Bishop Tract Pipe Rehabilitation
Summary
SCH Number
2026041019
Public Agency
Reclamation District 2042 Bishop Tract
(RD 2042)
Document Title
Bishop Tract Pipe Rehabilitation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/22/2026
Document Description
Remove and replace existing 48" reinforced concrete pipeline and combination flap gates through the District levee at the east end of Telephone Cut. As the pipeline is underwater, the project involves installing small cofferdams around the immediate work areas on each side of the levee. Replacement will then include excavating through the levee, removing and replacing the pipe, and restoring the levee section through backfill and compaction (Moore Biological, Biological Assessment). The project does not include any expansion of capacity or change in use.
Contact Information
Name
Tessa Marlow
Agency Name
Reclamation District 2042
Job Title
Environmental Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Stockton
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
On District levee at the east end of Telephone Cut
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15302
Reasons for Exemption
The project consists of the replacement of an 108-foot x 48-inch existing pipeline and associated gate structures that connects the east end of Telephone Cut with other agricultural drainages to the east. The proposed replacement will occur at the same location as the existing pipeline. The pipeline and new flap gates will serve the same purpose and function with essentially the same size, purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced. The project, therefore, qualifies for a Class 2 categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15302.
A Biological Assessment (BA) of the project, prepared by Moore Biological, describes the existing biological resources of land and waters in and adjacent to the project site and how the project would affect those resources, including Waters of the U.S. and wetlands, Federal and State special-status species, and other natural resources. The project would not involve any significant effect on biological resources.
The project includes proposed Avoidance and Minimization Measures that focus on construction scheduling and isolating the in-water work areas: With implementation of these measures, which are a part of the project, the project would have minimal and less than significant impacts to special-status plant, wildlife, and fish species.
Detailed discussion of the project's potential biological effects and the effectiveness of proposed Avoidance and Minimization Measures is documented in the project BA. A full copy of the BA has been provided to all agencies with permit jurisdiction. As documented in the BA, there would be no long-term adverse impacts to the aquatic habitats and potentially occurring special-status species in Telephone Cut, the San Joaquin River, and regional delta waterways biological resources as a result of the proposed project.
As documented in Appendix B, there are no other known environmental effects due to unusual circumstances that could be considered significant under CEQA.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures Included in Project:
- Construction access via existing levee and farm roads.
- Minimization of overall construction disturbance area and minimization of project footprint in jurisdictional Waters of the U.S.
- Isolation and de-watering in-water work areas.
- Construction scheduling between August 1 and November 30 to avoid potential impacts to special status species and nesting birds.
- Conducting pre-construction surveys and implementing take avoidance measures for nesting
- Swainson's hawks and other nesting birds for construction prior to September 1.
- Conducting pre-construction surveys for northwestern pond turtle and giant garter snake and implementing take avoidance measures.
- Construction staging in adjacent upland areas that are biologically unremarkable.
County Clerk
San Joaquin
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.