Statewide Monitoring Network Modernization Project - Black Mountain Soil Probe Installation / Vegetation Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2026080084
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
Statewide Monitoring Network Modernization Project - Black Mountain Soil Probe Installation / Vegetation Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/4/2026
Document Description
DWR is proposing to install soil sensor probes within 50 feet of the existing Black Mountain hydrometeorological station, located within the Los Padres National Forest. Installation of the soil probes would require the excavation of a 3' x 3' x 3' temporary soil pit where soil robes would be installed to collect soil moisture data. The soil probes would be connected to the existing station with buried cables in conduit, which would require trenching up to 50' from the proposed soil probes to the existing station. The temporary soil pit and associated trenching would be excavated and backfilled with the use of hand tools. In addition, Chaparral vegetation surrounding the existing station (up to 100') would also be removed with hand tools and chainsaws to minimize the risk of damage and spread of wildfire.
Contact Information
Name
Brian Humphrey
Agency Name
California Dept. of Water Resources
Job Title
Sr. Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Santa Margarita
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Black Mountain Road (Forest Route 29S10)
Zip
93453
Total Acres
0.4
State Highways
n/a
Railways
n/a
Airports
n/a
Schools
n/a
Waterways
Shell Creek, Yaro Creek, Fernandez Creek
Township
29S
Range
15E
Section
15
Other Information
Los Padres National Forest; approx. 14 miles east of Santa Margarita
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301. Exist. Facilities; 15304. Minor Alt. to Land; 15306. Information Collection
Reasons for Exemption
Proposed soil probes would provide real-time data made publicly available through the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) website, would not involve negligible expansion of existing use, and would result in temporary minor ground disturbance. Proposed vegetation removal would occur within 100 feet of the existing station to minimize the risk of damage and spread of wildfire. Proposed activities will not result in a significant impact to the environment and none of the exceptions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. Proposed activities qualify for categorical exemptions 15301. Existing Facilities, 15304. Minor Alterations to Land, and 15306. Information Collection.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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