Atkinson Lane Integrated Flood Management and Watershed Restoration Project - Phase II – Stormwater BMP Bioswale and Wetland Enhancement
Summary
SCH Number
2026091139
Public Agency
City of Watsonville
Document Title
Atkinson Lane Integrated Flood Management and Watershed Restoration Project - Phase II – Stormwater BMP Bioswale and Wetland Enhancement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/25/2026
Document Description
The proposed project includes construction of a vegetated bioswale and wetland retention basin and revegetation with native plants. The bioswale has been designed to improve water quality within the existing Atkinson Wetland Complex through stormwater capture and infiltration while also providing flood-risk reduction by enhancing the ability of the wetland complex to attenuate floods. The bioswale will tie into the City’s storm drain system at the outfall of an existing 18” storm drain pipe. Work will involve grading to create the new swale and retention basin, revegetation with native wetland and riparian plants, and installation of erosion control. Phase II construction will be implemented in collaboration with the Phase I Habitat Enhancement. All temporarily impacted areas will be restored with native plants upon project completion. Protective measures including worker training, surveys prior to work commencement, and daily monitoring will be implemented to ensure that project activities will not result in adverse impacts on any native wildlife species or their habitats.
Contact Information
Name
Matt Orbach
Agency Name
City of Watsonville
Job Title
CDD Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Juliette Robinson
Agency Name
Watsonville Wetlands Watch
Job Title
Senior Conservation Project Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Watsonville
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Atkinson Lane and Freedom Boulevard
Parcel #
019-226-42, 048-211-25, 019-236-01
Other Location Info
78 Atkinson Lane
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15333. Class 33
Reasons for Exemption
The project is less than five acres in size and involves native habitat restoration and enhancement activities that will improve habitat for native plants and wildlife. The project will not result in adverse effects on any endangered, rare, or threatened species or their habitat. No hazardous materials will be used or released, and the project will not cause significant cumulative impacts. None of the conditions described in §15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Santa Cruz
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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