D-1510B L-300A MP 425.4 ILI DIG (ID-603G-6) (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2025-48-04 (ITP))
Summary
SCH Number
2026060643
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4
(CDFW)
Document Title
D-1510B L-300A MP 425.4 ILI DIG (ID-603G-6) (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2025-48-04 (ITP))
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/15/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued an ITP (No. 2081 2025 048-04), pursuant to Section 2081(b) of the Fish and Game Code to Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The Project includes excavation, inspection, and repair of a 34-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline. The Project will also include additional excavations to access and ventilate the pipeline on either side of the repair site. Project activities will include vegetation removal, excavation, inspection of the anomaly in the pipeline, pipeline repair or replacement, backfill, and site restoration.
The pipeline is essential to meet gas delivery to a large number of customers, and outages will occur if the line is unable to function or operate with reduced pressure. Therefore, it is not feasible to delay inspection and repairs.
The Project will result in temporary impacts to 2.301 acres of California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) habitat. The project is expected to result in incidental take of California tiger salamander, which is designated as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The ITP referenced above as issued by CDFW authorizes incidental take of species listed under CESA that may occur as a result of Project implementation.
Contact Information
Name
Jim Kitch
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Craig Geldard
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Title
Senior Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
San Benito
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The D-1510B L-300A MP 425.4 ILI Dig (ID 603G-6) is located within the Diablo Range in central San Benito County, approximately 11 miles northwest of Panoche and approximately 15 miles southwest of Paicines. The Project sites are located within polygons located within Section 4, Township 15 South, Range 8 East and Sections 7 and 18, Township 15 South, Range 9 East; USGS 7.5 Minute Quad Panoche Pass MDB&M.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code §21080, subd. (b)(4)) California Code of Regulations, Title 14, §15269, subd. (c)
Reasons for Exemption
Approval of this Project is subject to the statutory exemption for “Specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency” (Emergency Project; Pub. Resources Code, § 21080, subd. (b)(4)) and Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15269, subd. (c)) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Pub. Resources Code, §21000 et seq.). “Emergency” is defined as “A sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services” (Pub. Resources Code, §21060.3).
PG&E conducted In-Line Inspection of Line 300A to determine if any anomalies or irregularities (e.g., dents, cracks, metal loss due to corrosion) were present. One anomaly was identified at the ID-603G-6 location. The purpose of the Project is to assess the condition of the pipeline at this anomaly location. PG&E will need to conduct an investigative dig (ID-603G-6) to excavate soil around the pipeline and conduct inspections to assess the condition of the pipe (direct assessment). Direct assessment activities include the evaluation of the anomaly along L-300A to determine whether damage of the pipeline is present and to make necessary repairs to the pipeline. The Project must begin immediately as required by state and federal regulations to repair the leak. Natural gas pipeline maintenance is required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) General Order 112 F. General Order 112 F incorporates the United States Department of Transportation regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49, Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline, as well as the California Department of Water Resources California Well Standards Bulletins 74-81 and 74-90, to ensure a safe and constant supply of natural gas to customers.
Line 300A is a backbone gas line in the system. The pipeline is essential to meet delivery to a large number of customers, and outages will occur if the line is unable to function or operate with reduced pressure. Therefore, it is not feasible to delay inspection and repairs.
The Project includes excavation, inspection, and repair of a 34-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline. The Project will also include additional excavations to access and ventilate the pipeline on either side of the repair site. Project activities will include vegetation removal, excavation, inspection of the anomaly in the pipeline, pipeline repair or replacement, backfill, and site restoration. Project workspace will be returned to pre-Project conditions to the extent feasible and restored. Project is expected to temporarily disturb 2.301 acres of Covered Species habitat.
Impacts will be minimized and fully mitigated through the implementation of measures required by Incidental Take Permit No. 2081 2025 048 04. Measures include: 1) Monthly Compliance Reports; 2) establishment of avoidance zones; 3) worker education; 4) species relocation; and 5) permanent habitat protection.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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