Delta Pipeline Improvements Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025050727
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Delta Pipeline Improvements Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/16/2025
Document Description
The Project consists of about 22,200 linear feet (LF) of new 24- to 42-inch-diameter subsurface pipeline and appurtenances that will be constructed within the same existing farm road areas as a replacement of the existing similarly-sized District pipeline, which is in need of replacement due to age, extending from the existing Delta Distribution System and running adjacent and parallel to the existing pipeline. The Project will connect to the existing Delta Pump Station and the DE-1 and DW-2 Booster Pump Stations, sub-laterals, and turnouts. Project construction will involve minor trenching and backfilling such that the surface is restored to substantially the same condition as before the Project, and will not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for agriculture purposes. The new pipeline will be used to continue to convey water to maintain service to agricultural landowners and water users within the District and have substantially the same capacity and purpose as the old pipeline it is replacing.
Contact Information
Name
Jason Gianquinto
Agency Name
Semitropic Improvement District of Semitropic Water Storage District
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Counties
Kern
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
The Project is located within the boundaries of the Semitropic Water Storage District located within an unincorporated area of Kern County, California. See Exhibit A attached hereto for more particular location of Project.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15302, 15303, and 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Semitropic Improvement District of Semitropic Water Storage District (District) has found and determined that the Project is categorically exemption pursuant to CEQA for the following reasons:
CEQA The Project consists of about 22,200 linear feet of subsurface water conveyance pipeline that will replace an existing water conveyance pipeline within the same farm road areas involving minor trenching and backfilling, use existing pump plant and pump stations, connect to existing sub-laterals and turnouts, and have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the pipeline being replaced. The surface will be restored to substantially the same condition as before the Project, and the Project would not remove any healthy, mature or scenic trees except for agricultural purposes. Therefore, the Project is categorically exempt from CEQA review as a replacement of an existing facility pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15302 (Class 2), which includes, but is not limited to, “[r]eplacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The Project is also categorically exempt from CEQA review as consisting of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (Class 3), which includes, but is not limited to, “water main, … and other utility extensions….” The Project is also categorically exempt from CEQA review as consisting of minor alterations in the condition of land which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees except for agricultural purposes pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (Class 4), which includes, but is not limited to “minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.” Although Project construction may involve removal of a minor number of almond or other agricultural trees, any removed trees can be replaced in the same location after Project trenching is backfilled. The District has also found and determined, based on substantial evidence, that none of the exceptions to the Class 2, 3, or 4 categorical exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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