Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Project

Summary

SCH Number
2025080413
Public Agency
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Document Title
Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/11/2025
Document Description
The Proposed Project would authorize construction, operation, and maintenance of a new Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Facility located near the existing tower on Leviathan Peak in Alpine County. The Project site, during and after construction, will be agency use only (federal, state, and local). The existing facility (to be removed) includes a 63-foot tower, generator, three 500-gallon propane tanks, and associated 10- by 19-foot concrete pad and existing solar array (including the associated 100- by 5-foot concrete pad) and lookout building. The Proposed Project would require a disturbed graded area limited to 58,310 square feet (shown on grading plan, Figure 2. Site Plan). Upon completion of construction, the new Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Facility would span approximately 43,400 square feet. New additions would consist of a 30- by 24-foot radio vault, a 15- by 12-foot generator vault, a 148-foot telecommunication tower with eight-foot lightning rod, a 50- by 50-foot concrete foundation and pedestals, two 12,000-gallon liquid propane tanks placed on a single 13- by 20-foot concrete pad, two 240-square foot photovoltaic solar arrays, and a new 12-foot-wide gravel access service road (approximately 690 feet in length). The radio vault would be 13 to 14 feet tall, (maximum of 16 feet tall), to accommodate venting and snorkels with sloped roofs due to accommodate snow depth. As shown on Figure 2, staging areas would be located on the existing loop road. Additional staging areas, if needed, would be within already graded/disturbed areas. The Project site would be fenced to protect the tower and photovoltaic array equipment. The following improvements would be removed after construction of the new facility, including restoration activities: ? Existing structures to be removed: • 63-foot tower (500 square feet) • Radio vault and fire lookout (700 square feet) • Three propane tanks and a concrete pad (600 square feet) • Solar array (900 square feet) • 25-square-foot portable radio shelter, 10-foot tall tower, 2- by 4-foot solar panel ? Revegetation (estimated 6,000 square feet). Revegetation includes the area occupied by and surrounding the former facility.

Contact Information

Name
Stephanie Coleman
Agency Name
Department of General Services
Job Title
Senior Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project

Location

Counties
Alpine
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Leviathan Lookout Road and Highway 89
State Highways
highway 89
Other Location Info
Leviathan Peak, Carson Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14CCR 15301 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA) provision as a Class 1 project because it consists of the minor alteration of an existing facility with negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination (CCR 15031(c))

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15311(b)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 11 project because it consists of the construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities (CCR15311(b)).
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