NASSCO Facility Electric Crane Pilot Program
Summary
SCH Number
2026071151
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
NASSCO Facility Electric Crane Pilot Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/29/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the installation of a 120-ton electric crane by General Dynamics-NASSCO (Tenant) at the NASSCO facility in the city of San Diego, California. The installation and operation of the electric crane would be part of a pilot program implemented by the Tenant to evaluate the operational feasibility, performance, and infrastructure requirements associated with transitioning to fully electric cranes in other areas of the Tenant leasehold.
The project area is contained entirely within a developed site for industrial operations, and use of the crane would be limited to a specific area on the west end of the NASSCO facility that is less than five (5) acres. Ground-disturbing activities, excavation, grading, or additional site preparation for the installation of the proposed crane would not be required as the existing site conditions would adequately serve the installation of the proposed crane; existing on-site infrastructure including the existing crane rail system and 1500kVA/72FLA transformer station would provide the necessary infrastructure and power source required for operating the crane.
The crane would be delivered to the Tenant from the manufacturer and assembled on-site utilizing existing cranes and equipment at the NASSCO facility. Construction of the proposed project would take approximately two (2) weeks to complete. Best Management Practices consistent with the current use of the site and in compliance with other regulatory permits, including, but not limited to, Regional Water Quality Control Board San Diego Order R9-2023-0012 and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Shipyard to San Diego Bay General Order, would be implemented during assembly of the crane. There is no predetermined end date for the pilot program as the electric crane would remain in operation as part of the Tenant’s ongoing assessment.
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, the Tenant 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
Doug Shamblen
Agency Name
General Dynamics-NASSCO
Job Title
Facilities Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
2798 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92113
Other Information
NASSCO Shipyard Facility
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1); Section 15303 (Class 3); Section 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), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15311 (Accessory Structures), and Sections 3.a., 3.c., and 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the installation of a fully electric crane in support of existing shipbuilding and repair activities that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing and would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use. Sections 3.a., 3.c., 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:
(1) Repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing mooring facilities, floats, piers, piles, wharves, bulkhead, revetment, buoys, or similar structures; marine terminal facilities; airport facilities; and commercial industrial, or recreational facilities.
AND/OR
3.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (SG § 15303) (Class 3): Includes construction of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and conversion of existing small structures from one use to another with minor modifications to the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include:
(2) Accessory (appurtenant) structures and mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, garages, sheds, railway spur tracks, pilings, temporary trailers, industrial equipment enclosures, fences, parking, on-site roadways, walkways and health and safety devices.
AND/OR
3.i. Accessory Structures (SG § 15311) (Class 11): Includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing facilities, including:
(2) Construction or placement of minor structures or equipment accessory to (appurtenant to) existing airport of marine terminal 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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