Statewide Monitoring Network Modernization - Lower Kibbie Ridge Soil Probe Installation
Summary
SCH Number
2026041326
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Statewide Monitoring Network Modernization - Lower Kibbie Ridge Soil Probe Installation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/29/2026
Document Description
DWR is proposing to install soil sensor probes at the existing Lower Kibbie Ridge hydrometeorological station. Vertical borings would be conducted using a 2" diameter barrel driven 18" or to refusal to determine soil resistance, collect soil samples, and determine the location of the soil probes. Installation of the soil probes would require the temporary excavation of a 3' x 3' x 3' pit where four 4.9" x1.6" probes would be installed to collect soil moisture data from 10, 25, 50 and 100 centimeters below the ground surface. Each probe would be connected with buried cables enclosed in conduits to a data logger housed in a weatherproof cabinet attached to the existing station. Conduit installation would require trenching approximately 5" wide by 6" deep and up to 100' in length. The soil pit and trench would be excavated with hand tools and backfilled appropriately into their soil horizons after installation is complete.
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
Mather, Sonora
Counties
Tuolumne
Regions
Unincorporated
Waterways
Cherry Lake, Kibbie Creek, Cherry Creek
Township
2N
Range
19E
Section
15
Other Location Info
Yosemite National Park
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301. Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
Proposed soil probes would be installed to the existing Lower Kibbie Ridge hydrometeorlogical station and would not result in the negligible expansion of existing use. Proposed activities qualify for categorical exemption 15301 (Existing Facilities). 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. Furthermore, proposed activities would not require the use of heavy equipment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304. Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed soil probe installation would result in temporary minor ground disturbance consisting of 3' x 3' x 3' soil pit and trenching for conduit. Proposed activities qualify for categorical exemption 15304 (Minor Alterations of Land). 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. Furthermore, proposed activities would not require the use of heavy equipment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15306. Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed soil probes would provide real-time data made publicly available through the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC). 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. Furthermore, proposed activities would not require the use of heavy equipment.
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.