HomeMy WebLinkAboutF-4.1. Authorization to File A Notice of Exemption Under CEQACONSENT ITEM F-4
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: MARCH 25, 2024
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO FILE A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF SOUTH
RESERVOIR
BACKGROUND:
South Reservoir is a concrete tank built in 1921 that has reached the end of its useful life. A proposed
Capital Improvement Project will replace South Reservoir with a new 4 MG concrete water tank. The
project must meet all state environmental requirements to comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). This project was evaluated and determined to qualify for Categorical Exemption,
which signifies that the project will not have a negative effect on the environment. To begin the process
of filing for Categorical Exemption, a Notice of Exemption must be filed with the Office of Planning and
Research, as well as the County Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following action:
1)Authorize staff to approve and submit the Notice of Exemption form and Categorical
Exemption document.
ANALYSIS:
Azusa Light & Water (ALW) hired Civiltec Engineering to prepare Capital Improvement Plans to replace
South Reservoir with a new 4 MG concrete tank. Civiltec then subcontracted Meridian Consultants to
ensure compliance with CEQA, an environmental law that requires any proposed project to evaluate all
significant environmental impacts. Meridian performed a thorough evaluation of the proposed project and
provided ALW with their Categorical Exemption Findings. Meridian determined the proposed project is
eligible for Categorical Exemption under CEQA Guidelines. Categorical Exemption identifies the project
as having little to no impact on the environment, exempting the project from environmental review under
CEQA. In order to proceed with Categorical Exemption, Meridian prepared the Notice of Exemption
Approved
Utility Board
03/25/2024
APPROVAL OF CEQA NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
March 25, 2024
Page 2
which needs to be filed in tandem with the Categorical Exemption Findings to the Office of Planning and
Research, as well as the County Clerk. The proposed action would enable ALW to file a Notice of
Exemption for the South Reservoir Replacement Capital Improvement Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact is $75.00, and funds are available in water division account number 32-40-721-790-
6399 for the County and State filing of the Notice of Exemption.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Fabian Lucarelli Melissa Barbosa
Assistant Water Utility Engineer Assistant General Manager - Water Operations
Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Danny Smith Tikan Singh
Utilities Admin & Finance Manager General Manager
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachment:
1) City of Azusa Notice of Exemption Form
2) Categorical Exemption Document and Appendix