Big Chico Creek Headgates Stream Gage Installation - CalSIP
Summary
SCH Number
2026041151
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Big Chico Creek Headgates Stream Gage Installation - CalSIP
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/23/2026
Document Description
Through the California Stream Gage Improvement Program (CalSIP), DWR is actively improving California's stream gage network by upgrading existing gages, reactivating historical gages, and installing new gages on waterways across the state. Access to reliable, real-time data about the conditions and amount of water flowing into rivers and streams is critical to better manage water resources for public safety, water supply, and the conservation of freshwater species. DWR is proposing to install a stream gage on the upstream side of the existing Big Chico Creek Headgates structure to monitor water level, stream flow, and water temperature. An existing handrail and fence structure is attached to the top of the headgates structure. A radar gage, data logger, battery, and radio equipment will be housed within a steel enclosure attached to the existing handrail and fence structure on the upstream side of the headgate. An antenna and solar panel would also be attached to the steel enclosure or existing handrail and fence structure. Proposed activities will not result in ground disturbance, vegetation removal, in-water work, or drilling into the existing concrete headgate structure. See attached Project Description.
Contact Information
Name
Brian Humphrey
Agency Name
California Dept. of Water Resources
Job Title
Sr. Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Chico
Counties
Butte
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Centennial Avenue
State Highways
Highway 32
Schools
Pleasant Valley HS, March Jr High, Sierra View & Marigold Elem
Waterways
Big Chico Creek
Township
22N
Range
02E
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306. Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed stream gage installation would provide real-time data and monitor hydrologic conditions of Big Chico Creek upstream of the Headgates structure. The proposed stream gage assembly would be attached to the existing steel handrailing and fence structure with no ground disturbance, vegetation removal, in-water work, or drilling into the concrete headgate structure. Proposed activities qualify for categorical exemption 15306. Information Collection. Proposed activities will not result in a significant impact to the environment and none of the exceptions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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