12KV Extension Laguna Springs-Sirroco Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026010137
Public Agency
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Document Title
12KV Extension Laguna Springs-Sirroco Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/7/2026
Document Description
SMUD is proposing to install approximately 350 feet of new 12kV utility cable within conduit below Elk Grove Creek / Laguna Creek (Laguna Creek). The project would employ the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), a method intended to reduce environmental impacts through the avoidance of surface disturbance in sensitive habitats. The sending and receiving bore pits for the HDD bore under Laguna Creek will be located within upland habitats that are categorized urban land use. The southwestern pit is more than 200 feet from the water’s edge, and the northeastern pit is more than 40 feet from the water’s edge. A total of four conduits - two 6-inch and two 4-inch - will be pulled through the bore path under Laguna Creek, completing the installation. All HDD activities will occur at a minimum depth of approximately 60 inches below the ground surface level and at least 10 feet below the bed, bank, and channel of the creek. Project equipment and staging will be restricted to urban, upland habitats and will not encroach upon the banks of Laguna Creek. The Laguna Creek HDD activity is anticipated to be completed by June 2026, after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Streambed Alteration Agreement is obtained. The work is anticipated to take no longer than five days.
Contact Information
Name
Ranie Shreckengost
Agency Name
SMUD
Job Title
Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Elk Grove
Counties
Sacramento
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Northern California
Cross Streets
Laguna Springs Drive and Longleaf Drive
Parcel #
APN 11614900100000
Waterways
Elk Grove Creek, Laguna Creek
Other Location Info
The project site is located in a commercial area near the intersection of Laguna Springs Drive and Longleaf Drive, Elk Grove, California. The project follows the alignment of the Longleaf Drive Bridge.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption (CEQA PRC §21080(b)(9), 21084; CEQA Guidelines §15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Str
Reasons for Exemption
Under CEQA Guidelines § 15062, a lead agency must identify the rationale for making the determination that a project is exempt under CEQA. SMUD has determined that the Project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15303, which reads, “Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures… Examples of this exemption include but are not limited to: (d) water main, sewage, electrical, gas, and other utility extensions, including street improvements, of reasonable length to serve such construction.” SMUD has also determined that the project description meets the criteria for exemption under CEQA Guidelines §15304, which reads, “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... Examples include, but are not limited to: (f) Minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.” The Project involves the extension of existing, underground 12 kV distribution lines to connect existing infrastructure on either side of Laguna Creek and will require the excavation of two small, upland excavations which will serve as the bore sending and receiving pits, including one 6’ x 8’ pull box, that will be restored to pre-project conditions upon Project completion. Therefore, the Project is exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines §15303 & 15304.
County Clerk
Sacramento
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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