Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation and Upgrades Project
Summary
SCH Number
2014058354
Public Agency
City of Santa Cruz
Document Title
Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation and Upgrades Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/29/2014
Document Description
The project includes rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing filters at the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant (GHWTP), which have not been upgraded since 1986. Related components include replacing the filter underdrains; changing out the filter media; replacing and relocating the washwater troughs: replacing the existing filter backwash system and adding a new filter air scour backwash system including a blower; addition of a backwash polymer feed system; and adding structural improvements to the filter basins, and associated piping, valves, and electrical, instrumentation and control systems. No new night lighting would be installed. The proposed rehabilitation and upgrade of the GHWTP filters would not increase the current water treatment capacity of 24 million gallons per day. Construction staging areas would be limited to existing onsite paved or gravel surfaces. There is currently 0.8 acre of occupied Mount Hermon June Beetle (MHJB) habitat at the GHWTP Facility. All work shall be performed without any interference or disturbance to the MHJB habitat, as this area will not be subjected to construction activities or staging. The City received a Section 10 Incidental Take Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the MHJB that covers City activities related to operation maintenance, and construction activities at the GHWTP. The proposed project is a covered activity under the permit. All applicable conditions of that permit will be implemented with the proposed project, which include implementation of appropriate dust control measures for any covered activity that would generate dust. Additionally, all applicable City noise ordinances and all other applicable regulations will be adhered to during treatment plant rehabilitation activities.
Contact Information
Name
Heidi Luckenbach
Agency Name
City of Santa Cruz
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Cruz
Counties
Santa Cruz
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S:15301,15302, Class 1,2
Reasons for Exemption
The project will result in the rehabilitation and upgrade of existing filters and related components at the GHWTP facility. Therefore, the project will not result in any capacity increase of the treatment plant. The project will be constructed and operated in compliance with all regulatory requirements. The project does not meet any of the exceptions for taking a Categorical Exemption (14 Cal Code Regs § 15300.2). Specifically, the project will not have a cumulative impact; will not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; will not result in damage to scenic resources; will not be located on a site included on any list compiled pursuant to §65962.5 of the Government Code; and will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Although the MHJB habitat lies within the GHWTP facility, proposed project activities would occur outside the habitat area. Given the above, the project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15301 and §15302.
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