Storm Drain Infrastructure Retrofits at Various Locations within District Tidelands
Summary
SCH Number
2026041412
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Storm Drain Infrastructure Retrofits at Various Locations within District Tidelands
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/30/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the installation of approximately 10 trash capture devices within existing storm drain systems by the San Diego Unified Port District in the city of San Diego, California. The proposed project is a continuation of Project No. 2025-005, which a Coastal Act Categorical Determination of Exclusion was previously issued for on February 7, 2025, as part of the District’s implementation of the San Diego Bay Water Quality Improvement Plan. The proposed project is amended to include approximately 10 new trash capture device installations in addition to the 10 devices previously approved.
The proposed project would include three (3) locations: Shelter Island along Shelter Island Drive (Location 1), East Harbor Island on Liberator Way south of the Harbor Police Department Headquarters (Location 2), and throughout Embarcadero Marina Park North (EMPN; Location 3). No locations within EMPN are proposed within the promenade and would not result in its closure. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would include the following:
Location 1:
• Clearing of debris and in-place protection of existing storm drains.
• Modification of four (4) existing catch basins with connector pipe screens.
Location 2:
• Clearing of debris and in-place protection of existing storm drains.
• Modification of two (2) existing catch basins with grate inlet filters.
Location 3:
• Clearing of debris and in-place protection of existing storm drains.
• Modification of two (2) existing catch basins with connector pipe screens.
• Modification of two (2) existing catch basins with grate inlet filters.
Construction of the proposed project would occur in Spring 2026 and would take approximately one (1) month to complete, with ongoing installations, modifications, and maintenance as needed. Installation of each trash capture device would take approximately one (1) day to complete and would require a crew of approximately three (3) personnel. For locations within parking lots, nearby parking spaces may be closed to complete installation and would only be closed for approximately two (2) hours at a time and would reopen once each device has been installed. Any trash capture devices proposed will require certification from the State Water Board as a Full Capture System Device prior to installation.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the District would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Hector Arias
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Associate Engineer
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Shelter Island
East Harbor Island
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1); Section 15303 (Class 3); Section 15307 (Class 7); Section 15308 (Class 8)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), and Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment), and Sections 3.a., 3.c., 3.g., and 3.h. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the installation of trash capture devices in existing storm drain systems that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would consist of the installation of small new equipment and facilities appurtenant to small structures, and is an action taken by a regulatory agency to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of natural resources and the environment. Sections 3.a., 3.c., 3.g., and 3.h. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
AND/OR
3.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (SG § 15303) (Class 3): Includes construction of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and conversion of existing small structures from one site to another with minor modifications to the exterior of the structure.
(2) Accessory (appurtenant) structures and mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, garages, sheds, railway spur tracks, pilings, temporary trailers, industrial equipment enclosures, fences, parking, on-site roadways, walkways and health and safety devices.
AND/OR
3.g. Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources (SG § 15307) (Class 7): Includes actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration or enhancement of a natural resources where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment. Construction activities are not included in this exemption.
AND/OR
3.h. Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment (SG § 15308) (Class 8): Includes actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Construction activities and relaxation of standards allowing environmental degradation are not included in this exemption.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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