Categorical Exemption for the Geotechnical Investigation for the City of Palo Alto Project for Grade Separation: Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charlest
Summary
SCH Number
2025090865
Public Agency
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board
Document Title
Categorical Exemption for the Geotechnical Investigation for the City of Palo Alto Project for Grade Separation: Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charlest
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/19/2025
Document Description
Caltrain, in coordination with the City, is proposing to conduct a series of geotechnical borings and cone penetration tests at and near Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. This investigation will collect subsurface data necessary to inform 15 percent design-level evaluations and independent cost estimates for the grade separation alternatives outlined above. The data will also support 35 percent design refinements and early hazard identification as part of the Rail Crossing Elimination Grant requirements.
The proposed field work includes rotary wash borings to depths of approximately 50-60 feet and cone penetration to depths of approximately 60 feet. All boring locations are confined to City-owned public ROW and are outside the Caltrain rail corridor. The borings will be temporary, and all boreholes will be backfilled and resurfaced per applicable regulations and City standards. The proposed geotechnical work is summarized as follows:
• Three (3) rotary wash borings to depths of approximately 50-60 feet;
o Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
• Thirteen (13) cone penetration tests to depths of approximately 60 feet;
o Alma Street, Mariposa Avenue, Charleston Road, Park Boulevard, and Coleridge Avenue
• Use of vacuum excavation to locate existing utilities prior to boring; and
• Backfilling and full surface restoration per City standards.
All boring and cone penetration tests will occur in paved roadways or shoulders. No work will occur on or next to sensitive environmental or cultural resource areas. No tree trimming or removal will occur.
Contact Information
Name
Michael Tauchen
Agency Name
Caltrain
Job Title
Deputy Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Palo Alto
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Churchill Avenue. Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings of the Caltrain Corridor, includin
Zip
94305
Total Acres
1
Jobs
1
Parcel #
None.
State Highways
n/a
Railways
N/A
Airports
N/A
Schools
Palo Alto High School
Waterways
N
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15306, Class 6 - Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
The project consists solely of basic data collection through temporary borings and cone penetration tests to inform future design. All work will occur in existing paved City rights-of-way in urbanized areas, with no vegetation removal permanent construction, or disturbance to sensitive environmental or cultural resources. Borings will be sealed and areas restored per City and Valley Water standards. The project meets the criteria for a Class 6 exemption under CEQA Guidelines §15306 and does not trigger any exceptions listed in CEQA Guidelines §15300.2.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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