Right of Entry License Agreement to the Regents of the University of California for the Wave and Groundwater Monitoring Project at Imperial Beach
Summary
SCH Number
2025040495
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Right of Entry License Agreement to the Regents of the University of California for the Wave and Groundwater Monitoring Project at Imperial Beach
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/9/2025
Document Description
The proposed project is a renewal of a Right of Entry Permit License Agreement (ROELA) to the Regents of the University of California (Licensee) for the Wave and Groundwater Monitoring Project which will take place along the Imperial Beach shoreline in the city of Imperial Beach, California. The proposed project will involve a series of experiments measuring the effects of storms on beach groundwater, water level, waves, wave run-up, tides, and evolving sand levels, as well as ingress and egress in support of those activities. The purpose of the experiments is to improve and calibrate predictive numerical models simulating beach groundwater hydraulics, beach change and inundation as a function of waves and tides prior to, during, and after storm events when shoreline infrastructure is most at risk.
The proposed project includes the following experiments:
Waves:
The wave climate offshore of imperial beach will be measured using existing offshore wave buoys. Bottom-mounted pressure sensors and current meters attached to pipes anchored to the sea floor may be periodically deployed to collect nearshore wave measurements. Sensors are self-contained (internal power and data acquisition), have no moving parts, and are low power (electrical emissions are harmless to humans and ocean life). A downward looking radar system mounted to the pier and powered by solar cells will measure waves and water levels.
Wave Runup and Water Levels:
Wave runup heights and water levels will be measured using pressure sensors buried in the beach face, cameras, a stationary LiDAR, or an unmanned aerial system (UAS) mounted LiDAR. Pipe-mounted pressure sensors may also be deployed to measure water levels in the Tijuana Estuary. Pressure sensors in the beach face will be buried by either fluidizing the surrounding sand with high-powered water jets or by digging holes with shovels or a well-drilling auger. Beach face pressure sensors will be attached to pipes anchored well below the surface with no parts protruding above the sand.
Groundwater Levels:
Groundwater levels may be monitored using conductivity, density and temperature (CTD) sensors buried in the back-beach. These sensors are contained in small wells and broadcast live-time data via a small solar powered modem. A temporary pole approximately ten (10) feet tall will be required to affix a solar cell and modem. CTDS contain no moving parts are low power and harmless to humans and animals. Cellular text message will alert at the onset of potential flooding events.
In response to flooding at other locations additional sensors may be temporarily deployed, with permission from the City of Imperial Beach. Sensors will be periodically serviced to download data and replace batteries. All sensors will be regularly monitored during the experiments and re-buried if they become exposed. Sensor locations will be determined by global positioning system (GPS).
Sand Level Monitoring:
Measurements of the evolving sand levels, between the back beach out to about eight (8) meter water depth will be obtained with cameras, GPS and LiDAR equipped survey tools including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), jetski, hand-pushed dolly, truck, and UAS. LiDAR (truck or UAS mounted) sand level surveys between the back beach and the waterline will typically occur once a month at low tide. More extensive sand level surveys from the back beach out approximately eight-meter water depth will be conducted quarterly.
The Licensee will be responsible for compliance with all laws and regulations associated with the activities on or in connection with the above-described premises, including stormwater and water quality. Due to its nature and limited scope, the proposed project will generate a minor amount of vehicle trips. Additionally, the project is not anticipated to result in significant impacts, including, but not limited to, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, or traffic.
The ROELA is anticipated to commence on May 1, 2025, and terminate on April 30, 2030, or upon completion of the work, whichever occurs earlier. The deployment of the sensors is anticipated to occur in May 2020 and will take approximately one week. The ROELA may be terminated by the district, as a matter of right or without cause at any time upon providing thirty (30) days' written notice to Licensee of such termination.
Contact Information
Name
Shane Finnerty
Agency Name
Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Job Title
Logisitics Coordinator
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Imperial Beach
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Imperial Beach, California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4) and 15306 (Class 6)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project Is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and 15306 (Information Collection) and Section 3.d.(6) and 3.f. of the District's Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because the project consists of a renewal of an existing real estate agreement for basic data collection, research,
and resource evaluation activities and would result in no permanent effects on the environment, would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees, and would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Section 3.d.(6) and 3.f. of the District's CEQA Guidelines is as follows:
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees, including, but not limited to:
(6) Minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment.
ANO/OR
3.f. Information Collection (SG § 15306) (Class 6): Includes 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 for Information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which has not yet been approved, adopted or funded.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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