Geotechnical Boring Investigation for the Calle Real and Castillo Trnnk Line Sewer Improvements Project

2025090242

City of Santa Barbara

NOE - Notice of Exemption

9/8/2025

9/8/2025

Beth Anna Cornett

City of Santa Barbara

Senior Planner

Lead/Public Agency

630 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 564-5537

bcornett@santabarbaraca.gov

Calle Real and Castillo

93105

0.0

1

ROW

N/A

UPRR

N/A

N/A

Mission Creek

Categorical Exemption

15301 and 15306

CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities. This Project meets Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 categorical exemption, because geotechnical investigation of an existing facility is necessary to prepare the geotechnical analysis and report to infonn the future design of the proposed improvements for the Calle Real and Castillo Trunk Main Sewer Improvements Project. CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 Information Collection. This Project meets Section 15306 lnfo1111ation Collection Class 6 categorical exemption, because the information collection and evaluation activities will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Archaeology. The Project sites are located in areas of potential archaeological sensitivity including the American Period, Early American Transition Period and the Prehistoric Watercourse areas. Per discussion with the City's Environmental Analyst, the exploratory geotechnical boring investigation work is considered exempt, and a Phase I Archaeology Repo11 is not required in preparation of the teclmical study and rep011. The geotechnical boring investigation work is not anticipated to result in a major disturbance to archaeological resources, therefore the effect on archaeology is considered less than significant. Biology. One boring location is within 100' of a biologically sensitive species Mesa Horkelia, and other boring locations are adjacent to special wildlife areas such as vegetation within creek habitats. The boring adjacent to the sensitive species is in the right of way and should not be impacted by the Project. Therefore, the effect on biological resources is considered less than significant. Creeks. Some boring locations are proposed within I 00' of Mission Creek,_there will be no grade or fill materials, or any structure, conduit, pipe, impervious material, or lining which could obstruct or dive1t the flow of water. No work will occur in the creek, and all work will occur outside of top of bank, therefore, the effect on creeks is considered less than significant. Floodway. Some boring locations are located within flood zones ranging between 0.2% annual chance flood hazard and 1 % arnmal chance flood hazard. Given that all of the boring holes will be backfilled immediately after the work, and the space will be returned to its original condition, the effect on the floodway is considered less than significant. Geology. The Project sites contain areas of moderate and high liquefaction potential, low landslide potential, expansive soils, and shallow groundwater. The boring samples will not impact geologic conditions, therefore, the effect on geologic resources is considered less than significant. Noise. The Project site is located in an area with noise levels greater than 65 dBA. There will be subsurface excavation associated with the geotechnical soil bating investigation with the potential to create noise and vibration at levels less than 65 dBA. The short-term noise related impacts associated with the exploratory work will comply with the City's Noise Ordinance. No work will be allowed outside of the authorized working hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday tlu·ough Friday. Therefore, the noise effects are considered less than significant. In conclusion, the Project will perfotm a geotechnical investigation and analysis to infonn the future design of the proposed improvements for the Calle Real and Castillo Trunk Main Sewer Improvements Project. The Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards the environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Depmiment recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the Class 1, 15301 and Class 6, 15306 categorical exemptions of the CEQA Guidelines.