Minor Alteration No. WA2024156 - Geotechnical Investigation – Black Rascal Creek & Bear Creek
Summary
SCH Number
2025030078
Public Agency
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
Document Title
Minor Alteration No. WA2024156 - Geotechnical Investigation – Black Rascal Creek & Bear Creek
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/4/2025
Document Description
To collect subsurface soil and groundwater conditions for the Merced County Levee Breach Repairs. The exploration activities consist of using a track-drill rig with exploration type shown on the table to perform two borings to an approximate depth of 20 feet below surface and four hand operated Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) tests at each location. The investigation will include sampling of material using the Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Modified California (MCAL) split-spoon tests will be conducted at 5 feet intervals, depending on the soil type. Soil samples will also be collected from SPTs and cuttings. The borehole void will be backfilled with cement grout to top of hole the same day of testing. Existing agricultural roads and access roads in the overflow area will be used for access to each site. Construction activities will require clearing and grubbing of existing vegetation in the work area and involve ground disturbance by a truck mounted drill rig and backfill within the floodway and levee slope. The backfill will be in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Waters, Division 1, (Title 23) standards and federal criteria.
Contact Information
Name
Jordan Robbins
Agency Name
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Maria Ayala
Agency Name
Crawford & Associates, Inc.
Job Title
Project Engineer II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated
Counties
Merced
Regions
Southern California
Waterways
Bear Creek and Black Rascal Creek
Other Location Info
The project is located on the right bank levee of Bear Creek at two locations (approximate latitude and longitude coordinates: 37.308139, -120.548806 and 37.305222, -120.550972) and left bank levee of Black Rascal Creek (approximate latitude and longitude coordinates: 37.268580, -120.623820), in Merced County.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 6, Information Collection categorical exemption (CEQA California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306), because the activity consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land categorical exemption (CEQA California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15304), because the activity consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. Further, none of the exceptions to the exemption in CEQA California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Merced
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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