Storm Drain Infrastructure Retrofits at Various Locations within District Tidelands
Summary
SCH Number
2025020679
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Storm Drain Infrastructure Retrofits at Various Locations within District Tidelands
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/20/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the installation of approximately 10 trash capture devices within existing storm drain systems by the San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the cities of San Diego and National City, California. The proposed project would include three (3) locations: Shelter Island (Location 1) within the main parking lot between Shelter Island Drive and Anchorage Lane; Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (Location 2) from Pier 15B to Crosby Road; and National City Bayfront (Location 3) on Tidelands Avenue between W 28th Street and Bay Marina Drive. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would include the following:
Location 1:
• Clear debris from and protect existing storm drains in place.
• Modify existing catch basins with grate inlet filters at Inlets #1146, #1147, #1148, and #1150.
Location 2:
• Clear debris from and protect existing storm drains in place.
• Modify existing catch basin with grate inlet filter at Inlets #TAMT104 and #TAMT105.
• Modify existing catch basin with connector pipe screen at Inlet ENTER_1063.
Location 3:
• Clear debris from and protect existing storm drains in place.
• Modify existing catch basin with double grate inlet filter at Inlet #NC2-1.
• Modify existing catch basin with connector pipe screen at Inlet #2560.
• Modify existing catch basin with curb inlet filter at Inlet #2561.
Construction of the proposed project would occur in Spring of 2025 and would take approximately two (2) days to complete, with ongoing installations, modifications, and maintenance as needed. Installation of each trash capture device would require a crew of approximately three (3) personnel. Location 1 would involve the temporary closure of approximately three (3) parking spaces for each of the four (4) devices to be installed. These spaces would only be closed for approximately two (2) hours at a time, and would reopen once each device has been installed. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the District would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
The proposed project would be a part of the District’s implementation of the San Diego Bay Water Quality Improvement Plan, a requirement of updated stormwater regulations adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to protect, preserve, enhance, and restore water quality of receiving water bodies. Installation of the proposed devices would prevent the discharge of trash through the District’s storm drain system and help achieve District compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board) Trash Amendments. Any trash capture devices proposed will need to have certification from the State Water Board as a Full Capture System Device prior to installation.
Contact Information
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Hector Arias
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Associate Engineer
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
National City, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Various locations in Shelter Island, Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, and National City Bayfront.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1); 15303 (Class 3); 15308 (Class 8)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment) and Sections 3.a., 3.c., and 3.h. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the installation of trash capture devices in existing storm drain infrastructure that would involve negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would consist of the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures, and is an action taken by a regulatory agency to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of natural resources and the environment. Section 3.a., 3.c., and 3.h. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
AND/OR
3.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (SG § 15303) (Class 3): Includes construction of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and conversion of existing small structures from one site to another with minor modifications to the exterior of the structure, including but not limited to:
(2) Accessory (appurtenant) structures and mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, garages, sheds, railway spur tracks, pilings, temporary trailers, industrial equipment enclosures, fences, parking, on-site roadways, walkways and health and safety devices.
AND/OR
3.h. Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment (SG § 15308) (Class 8): Includes actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Construction activities and relaxation of standards allowing environmental degradation are not included in this exemption.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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