Portola Reservoir Spillway Maintenance
Summary
SCH Number
2026080803
Public Agency
Santa Margarita Water District
Document Title
Portola Reservoir Spillway Maintenance
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/21/2026
Document Description
Nature of Project: Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) will perform routine maintenance of the Portola Reservoir Spillway, consisting of vegetation and sediment removal along approximately 200 linear feet of the existing concrete V-ditch. Work will be limited to the district’s existing easement and to areas necessary to maintain proper spillway function. The spillway will remain operational throughout the maintenance activities. No new construction, expansion, or modification of the existing spillway facilities is proposed. All removed vegetation, sediment, and debris will be hauled offsite and disposed of at an appropriate facility. Purpose of Project: The purpose of the project is to maintain the Portola Reservoir spillway in a safe and functional condition by removing accumulated vegetation and sediment that could obstruct or reduce the conveyance capacity of the spillway. The work is part of SMWD’s regular reservoir maintenance program and is performed in accordance with maintenance requirements associated with the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).Beneficiaries of Project: The project will benefit SMWD customers and the surrounding community by maintaining the safe and reliable operation of the Portola Reservoir and its spillway facilities. Routine maintenance helps preserve the drainage and overflow capacity of the spillway.
Contact Information
Name
Daniel Ward
Agency Name
Santa Margarita Water District
Job Title
Construction Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Coto de Caza
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Zip
92679
Other Location Info
Property behind 31371 Trigo Trail, Coto de Caza, on spillway easement
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities), because the project consists of routine maintenance of an existing reservoir spillway facility involving no expansion of its existing use. Maintenance activities are limited to the removal of accumulated vegetation, sediment, and debris from approximately 200 linear feet of an existing concrete V-ditch to maintain the spillway in its existing operational condition. No new construction, expansion, or modification of the existing facility will occur. The project is also consistent with Section 15304, Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land), as the work involves minor vegetation and sediment removal within the District's existing easement.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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