Soulajule Emergency Culvert Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026080834
Public Agency
Marin Municipal Water District
Document Title
Soulajule Emergency Culvert Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/24/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of the emergency, in-kind replacement of a failed 120-linear-foot, 72-inch corrugated metal pipe (CMP) culvert beneath 3 Peaks Fire Road adjacent to Soulajule Reservoir. The existing culvert has failed and separated at two coupling locations, with portions of the culvert displaced into the channel. The failure has resulted in erosion, sinkhole formation, and degradation of the roadway embankment, creating an imminent risk of roadway failure. The roadway provides the only access to a residence and critical District water supply infrastructure at Soulajule Reservoir. District access to the critical water infrastructure in this area is necessary to ensure uninterrupted delivery of water service.
The failed culvert will be replaced in-kind with a new 120-linear-foot, 72-inch CMP culvert within the same alignment and serving the same drainage function. Associated work will include excavation and backfilling, restoration of the roadway and
embankment, and installation of rock slope protection at the culvert inlet and outlet to stabilize the embankment and reduce future erosion. Disturbed areas will be restored following completion of the work.
Contact Information
Name
Carly Blanchard
Agency Name
Marin Water
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Nicasio (unincorporated)
Counties
Marin
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
3 Peaks Fire Road
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 21080(b)(2,4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c), Emergency Projects;
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(2,4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) because it consists of specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency and includes
emergency repairs necessary to maintain District services. The existing culvert has failed and separated at two coupling locations, resulting in erosion, sinkhole formation, and degradation of the roadway embankment that creates a risk of
imminent roadway failure. The roadway provides the only access to a residence and critical District water supply infrastructure at Soulajule Reservoir. District access to the critical water infrastructure in this area is necessary to ensure uninterrupted delivery of water service. Immediate in-kind replacement of the failed culvert is necessary to prevent roadway failure and maintain safe and uninterrupted access. Notwithstanding the emergency nature of the Project, it also qualifies for categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302(c), and 15304 because it consists of the in-kind replacement of an existing culvert, with no expansion of use or capacity, and minor alterations to previously disturbed roadway and embankment areas. The exceptions set forth in 15300.2 were evaluated and determined to not be applicable to this Project.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sections 15301, Existing Facilities; 15302(c), Replacement or Reconstruction; and 15304, Minor Alterations to Land.
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(2,4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) because it consists of specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency and includes emergency repairs necessary to maintain District services. The existing culvert has failed and separated at two coupling locations, resulting in erosion, sinkhole formation, and degradation of the roadway embankment that creates a risk of imminent roadway failure. The roadway provides the only access to a residence and critical District water supply infrastructure at Soulajule Reservoir. District access to the critical water infrastructure in this area is necessary to ensure uninterrupted delivery of water service. Immediate in-kind replacement of the failed culvert is necessary to prevent roadway failure and maintain safe and uninterrupted access. Notwithstanding the emergency nature of the Project, it also qualifies for categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302(c), and 15304 because it consists of the in-kind replacement of an existing culvert, with no expansion of use or capacity, and minor alterations to previously disturbed roadway and embankment areas. The exceptions set forth in 15300.2 were evaluated and determined to not be applicable to this Project.
County Clerk
Marin
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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