2025 Coastal Smart Ball Inspection
Summary
SCH Number
2025071240
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
2025 Coastal Smart Ball Inspection
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/30/2025
Document Description
San Joaquin field division plans to use a smart ball to inspect the pipeline between Devil’s Den pumping plant (DEPP) and tank site 1 of the State Water Project Coastal Branch.
To do this work, a smart ball will be inserted at the DEPP and retrieved either at the Bluestone Pumping Plant (BLPP) forebay or at the air vent downstream of the BLPP forebay. Then the smart ball will be inserted at the BLPP and retrieved either at the Polonio Pass Pumping Plant (POPP) forebay or at the air vent downstream of the POPP forebay. Finally, the smart ball will be inserted at the POPP and retrieved from water tank 1 at the Polonio Pass water treatment facility.
Sensors will be placed within several of the vaults along the pipeline. Insertion and extraction points may need modifications to accommodate insertion and retrieval of the smart ball. A crane may be required. Dirt roads will be utilized to reach the vaults. When visiting vault sites, vehicles will stay on established roads.
This work is anticipated to start in September and should take about a week to complete. All work will take place within the DWR right-of-way. This work is necessary to inspect and maintain the pipelines between the plants.
Contact Information
Name
Elizabeth Maldonado
Agency Name
Department of Water Resources, San Joaquin Field Division
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Lost Hills & Shandon
Counties
Kern, San Luis Obispo
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Mile point 14.86 to 27.55 of the State Water Project Coastal Branch.
Devil’s Den pumping plant (DEPP) 35°42'42.6"N 120°00'41.8"W
Bluestone Pumping Plant (BLPP) 35°42'27.9"N 120°05'03.2"W
Polonio Pass Pumping Plant (POPP) 35°43'52.6"N 120°12'29.1"W
Polonio Pass water treatment facility 35°44'07.0"N 120°13'22.0"W
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301 (b)
Reasons for Exemption
This project consists of maintenance activities that support the function of the California Aqueduct and water delivery within the State Water Project.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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