Arcata Bay - Vero Fiber Networks Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026070800
Public Agency
California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC)
Document Title
Arcata Bay - Vero Fiber Networks Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/21/2026
Document Description
The Arcata Bay Project is located near Humboldt Bay in the City of Arcata and the unincorporated communities of Indianola, Manila, and Samoa in Humboldt County. The project alignment includes construction of conduits for installation of fiber optic cable along two parallel routes called FH1 and FH2, which are approximately 9 miles each. The project alignment is located along State Route (SR) 255, Myrtle Road (near Indianola), and J and 11th streets in Arcata. An existing segment of the alignment is located along Old Arcata Road, which would connect to new infrastructure (e.g., drop lines) near Indianola.
The project applicant, Vero Fiber Networks, proposes to place approximately 18 miles total of underground fiber-optic cable using directional bore methods (i.e., trenchless). A 6-inch conduit would be installed in FH1 and an 8-inch conduit would be installed in FH2, along existing roads. Trenchless methods would not result in any ground disturbance; however, manholes, hand holes, pull boxes, and bore pits would be excavated along highways and road shoulders. It is assumed that these features would require excavation of up to 4 feet in depth. All disturbance would be temporary except for the small footprints occupied by manhole and handhole lids, which would be flush with the ground. Manholes, pull boxes, and bore pits are planned to be placed in locations free of sensitive biological resources.
Contact Information
Name
Andrew Chan
Agency Name
California Public Utilities Commission
Job Title
CEQA Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Arcata, Indianola, Malina, Samoa
Counties
Humboldt
Regions
Countywide
State Highways
State Route 255
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
SB 131 (2025) Statutory Exemption, PRC sec. 21080.51
Reasons for Exemption
Under Resolution T-17922 CPUC determined that this project falls within statutory exemption under CEQA. (a) [CEQA] does not apply to a project undertaken by any entity, including a public entity or private or nonprofit corporation, that consists of linear broadband deployment in a right-of-way, including a right-of-way of a local street or road, if the project meets all of the following conditions: (1) The project is constructed along, or within 30-feet of, the right-of-way of any public road or highway. (2) The project is either deployed underground where the surface area is restored to a condition existing before the project or placed aerially along an existing utility pole right-of-way. (3) The project incorporates, as a condition of project approval, measures developed by the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Transportation, or the city, county, or city and county responsible for the right-of-way to address potential environmental impacts. At minimum, the project shall be required to include monitors during construction activities and measures to avoid or address impacts to cultural and biological resources. (4) The project applicant agrees to comply with all conditions otherwise authorized by law, imposed by a city, county, or city and county as part of a local agency permit process, that are required to mitigate potential impacts of the proposed project, and to comply with the Keene-Nejedly California Wetlands Preservation Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 5810) of Division 5), the California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), as applicable, other applicable state laws, and all applicable federal laws. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 24, Sec. 12. (SB 131) Effective June 30, 2025.