California Aqueduct Reach 3 and Reach 4 Vegetation, Trash, and Burrow Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2026020622
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
California Aqueduct Reach 3 and Reach 4 Vegetation, Trash, and Burrow Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/18/2026
Document Description
Under the direction of the Department of Water Resources' (DWR) San Luis Field Division (SLFD), a crew from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) will use hand tools to remove vegetation and trash from the DWR right of way. Removed vegetation and woody debris will be chipped and scattered on the shoulders of DWR roads in the area, or will be piled and burned according to conditions in SLFD’s burn permits. Stumps left in the ground will be treated with herbicide to prevent future growth. Trash will be disposed of at an appropriate offsite location. Burrows will be evaluated by a qualified DWR biologist; burrows not being used, and not potentially being used, by sensitive species will be collapsed and compacted using hand tools. Listed species will not be impacted. This work is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the Aqueduct.
Contact Information
Name
Cody Nelson
Agency Name
California Department of Water Resources
Job Title
Planner Scheduler/UC Supervisor
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Fresno, Merced
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Intersection of Aqueduct and SR 33 and about 1.55 NW of Aqueduct at W Shields Ave.
State Highways
I-5, SR 33, SR 165
Airports
Los Banos Municipal Airport
Schools
Charleston Elementary School
Waterways
California Aqueduct, Delta-Mendota Canal
Other Location Info
Work will take place in portions of California Aqueduct (Aqueduct) Reach 3 and Reach 4. The work will be in the Department of Water Resources (DWR) right of way on the right side (R) of the Aqueduct from mileposts (MP) 82.50R to MP 83.00R, MP 97.00R to MP 97.20R, and MP 97.40R to MP 99.00R, and on the left side (L) of the Aqueduct from MP 70.82L to MP 71.84L, MP 76.78L to MP 79.53L, MP 81.50L to MP 83.90L, and MP 96.90L to MP 97.00L. The northernmost work area (MP 70.82L) is at the intersection of the Aqueduct and State Route 33; the southernmost work area (MP 99.00R), is about 1.55 miles northwest of the intersection of the Aqueduct and West Shields Avenue.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
Work consists of removing vegetation and trash, and collapsing burrows in portions of the Department of Water Resources right of way. No healthy, mature, scenic trees will be removed and there will be no expansion of existing or former use of the Aqueduct right of way. Categorical Exemptions 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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