5-Mile Pipeline Shaded Fuel Break
Summary
SCH Number
2026031287
Public Agency
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
Document Title
5-Mile Pipeline Shaded Fuel Break
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/30/2026
Document Description
The project will create an approximately 2.2-mile shaded fuel break along SLVWD’s 5-Mile Pipeline and approximately 1 mile of shaded fuel break along Pipeline access roads. The Pipeline provides a critical fuel break location, directly protecting the community of Boulder Creek and the District's Lyon Water Treatment Plant. The project will reduce fire hazards along the Pipeline and access roads, reduce the vertical and horizontal continuity of vegetative fuel, improve ingress for emergency response services, improve retained tree health, and enhance resilience to future wildfire. Mechanical and manual treatment will increase the horizontal and vertical canopy separation. Nesting bird surveys will be performed if work is to be performed during nesting bird season. Biomass will be piled, chipped, and/or lopped and scattered to specifications. Following the initial treatment, maintenance of the shaded fuel break will be performed on a regular basis.
Contact Information
Name
Chris Klier
Agency Name
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
Job Title
Environmental Programs Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304(i)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304, Class 4 Minor Alteration to Land. A Class 4 exempt project 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 except for forestry or agricultural purposes. The project would involve understory fuel management activities through vegetation clearance and removal up to 30 feet from the 5-Mile Pipeline and access roads. The project scope is consistent with a minor alteration to the condition of the vegetation around and maintenance of the Pipeline and access roads. The project will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters; and no ground disturbance, such as excavation, would take place. No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply to the project.
County Clerk
Santa Cruz
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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