Crystal Lake Hatchery Emergency Waterline Repairs Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026021058
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1
(CDFW)
Document Title
Crystal Lake Hatchery Emergency Waterline Repairs Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/27/2026
Document Description
The hatchery’s 24-inch main water supply line to the facility is in imminent threat of failure. Approximately 80 feet of the waterline is supported by a steel cable suspension bridge over Baum Lake. To ensure the continued safe operation of the hatchery and maintain water supply, CDFW will be replacing the bridge structure and waterline suspended over Baum Lake. The project consists of full replacement of the existing bridge and waterline, and also includes removal and replacement of the damaged pipe segments and associated mechanical pipe hangers, demolition of an abandoned 16-inch suspended pipeline, and removal of the two steel suspension towers that support the mechanical bridge structure. A new Acrow style modular cantilever launch bridge will be installed and a new 24-inch diameter pipe will run along the bridge deck. All work will be performed without contact with the water surface or disturbance to Baum Lake or its banks.
Contact Information
Name
Brian Rushton
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Hatchery Supervisor
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
unincorporated area near Cassel
Counties
Shasta
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
40158 Baum Lake Road, Cassel Road
Zip
96016
Parcel #
023-370-053-000
Waterways
Baum Lake, Crystal Lake, Hat Creek, Rising River
Township
36N
Range
04E
Section
32
Base
MDBM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
While there have been no prior issues with the water delivery system, the shift in the waterline was likely due to a sudden and unexpected seismic event. The waterline supplies water for domestic, fire suppression, and fish rearing operations essential to CLH. The project entails specific actions necessary to prevent further emergency actions at CLH. The option to replace the bridge and waterline was chosen because it meets current codes and standards and would ensure the structure is resilient to future seismic activity.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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