Lake Henshaw Oxygenation Pilot Study
Summary
SCH Number
2025030302
Public Agency
Vista Irrigation District
Document Title
Lake Henshaw Oxygenation Pilot Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/10/2025
Document Description
The Lake Henshaw Oxygenation Pilot Study involves the design, construction, implementation, and analysis of a full-scale, temporary oxygenation system to evaluate the effectiveness of oxygenation in controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) and improving water quality in Lake Henshaw. Commissioning, installation, and startup of the oxygenation system is planned from November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026. The oxygenation system is expected to be decommissioned no later than December 31, 2026.
Contact Information
Name
Lesley Dobalian
Agency Name
Vista Irrigation District
Job Title
Director of Water Resources
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The proposed project is located on the western shore of Lake Henshaw on land owned by the Vista Irrigation District, located off California State Highway 76 in an unincorporated area of San Diego County, west of the community of Warner Springs, California. The lake is within the Mesa Grande quadrangle of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map, at approximately 2,650 to 2,800 feet above sea level.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR: Class 1 § 15301; Class 3 § 15303; Class 4 § 15304; Class 6 § 15306; Class 7 § 15307; and Class 11 § 15311
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is a temporary pilot study that is exempt because it consists of maintenance, permitting, and minor alternations to an existing water supply reservoir, Lake Henshaw, with no expansion of existing or former use. Further, the pilot study will involve installation of limited new pieces of equipment and structures that will have negligible or no impacts on the environment and that will require no changes to existing facilities. Any alternations to land, water, and vegetation will be minor and temporary and will have negligible or no impacts to the environment. The pilot study involves basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities intended to inform further agency decision-making and will not result in serious or major disturbance to environmental resources. The purpose of the pilot study is to maintain, restore, and enhance the Lake Henshaw natural resource by exploring methods to reduce harmful algal blooms in the lake that can threaten local species, water quality, and drinking water supplies, and was selected to avoid the use of more environmentally harmful algaecides. Finally, the pilot study will install temporary minor structures that are accessory to the existing Lake Henshaw industrial and institutional facilities, and which will have negligible or no impacts on the environment. None of the exceptions listed in section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines would apply to the proposed study.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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