CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. P24-1582
FAX MAINTENANCE FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
THE PROJECT DESCRIBED HEREIN IS DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 19 OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES
APPLICANT: Shelle O’Brien
Brian Cetti
Project Managers
City of Fresno Department of Transportation-FAX
2223 G Street
Fresno, California 93706
PROJECT LOCATION: Fresno Area Express (FAX) Headquarters within the city limits of Fresno.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project proposes upgrading the existing natural gas detection system and construct a new hydrogen gas detection system inside the existing FAX Bus Maintenance Building, and replace the existing roll
-up shop doors with modern, insulated
doors, as well as required upgrades of a new fire water booster pump and upgraded 300kV emergency generator. This project is being conducted to support the State mandated zero
-emissions
requirements. FAX has received its first two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes for hydrogen gas in the Maintenance Facility, upgrades to the existing gas detection and emergency ventilation systems are required for FAX to maintain its new fleet
of FCEBs properly and safely. The existing roll-up shop doors, which have reached the end of their useful life, are also key components of the existing emergency system and will be replaced as a part of this project. These proposed improvements do not constitute an expansion of the existing use and will have substantially the same purpose.
This project is exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 and Section 15302(c)/Class 2 of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
EXPLANATION:
Section 15301/Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of existing or fomer use. The types of “existing facilities” itemized are not intended to be all inclusive of the types of projects which might fall within Class 1. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use. Examples of exempt work, according to code section 15301 (a), include, the interior or exterior alterations involving such things as interior partitions, plumbing, and electrical conveyances; code section 15301 (d), restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current
Categorical Exemption
Environmental Assessment No. P24-1582
standards of public health and safety; and code section 15301 (f), addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment. The project consists of upgrading the existing natural gas detection system and constructing a new hydrogen gas detection system inside the existing FAX Bus Maintenance Building, and replacing the existing roll-up shop doors with modern, insulated doors, as well as required upgrades of a new fire water booster pump and upgraded 300kV emergency generator. This project is being conducted to support the State mandated zero-emissions requirements. FAX has received its first two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes for hydrogen gas in the Maintenance Facility, upgrades to the existing gas detection and emergency ventilation systems are required for FAX to maintain its new fleet of FCEBs properly and safely. The existing roll-up shop doors, which have reached the end of their useful life, ar e also key components of the existing emergency system and will be replaced as a part of this project. These proposed improvements do not constitute an expansion of the existing use and will have substantially the same purpose.
Section 15302(c)/Class 2 consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and c apacity as the structure replaced, including but not limited to:
(c) replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. The project consists of upgrading the existing natural gas detection system and constructing a new hydrogen gas detection system inside the existing FAX Bus Maintenance Building, and replace the existing roll-up shop doors with modern, insulated doors, as well as required upgrades of a new fire water booster pump and upgraded 300kV emergency generator. This project is being conducted to support the State mandated zero-emissions requirements. FAX has received its first two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes for hydrogen gas in the Maintenance Facility, upgrades to the existing gas detection and emergency ventilation systems are required for FAX to maintain its new fleet of FCEBs properly and safely. The existing roll-up shop doors, which have reached the end of their useful life, ar e also key components of the existing emergency system and will be replaced as a part of this pr oject. These improvements will enhance maintenance capacity, further benefiting the public who utilize the FAX bus transportation system.
The location where the improvements will be installed is not environmentally sensitive, has access to all necessary utilities and public services, and is surrounded by urban developments. The proposed project includes electrical upgrades which will not negatively impact the existing characteristics of the respective areas or the condition of land. The project will be in the existing building at the FAX Headquarters along upgraded electrical poles inside the FAX Headquarters. The proposed project aims to reduce vehicle miles traveled, alleviate automobile delays, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing bus maintenance facilities, hereby promoting more reliable bus services.
Based on staff analysis, it has been determined that no adverse environmental impacts will occur as a result of the proposed project. None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. Furthermore, the proposed project is not expected to have a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, as the area is not environmentally sensitive, as noted above, a categorical exemption has been prepared for the project.
Categorical Exemption
Environmental Assessment No. P24-1582
Date: November 11, 2024
Prepared By: Drew Wison
Submitted By: ______________________________________
Drew Wilson, Planning Manager
City of Fresno
Department of Transportation
(559) 621-1464