Phase II Environmental Site Assessment by The Hertz Corporation at East Harbor Island
Summary
SCH Number
2026010140
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment by The Hertz Corporation at East Harbor Island
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/7/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would allow for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) by Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc., as contracted by The Hertz Corporation (Applicant), in the city of San Diego, California. Activities associated with the site assessment would include, but not be limited to, the collection of sample soil borings and groundwater sampling at various locations throughout the current Hertz Corporation leasehold.
Sample borings would be collected as part of a Phase II ESA subsequent to a Phase I ESA previously conducted in April 2024, which identified various Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) associated with underground storage tanks, aboveground storage tanks, clarifiers, hazardous materials storage areas, and other historical onsite facilities. The proposed project would help facilitate the creation of a workplan, requested by the District, to address the previously identified RECs. Approximately 43 borings would be conducted at four (4) primary areas of concern throughout the proposed project site:
• Hertz – 1: Carwash facility/above and underground storage tanks and fuel dispensing facilities
• Hertz – 2: Recent fuel spill under southeastern parking canopy
• Hertz – 3: Maintenance building and hazardous waste storage area
• Hertz – 4: Underground sanitary sewer system
The proposed project is anticipated to occur in early 2026 and would take approximately one (1) month to complete. Boring placement may be modified as necessary, and would be drilled using hand tools and direct push technology such as a 2” direct push geoprobe. Sample borings would be collected at approximately 5-foot-depth intervals up to a depth of 10 feet below ground surface (bgs), at significant lithological changes, and/or at other appropriate depths determined by the on-site professional. Borings would be backfilled with hydrated bentonite granules and/or grout in accordance with County of San Diego well-permitting standards and capped with asphalt patches.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Justin Kosta
Agency Name
The Hertz Corporation
Job Title
Director, Environmental and Property
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
3202 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) (Class 4); 15306 (Information Collection) (Class 6)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and 15306 (Information Collection), and Sections 3.d. and 3.f. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of a Phase II environmental site assessment for the purpose of basic data collection activities which would result in no permanent effects on the environment, would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees, and would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Sections 3.d. and 3.f. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land: Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
AND/OR
3.f. Information Collection: Includes 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 for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which has not yet been approved, adopted or funded.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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