Fellows Dike Sampling Investigation
Summary
SCH Number
2025120358
Public Agency
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Document Title
Fellows Dike Sampling Investigation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/9/2025
Document Description
The Fellows Dike sampling investigation is needed to collect information regarding subsurface materials to support the planning and design for the proposed CDSRP. The investigation would be conducted within Valley Water property by the Fellows Dike area immediately south of Calero Reservoir. Activities would include conducting approximately 19 soil samples at 1 foot below ground surface, and 3 groundwater
samples from 25-45 feet below ground surface. The investigation area would be accessed from existing paved or dirt roads. Soil samples would be collected utilizing a direct-push or Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) capable drill rig, which would drill approximately 4-inch diameter holes beneath ground surface. Approximately three temporary groundwater wells would be installed in three of the holes to collect the groundwater samples. Two additional soil samples would be collected from the planned location for the Bailey Fellows House, reaching depths up to 20 feet below ground surface. The house is proposed to be relocated as part of the CDSRP. After work is complete, all excavated areas would be backfilled with the existing soil and samples would be properly sealed and sent to a laboratory to be tested for potential hazardous materials. All excess soil cuttings and purge water would be placed in 55-gallon drums and disposed of off-site. Concurrently with the soil and groundwater sampling, pedestrian surveyors would collect asbestos, lead, and Polychlorinated Biphenyl samples of all on-site structures, except the Bailey Fellows House.
Contact Information
Name
Abby Annicchiarico
Agency Name
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water)
Job Title
Associate Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
San Jose
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Countywide
Zip
95141
Waterways
Calero Reservoir
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
§15304 and §15306: Class 4, Class 6
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15304 and §15306:
“Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes.”
“Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.”
The Class 4 exemption applies because the proposed project consists of minor excavation activities to complete a sampling investigation, and would not involve the removal of any healthy, mature, or scenic trees. The Class 6 exemption applies because the proposed project consists of basic data collection activities for information-gathering purposes which, as demonstrated by the below project description, would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to the use of a Categorical Exemption noted under CEQA Guidelines §15300.2 would apply.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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