Walnut Park Middle School Sinkhole Repair Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025110076
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
Walnut Park Middle School Sinkhole Repair Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/4/2025
Document Description
The proposed project (Project) will replace components of the Campus‘ existing stormwater management system, including the stormwater retention tank. stormwater lift station with submersible pumps, and storm drain piping. The Project will also replace approximately 4,800 square feet of natural turf and irrigation systems in the soccer field to correct a sinkhole caused by the failure of the existing retention tank (Exhibit A). The Project includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement. The Board of Education approved the Project’s budget of $1,669,261 on August 26, 2025.
The Project will be implemented pursuant to all applicable State, federal, and local regulations, and all applicable Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified or District) specifications, standards, and/or guidelines, including those in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the updated Standard Conditions of Approval for District Construction, Upgrade, and Improvements Projects (SC) such as those provided in the District‘s Subsequent Program Environmental Impact Report for the School Upgrade Program (Subsequent PEIR). The District’s SCs, design guidelines, and best management practices are designed to be incorporated into the Project design in order to avoid or limit potential adverse impacts associated with the District’s projects.
The beneficiaries of the Project include Walnut Park MS students, faculty, staff, families, school supporters, and the community at large who may request access to the Campus pursuant to the Civic Center Act (CA Ed. Code Sections 38130 - 38139).
Contact Information
Name
Bryan Ramos Fernandez
Agency Name
Los Angeles Unified School District
Job Title
CEQA Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Walnut Park Middle School Sinkhole Repair Project will be located on the 4.9-acre Walnut Park Middle School campus (Walnut Park MS or Campus). The Campus is located at 7500 Marbrisa Avenue in the Walnut Park neighborhood of unincorporated Los Angeles County. lt is bound by East Florence Avenue to the north, Santa Fe Avenue to the east, Walnut Terrace to the south, and Marbrisa Avenue to the west. The Campus is in an urbanized neighborhood surrounded by residential uses.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15302, 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 - Existing Facilities
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination.
The Project will replace the existing stormwater retention tank, stormwater lift station with submersible pumps, and storm drain piping and will replace approximately 4,800 square feet of natural turf and irrigation in the soccer field to correct a sinkhole caused by the failure of the existing retention tank. The Project includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
Section 15302 — Replacement or Reconstruction
Class 2 consists of replacing or reconstructing existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.
The Project will replace the existing stormwater retention tank, stormwater lift station with submersible pumps, and storm drain piping and will replace approximately 4,800 square feet of natural turf and irrigation in the soccer field to correct a sinkhole caused by the failure of the existing retention tank‘ The Project includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement. The Project will not result in an increase or alteration of the current use, function, or capacity of the existing Campus. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15302.
Section 15304 — Minor Alterations to Land
Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water. and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of health, mature. scenic trees expect for forestry or agricultural purposes.
The Project will replace the existing stormwater retention tank, stormwater lift station with submersible pumps, and storm drain piping and will replace approximately 4,800 square feet of natural turf and irrigation in the soccer field to correct a sinkhole caused by the failure of the existing retention tank. The Project includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement. Therefore, the Project satisfies the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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