Full Capture System Trash Capture Device Installations on Various District Tenant Leaseholds
Summary
SCH Number
2026070897
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Full Capture System Trash Capture Device Installations on Various District Tenant Leaseholds
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/22/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would include the installation of trash capture devices within existing storm drain systems that convey runoff from commercial and industrial areas within District Tidelands. The proposed project would bring the District and Tenants into compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board) statewide trash provisions (referred to as Trash Amendments) by December 2030 . These Trash Amendments require local California agencies that are subject to stormwater discharge permits to reduce the discharge of trash transported via municipal storm drain systems by installing and maintaining trash capture devices, or Full Capture Systems (FCSs), within “priority land uses” (PLUs) that include commercial and industrial uses.
The proposed project would involve the installation of FCSs at approximately 25 District Tenant leaseholds that qualify as a PLU in the cities of San Diego, National City, and Coronado (see Attachment A). Work to specifically complete the proposed project at each location would include the following:
• Submittal for approval of a Hydrology and Hydraulic (H&H) analysis prepared by a civil engineer;
• Submittal of verification that the proposed trash FCS(s) is on the current State Water Board’s List of Certified FCSs prior to installation
• Clearing of debris from and protect existing storm drains in place; and
• Modification of existing catch basins and/or inlets with an FCS that meets the State Water Board’s criteria.
Tenants must complete construction and installation activities for each trash FCS on their leaseholds no later than December 1, 2030. H&H Assessments of stormdrain infrastructure and other factors such as drainage area and flow rate, space limitations, and tidal influence which will need to confirm the location(s) and type of each proposed FCS(s) to be installed. Installation of each trash FCS is anticipated to take approximately two (2) days to complete, with ongoing installations, modifications, inspections, and maintenance as needed, and would require a crew of approximately three (3) personnel. For locations within parking lots, nearby parking spaces may be closed to complete FCS installation, which would only be closed for approximately two (2) hours at a time and would reopen once each device has been installed.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, Tenants would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Stephanie Bauer
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Environmental Programs Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Coronado, National City, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Various locations throughout Tidelands (https://pantheonstorage.blob.core.windows.net/ceqa/2026-016-Tenant-FCS-Trash-Device-Installation-CatDet.pdf)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1); 15307 (Class 7); 15308 (Class 8); and 15311 (Class 11)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment), and 15311 (Accessory Structures), and Sections 3.a., 3.g., 3.h., and 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA as identified above because it would consist of the installation of new trash capture devices in existing storm drain systems on District tenant leaseholds that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would consist of the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures, and is an action taken by a regulatory agency as authorized by state or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of natural resources and the environment. Sections 3.a., 3.g., 3.h., and 3.i. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, including but not limited to:
AND/OR
3.g. Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources (SG § 15307) (Class 7): Includes actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment. Construction activities are not included in this exemption.
AND/OR
3.h. Actions by Regulatory Agency for Protection of the Environment (SG § 15308) (Class 8): Includes actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Construction activities and relaxation of standards allowing environmental degradation are not included in this exemption.
AND/OR
3.i. Accessory Structures (SG § 15311) (Class 11): Includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing facilities.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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