Werner Lake Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Planning Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026080863
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Werner Lake Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Planning Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/24/2026
Document Description
The applicant will develop a Werner Lake Restoration Plan, a proposal to reduce nonpoint source pollutant loads from runoff to Werner
Lake/Watsonville Creek and to remove accumulated agricultural sediments to restore open water. The Recipient will complete planning tasks to
restore Werner Lake by 1) assessing sediment accretion characteristics in the wetland, 2) working with consultants and stakeholders to identify
agricultural inputs and strategies to decrease those inputs, and 3) working with consultants to develop project designs.
Contact Information
Name
Jessica Leonard
Agency Name
Ca State Water Resources Control Board
Job Title
Nonpoint Source Program Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Andrea Woolfolk
Agency Name
Elkhorn Slough Foundation
Job Title
Project Director
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Unincorporated area - Royal Oaks, CA
Counties
Monterey
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Garin Road
Parcel #
119-011-00
Waterways
Werner Lake
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304; Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This is a feasibility study and planning project, and most of the actions will have no physical effects. Small-scale sediment sampling (a few, minor sediment cores) from the lake is categorically exempt as a minor alteration in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees (Class 4).
Sampling will not include grading or blasting. and the sampling will be done to support planning designed to result in improvement of habitat for fish and wildlife resources.
The sediment sampling is also categorically exempt under Class 6 - it is data collection and resource evaluation which does not result in a serious major disturbance to an environmental resource. This exemption allows for test borings, and soil, water, and vegetation sampling.
County Clerk
Monterey
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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