Britten Avenue Water Consolidation Project Planning Study
Summary
SCH Number
2025060860
Public Agency
City of Fresno
Document Title
Britten Avenue Water Consolidation Project Planning Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/18/2025
Document Description
Water quality samples collected from the taps at three homes in the Britten Avenue Community (Community) contained nitrate and/or uranium levels meeting or exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for drinking water. The source for the nitrate is likely residential septic tanks and fertilizer runoff from neighboring agricultural areas, whereas the uranium originates from natural deposits in the groundwater aquifer.
The Community is identified as a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) under the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Financial Assistance Criteria. As such, the water improvements are eligible for 100 percent grant funding through the California State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.
Prior to proceeding with any construction of water improvements, a planning study (Project) must be completed. The Project involves preparation of financial, technical, and environmental packages including 90 % plans, specifications, project cost estimates, and environmental documentation that will address the system’s water quality and water distribution deficiencies. The City of Fresno, as the Lead Agency for the Project, is also preparing and submitting a planning application to SWRCB to fund the Project.
Contact Information
Name
Debbie Khounsavath
Agency Name
City of Fresno
Job Title
Planner II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Fresno
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Citywide, Countywide
Other Location Info
East of South Cherry Avenue, between Central Avenue and American Avenue
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306, Class 6: Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15306 - Information Collection (Class 6): This exemption includes basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities that do not cause significant disturbance to environmental resources. These activities may be conducted solely for information-gathering purposes or as part of a study leading to actions not yet approved, adopted, or funded by a public agency.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15262: Feasibility and Planning Studies
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15262 - Feasibility and Planning Studies: Projects that involve only feasibility or planning studies for potential future actions that have not been approved, adopted, or funded by an agency, board, or commission are exempt from preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Negative Declaration. However, consideration of environmental factors is still required. This exemption does not apply to plans that would have legally binding effects on subsequent activities.
The City will use Self Help Enterprises (SHE) to perform the tasks of the Project, which includes preparation of financial, technical, and environmental packages including 90% design plans, construction specifications, project cost estimates, and environmental documentation that will address the system’s water quality and water distribution deficiencies. SHE will also conduct community outreach, and information gathering such median household income, and other demographic information relating to the Community. The Project includes a Preliminary Engineering Report which consists of design and environmental review. The Project is essentially a feasibility study to determine project viability and continuity for construction. These activities involved in the Project are not expected to trigger new environmental concerns since they involve data collection and document preparation.
County Clerk
Fresno
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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