance/emergency access road with concrete and a curb.
The project would include excavation of approximately 414 cubic yards of soil and installation of approximately 608 cubic yards of fill, which is a net import of 191 cubic yards of engineered fill. The project would import approximately 270 cubic yards of RSP from the University’s rock stockpile and approximately 154 cubic yards of rock backing placed in a four-foot layer protecting the embankment. The fill soil and RSP will come from the University’s soil and rock stockpiles. Following excavation, the embankment would be backfilled with engineered fill that would be covered with an RSP filter fabric and a rock layer prior to placement of the RSP. Permanent fencing comprised of a five-foot-tall post and hog wire fence would be installed around the historic lime kiln adjacent to the project to prevent trespassing. Another four-foot-tall post and hog wire fence would be installed along the maintenance road at the top of the embankment for safety and to prevent trespassing.
The project includes the complete removal of nine trees including eight coast redwoods (Sequoia Sempervirens) and one California bay (Umbellularia californica), which includes removal of the stump and root ball of each tree. Six coast redwood trees and one maple (Acer macrophyllum) tree would be cut flush at the stump approximately two inches from the ground. Staging/laydown space would be provided adjacent to the project site to the south and west of the project site, as well as in a large vehicle pull out along Steinhart Road. Additional construction access would be created from the unimproved access road to the bottom of the slope. Temporary fencing would be installed around the staging areas and project footprint during construction.
Contact Information
Name
Erika Carpenter
Agency Name
University of California Santa Cruz
Job Title
Principal Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Santa Cruz
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Steinhardt Drive and unimproved Jordan Gulch maintenance/emergency access road
Zip
95064
Total Acres
.13 acres
Parcel #
001-011-013
State Highways
California
Railways
None
Airports
None
Schools
None
Other Location Info
University of California Santa Cruz
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) as it would stabilize the slope of an existing facility, with no expansion in the capacity of these facilities. The project would not result in the disturbance of hazardous materials, damage scenic resources, result in a significant adverse change to a historical resource, and would not result in significant cumulative impacts. Therefore, none of the exceptions noted in Section 15300.2 apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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