Cal Poly Pier TEAMER Wave Measurement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026070721
Public Agency
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Document Title
Cal Poly Pier TEAMER Wave Measurement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/17/2026
Document Description
Facilities Planning and Capital Projects at the Califorina Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is lead agency carring out the project. Caifornia Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) CCMS administers the Cal Poly Pier, which operates as a marine research and educational facility. The Cal Poly Pier and surrounding waters have been approved to be a part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) facility network as an open water test site. The Cal Poly Pier Wave Measurement Project consists of the deployment of a wave measurement buoy to measure existing wave conditions at the Cal Poly Pier testing facility. The deployed buoy measures vertical wave movement. In addition to wave measurements, the buoy transmits information through HF radio link on sea surface temperature, GPS coordinates, and battery life. Data collected on the Waverider follows a long-utilized and reliable path to public access.
Contact Information
Name
scott bloom
Agency Name
Facilities Planning and Capital Projects at Cal Poly State University
Job Title
Campus Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Avila Beach (unincorporated seaside community)
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Northern California, Southern California
Cross Streets
Avila Beach Drive & Cal Poly Pier
Zip
93424
Total Acres
0.45
Parcel #
076-174-010
Waterways
San Luis Bay, Pacific Ocean
Township
32S
Range
11E
Base
MDPM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6, Information Collection: Sec. 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15306 (Information Collection) as the project includes a wave measurement program for research and resource evaluation activities which do not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15306; Class 3, New Small Facilities and Equipment: Sec. 15303
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15303 (New Small Facilities and Equipment) for the deployment of a buoy to provide a clear understanding of the wave conditions surrounding the Cal Poly Pier facility. Section 15303 includes the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, such as the porposed buoy as equipment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15304 includes projects that involve minor alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees and involve minor grading, trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. The Project will not involve any removal of trees and any alterations to the seafloor would be minor and temporary.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Section 15300.2
Reasons for Exemption
The project would not have a significant impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern and would not otherwise impact on a particularly sensitive environment due to its location. In addition, there would be no cumulative impacts related to the project; there are no known unusual circumstances that would have a significant effect on the environment; the project would not be located within an officially designated state highway; no trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings would be removed or damaged; there are no hazardous waste sites within 1,000 feet of the project site; and the project would not cause a substantial change in
the significance of a historical resource.
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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