Southbound Eureka Slough Bridge Emergency Repair Project (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081(b)-2026-047-01)
Summary
SCH Number
2026090864
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1
(CDFW)
Document Title
Southbound Eureka Slough Bridge Emergency Repair Project (California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081(b)-2026-047-01)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/21/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued a California Endangered Species Act (CESA; Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.) Incidental Take Permit (ITP) No. 2081(b)-2026-047-01 authorizing the California Department of Transportation, District 1 (Caltrans) to incidentally take Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) which are listed as threatened species under CESA, respectively (Fish & G. Code § 2050 et seq.; see Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 670.5, subd. (b)(2)(D) and (b)(2)(E), respectively).
The ITP authorizes take of Coho Salmon and Longfin Smelt for activities associated with the Project which are necessary to facilitate an emergency repair of the Southbound Eureka Slough Bridge. Caltrans states parts of the bridge footings have failed, compromising the foundation of the bridge. A Bridge Record of Critical Finding has been issued by Caltrans as a response to the condition of the bridge. Caltrans states these findings present a sudden, unexpected discovery, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to life, health, property, and essential public services. Given the extent of damage to the foundation of the bridge, Caltrans states immediate action is required. To facilitate this emergency repair, a work trestle and (if needed) a temporary detour bridge will be constructed just north of the SB Eureka Slough Bridge. This work trestle will span the full length of the slough, parallel to the bridge, to allow for potential repairs and/or installation of a temporary detour bridge, pending further investigation. The Project will include impact pile driving, which would result in take of listed species. Caltrans states the proposed solution is the minimum scope necessary to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, and essential services while also considering the most minimal environmental impacts practicable. On June 17, 2026, Caltrans filed a California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption for this emergency Project (State Clearing House Number 2026060768).
Contact Information
Name
Greg O'Connell
Agency Name
CA Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Steve Croteau
Agency Name
CA Dept Transportation
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Eureka
Counties
Humboldt
Regions
Northern California
Zip
95501
State Highways
Highway 101
Waterways
Eureka Slough
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Title 14, section 15269(b)
Reasons for Exemption
The Lead Agency determined that the Project meets certain qualifying criteria for the
exemption. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.1(a), the Lead Agency is responsible for determining whether the Project is exempt from CEQA and that determination shall be final and conclusive on all persons, including Responsible Agencies. As a result, CDFW, acting as a Responsible Agency, is bound by the Lead Agency’s determination that the Project is exempt from CEQA.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.