Los Vaqueros Dam Intake Gates Rehabilitation Project - Phase 1
Summary
SCH Number
2026050456
Public Agency
Contra Costa Water District
Document Title
Los Vaqueros Dam Intake Gates Rehabilitation Project - Phase 1
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/12/2026
Document Description
The Los Vaqueros Dam intake structure contains five intake gates which are opened or closed based on a range of factors such as reservoir elevation and water quality. Gate 5 was partially rehabilitated in 2018 and is currently at full operational status. The remaining gates are not currently in use for regular operations due to abnormal hydraulic system pressure readings and the potential for hydraulic oil leakage. The purpose of this Project is to inspect and assess the condition of Gates 1 through 5 at the Los Vaqueros Dam intake and make necessary repairs, including the replacement of hydraulic cylinders at three of the gates. This work is necessary to return the intake gates to full operational status and fulfill California Department of Safety of Dams (DSOD) requirements for normal and emergency operations.
Under Phase 1 of the Project, the hydraulic cylinders at Gates 1, 2, and 3 will be removed and refurbished or replaced. The cylinders will be removed from the dam gates and brought to the surface by divers, where a barge-mounted crane will lift them onto a paved staging area adjacent to the reservoir (see Figure 2). The cylinders will be inspected and either refurbished or replaced with new cylinders depending on their condition. The refurbished or replacement cylinders will be reinstalled using the barge-mounted crane and divers and will subsequently undergo operational testing.
Hydraulic power unit components will also be evaluated and repaired during this process. In addition, CCWD will conduct a detailed inspection of all dam gates and associated components to identify necessary future repairs. Any remaining deficiencies identified during this Phase 1 inspection will be repaired under Phase 2 of the Project.
Contact Information
Name
Cody Ericksen
Agency Name
Contra Costa Water District
Job Title
Associate Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Contra Costa
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Walnut Boulevard
Waterways
Kellogg Creek, Frisk Creek, Buckeye Creek, Adobe Creek, Mariposa Creek
Other Location Info
Project is located at the dam intake gates of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The gates are located at the northern end of the reservoir and can be accessed from paved access road at the end of Walnut Boulevard.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Section 15302 (c) and Class 1, Section 15301 (b)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt under Class 2, Section 15302 (c), "replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity". This project is also exempt under Class 1, Section 15301 (b), as it involves the repair and maintenance of an existing facility owned by a public utility.
County Clerk
Contra Costa
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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