Rattlesnake Reservoir Fencing Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025110465
Public Agency
Irvine Ranch Water District
Document Title
Rattlesnake Reservoir Fencing Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/13/2025
Document Description
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) owns and operates Rattlesnake Reservoir in Irvine, California, which is an uncovered reservoir containing recycled water produced by IRWD for industrial and commercial purposes throughout its service area. Rattlesnake Reservoir continues to experience security breaches, and the purpose of the project is to provide security upgrades to Rattlesnake Reservoir and its associated facilities. The project involves the construction of 3,900 linear feet of 6-foot high, black vinyl-coated chain link fence (1,400 feet on the north side of the reservoir and 2,500 feet on the south side of the reservoir) and the replacement of two existing fence gates with 6-foot high chain link fence gates. The replacement security structures will be installed on the same site and will have the same purpose as the existing security infrastructure. Upon completion of construction, any disturbed pavement and landscaping would be restored.
Contact Information
Name
Emily Le
Agency Name
Irvine Ranch Water District
Job Title
Environmental Compliance Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Irvine
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Portola Parkway and Orchard Hills Drive
Zip
92602
State Highways
SR 241, SR 261
Schools
Northwood High School, Canyon View Elementary School
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the action involves the installation of replacement structures on the same site as the existing security infrastructure where the replacement infrastructure will have substantially the same purpose as the existing security infrastructure. Class 2 exempts from CEQA review any project involving replacement or reconstruction of 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, such as the replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. In addition, pursuant to Section 15300.2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption under CEQA are applicable.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3, CEQA Guidelines Section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the action involves the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small structures at the existing Rattlesnake Reservoir. Class 3 exempts from CEQA review any project involving the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. In addition, pursuant to Section 15300.2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption under CEQA are applicable.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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