China Gulch Emergency Culvert Replacement
Summary
SCH Number
2026060572
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 1
(DOT)
Document Title
China Gulch Emergency Culvert Replacement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/12/2026
Document Description
Caltrans issued a Director’s Order in order to obtain emergency funding for this project. Heavy winter rains during late January/early February 2025 caused sudden, unexpected damage to the roadway at the intersection of State Route (SR) 1 and Old Stage Road in Gualala (post mile 0.6 on SR 1). A large sink hole developed due to a failed separated culvert. Caltrans Maintenance crews made temporary repairs to the roadway to refill the sink void and repave, however this was not sustainable as there was ongoing movement and a high risk for sudden road collapse. The roadway was in imminent danger of further damage and the traveling public. Immediate action was required to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, and essential services.
Contact Information
Name
Laurel Osborn
Agency Name
CA Department of Transportation
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Gualala, CA
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
State Route 1 post mile 0.6
State Highways
State Route 1
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt because the proposed project includes emergency repairs to publicly or privately owned service facilities necessary to maintain service essential to the public health, safety or welfare. Also, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances, it does not damage a scenic resource, it is not on the "Cortese List", there will not be significant adverse impacts on endangered, rare, or threatened species or their habitat, and it does not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of historical resources.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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