D Booster Station Monitoring Wells Project

2026010239

Marina Coast Water District

NOE - Notice of Exemption

1/12/2026

1/12/2026

Remleh Scherzinger

Marina Coast Water District

General Manager

Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant

920 2nd Ave Suite B
920 2nd Ave Suite B, CA 93933

(831) 883-5925

rscherzinger@mcwd.org

APN 031-151-057-000

Categorical Exemption

15301(b), 15303(d), 15304, and 15306

The proposed project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in Section 15061(b)(3), which applies where "there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." The proposed project consists of two groundwater monitoring wells that would serve MCWD's existing system and expand groundwater level and water quality monitoring in the area. The wells would not introduce new land uses, significantly expand capacity, or generate significant environmental effects. Since CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential to cause a significant environmental effect and given the limited scope of construction, the previously disturbed condition of the site, and the absence of reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts, the proposed project would not result in a significant environmental impact. Section 15301(b) (Class 1) categorically exempts the minor alteration of existing public or private structures involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. This includes public utility services, such as the two proposed groundwater monitoring wells. The proposed project consists of a minor alteration to an existing fc:1cility with a negligible expansion of use. Section 15303(d) (Class 3) categorically exempts the construction of new, small facilities or structures associated with utility infrastructure. The proposed project would involve the installation of two new groundwater monitoring wells that are limited in scale, accessory to existing MCWD groundwater infrastructure, and located on a permitted MCWD site. Section 15304 (Class 4) categorically exempts minor alterations to land, water, and vegetation, including minor drilling and subsurface activities that result in minimal surface disturbance. The proposed monitoring wells would involve minor grading and site preparation, as well as drilling and installation of well casings, with disturbed areas to be restored following construction. There are no long-term safety concerns associated with the proposed project. Additionally, Section 15306 (Class 6) categorically exempts data collection and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a major disturbance to an environmental resource. The proposed monitoring wells would provide groundwater level and water quality monitoring to meet SGMA requirements and address identified groundwater monitoring data gaps to support MCWD's responsibilities as a GSA. Lastly, none of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 would apply to the proposed project. Specifically, for Classes 3, 4, and 6, the project locations are not particularly sensitive and are located in previously disturbed areas. No other similar projects are proposed in the same place that, over time, would result in significant impacts. The proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances. The project is not located within a state scenic highway or a hazardous waste site, and the site does not contain any historical resources that would be impacted. Therefore, the project would be exempt under CEQA.

Other

15061(b)(3)

The proposed project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in Section 15061(b)(3), which applies where "there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." The proposed project consists of two groundwater monitoring wells that would serve MCWD's existing system and expand groundwater level and water quality monitoring in the area. The wells would not introduce new land uses, significantly expand capacity, or generate significant environmental effects. Since CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential to cause a significant environmental effect and given the limited scope of construction, the previously disturbed condition of the site, and the absence of reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts, the proposed project would not result in a significant environmental impact.