Abels Bridge and Pond Outlet Improvement Project (Project) (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-MEN-67271-R1C)
Summary
SCH Number
2026090016
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1
(CDFW)
Document Title
Abels Bridge and Pond Outlet Improvement Project (Project) (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-MEN-67271-R1C)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/1/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has executed Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS Notification No. EPIMS-MEN-67271-R1C, pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code to Dustin Abels.
The Project is limited to two (2) encroachments (Table 1). One encroachment is for upgrading a stream crossing on an unnamed tributary to East Fork Russian River. Two 48-inch diameter culverts will be replaced with a bridge, consisting of a 30-foot long by 12-foot wide bridge deck supported by eight (8) 2-foot tall by 2-foot wide by 6-foot long pre-cast concrete bridge abutments, 4 pre-cast abutments supporting each end of the bridge, and six (6) cubic-yards of 6-inch plus rock riprap in the stream channel to protect the abutments. Prior to initiating work, coordination with Potter Valley Irrigation District may be necessary to ensure compliance with Measure 2.14 of the Agreement.
The other proposed encroachment is for improvements to the outlet of a reservoir filled by water delivery from the Potter Valley Irrigation District and is currently hydrologically connected to an Unnamed Tributary to the East Fork Russian River. Work for this encroachment will include the removal of 60 feet of culvert from the outlet, installation of a 45-degree elbow and 10-foot section of culvert and addition of a 6 foot by 9 foot energy dissipator consisting of 6-inch rock, followed by a 115-foot long vegetated swale with rock check dams at 20-foot intervals, ending in a 6 foot by 9 foot energy dissipator consisting of 6-inch rock.
Contact Information
Name
Penny Lancaster
Agency Name
CA Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Dustin Ables, Please contact Penny Lancaster of CDFW
Agency Name
Permitee
Job Title
Permitee
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Potter Valley
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Northern California
Parcel #
175-230-20
Waterways
Russian River watershed
Township
17N
Range
11W
Section
28
Base
MtDiablo
Other Location Info
approximately 2 miles south of the town of Potter Valley
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Classes 1, 2 and 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301, 15302 and 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Abels Bridge and Pond Outlet Improvement Project (Project) meets the criteria for categorical exemption Class 1, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301 because the project involves minor alteration of an existing stream crossing. The project involves negligible or no expansion of the existing use.
Abels Bridge and Pond Outlet Improvement Project (Project) meets the criteria for categorical exemption Class 2, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15302 because the project involves replacement and reconstruction of an existing stream crossing that will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structures replaced.
Abels Bridge and Pond Outlet Improvement Project (Project) meets the criteria for categorical exemption Class 4, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304 because the pond outlet improvements consist of minor alterations of land, not involving removal of healthy, mature or scenic trees.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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