South Creek Streambed Profile Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026080898
Public Agency
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region 3
(RWQCB)
Document Title
South Creek Streambed Profile Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/25/2026
Document Description
The project will restore streambed profile and riparian function along South Creek, an intermittent, deeply incised tributary of La Hoya Creek within the Salsipuedes Creek watershed, which drains to the Santa Ynez River. The project applies low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) to reverse channel incision and re-establish the connection between the stream and its historic floodplain. Restoration is achieved by installing simple, hand-built structures that mimic natural wood accumulations and beaver activity; post-assisted log structures (PALS) and beaver dam analogues (BDAs). These structures slow surface flows, capture and store sediment, raise the local water table, and initiate recovery of native riparian vegetation and aquatic habitat over time.
Contact Information
Name
April Woods
Agency Name
Central Coast Water Board
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jesse Smith
Agency Name
White Buffalo Land Trust
Job Title
Director of Land Stewardship
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Lompoc
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Jalama Road
Zip
93436
Parcel #
083-270-005
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR Section 15333
Reasons for Exemption
This project restores and enhances habitat and is carried out principally with hand labor and not mechanized equipment. This project creates stream stabilization with native vegetation and other bioengineering techniques, the primary purpose of which is to reduce or eliminate erosion and sedimentation and restore floodplain connection.
Additionally, there would be no significant adverse impact on endangered, rare or threatened species or their habitat, there are no hazardous materials at or around the project site that may be disturbed or removed, and the project will not result in impacts that are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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