LTM Pipeline Replacement at Calle Vista Torito & Slope Repair Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025061168
Public Agency
South Coast Water District
Document Title
LTM Pipeline Replacement at Calle Vista Torito & Slope Repair Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/25/2025
Document Description
LTM Pipeline Replacement at Calle Vista Torito
The Project is proposed to replace a segment of the existing failed Local Transmission Main (LTM), remove temporary surface bypass piping, and construct permanent maintenance access. The Project consists of the installation within an existing 25-foot-wide utility easement of 426 linear feet of 27-inch potable water pipeline and 18 linear feet of a 24-inch potable water pipeline; installation of approximately 20 linear feet of storm drainpipe and replacement of a catch basin; installation of a subterranean manway for maintenance; and, the development of 407 feet of 10-foot all-weather access path for permanent maintenance access. Based on Project plans, excavation for the proposed pipeline is anticipated to range between 6 to 10 feet deep; replacement of the existing catch basin will extend to approximately 28 feet deep. The Project work limits are currently underlain with artificial fill materials.
The Project will be constructed within the existing utility easement to provide the District with a permanent solution to the broken pipe from 2021, that led to the installation of the at-grade bypass piping, as a swift, temporary solution to the leaking main and difficult access due to flooding, depth of existing pipe, saturated soils, and steep slopes.
Construction activities include vegetation removal, grading, trenching and establishment of the pipe bed, installation of pipe, testing and disinfection of the new pipeline, backfill and connections to the existing water and storm drain systems, and removal of the dual 16-inch diameter temporary potable water bypass piping.
Slope Repair
The flooding caused by the LTM leak in 2021 resulted in erosion and a portion of slope failure between the LTM easement and the slope to the south of the LTM easement, approximately 15 feet south of the District’s utility easement. Therefore, the District will also repair and stabilize the slope to the south prior to the installation of the permanent LTM pipeline replacement. Slope repair will consist of stepped excavation of the existing engineered slope, subgrade preparation, installation of a geogrid system and subdrain piping, conditioning, placement, and compaction of fill material, and installation of temporary fiber rolls, silt fence, and gravel bags, as well as hydroseeding to stabilize the finished slope surface; development of a temporary irrigation plan for the establishment of permanent hydroseeded vegetation on the slope; and grading and surface restoration along the pipeline easement within the limits of the slope repair Project.
Construction activities include existing vegetation removal, excavation of the existing slope, regrading portions of the slope and placing compacted fill material, , installation of temporary erosion control features, and temporary irrigation system and hydroseeding.
The pipeline replacement and slope repair will be implemented sequentially with the slope repair occurring first and the pipe repair occurring directly thereafter. Project construction for the slope repair will begin in the fall of 2025 and will last approximately three months. Construction of the pipe repair will begin in the winter of 2025 and will last approximately three months. Staging areas will be located within existing disturbed or developed areas of the utility easement, requiring no vegetation removal or earthwork in native soil; and occur within portions of the Calle Vista Torito Right-of-Way. Construction access is available via local streets (i.e., Calle Vista Torito, Via Montego, and Avenida Vaquero).
Contact Information
Name
Dylan LaFrance
Agency Name
South Coast Water District
Job Title
Senior Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Lori Trottier
Agency Name
Ardurra Group
Job Title
Environmental Lead
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
San Clemente
Counties
Orange
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Via Montego and Calle Vista Torito
Zip
92672
Total Acres
0.20
Jobs
15
Parcel #
NA
State Highways
Highway 1
Railways
Metrolink
Airports
NA
Schools
See Other Information Below
Waterways
NA
Township
8S
Range
18E
Section
Mt Dia
Base
Princip.
Other Information
The Project is within 2 miles of Shorecliffs Middle School, Marblehead Elementary School Capstone Montessori School, San Clemente High School, San Clemente High School Upper, Las Palmas Elementary School, St Michaels Christian Academy, Public Elementary School, and Parent Participation School
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301- Existing Facilities (b), Section 15302- Replacement or Reconstruction (c)
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is not of a type or at a scale that would result in significant changes to the environment. The Project does not involve substantive upsizing resulting in growth inducement. South Coast Water District has made findings for Project compliance with CEQA Exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Sections 1530: Existing Facilities (Class I) and 15302: Replacement or Reconstruction (Class II) based on the following: Section 15301- Existing Facilities (b): The Project will replace an existing potable water pipeline and upgrade the storm drain system as part of publicly owned existing utility systems for domestic water and drainage services within the City of San Clemente. Therefore, is categorically exempt under Section 15301 (b) of CEQA. Section 15302- Replacement or Reconstruction (c): The Project will replace a damaged portion of the LTM and remove a temporary bypass piping system that was installed due to a leak that occurred in February 2021. The Project will also correct surface drainage and reconstruct a slope that was damaged from the leak. The Project will permanently correct a pipe leak, surface drainage, and utility maintenance access supporting potable water delivery in the surrounding area. The Project involves reconstruction and will not increase capacity or use beyond existing conditions and what has been previously considered and approved. The Project will replace existing utilities without expansion or capacity and will not result in direct or indirect impacts to scenic resources, cultural, historical, or tribal resources, or sensitive biological resources, and the Project is not located on a hazardous waste site according to Envirostor and Geotracker. Surfaces will be restored to preconstruction conditions or better and no permanent changes to a scenic vista or contribution to any cumulative impacts are anticipated. Based on the above, the Project is exempt under Section 15302 (c) of CEQA. Field surveys, performed by ELMT Consulting, indicate special-status species that could nest within proximity of the Project are Cooper’s hawk and California Gnatcatcher. Construction is not proposed during the nesting season and a preconstruction survey is recommended. A Geotechnical Design Report provided by GMU indicated that the Project is underlain with existing artificial fill over landslide debris; groundwater was encountered 11 to 30 feet below existing ground surfaces; existing soils are very moist and saturated. A list of recommendations from the Geotechnical Engineer are incorporated into construction plans and specifications.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Completion [NOC] Transmittal form
Notice of Exemption
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