CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. P25-565
FAX COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS CONCRETE LAYOVER PAD REPLACEMENT
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
Project Manager
City of Fresno Department of Transportation-FAX
2223 G Street
Fresno, California 93706
PROJECT LOCATION: Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus yard within the city limits of Fresno.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project consists of replacing the existing concrete layover pad at the public Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling
station located at the FAX bus yard. The existing concrete pad is severely deteriorated and presents safety concerns for both FAX personnel and external vendors who use the fueling
station. The FAX CNG fueling station is a critical asset supporting transportation and public sanitation efforts for both the City of Fresno and external entities. This repair is essential to prevent an unexpected failure that could disrupt operations.
The new reinforced concrete pad will accommodate the heavy vehicle traffic expected at the station. 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 (b), existing facilities of both investor and publicly owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services; and code section15301 (d), restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety. The project consists of replacing the existing concrete layover pad at the public CNG fueling station located at the FAX bus yard.
The existing concrete pad is severely deteriorated and presents safety concerns for both FAX personnel and external vendors who use the fueling station. The FAX CNG fueling station is a critical asset supporting transportation and public sanitation efforts for both the City of Fresno and external entities.
Categorical Exemption
Environmental Assessment No. P25-565
This repair is essential to prevent an unexpected failure that could disrupt operations. The new reinforced concrete pad will accommodate the heavy vehicle traffic expected at the station. This improvement will ensure the station’s continued service for public and City fleet vehicles, which are critical to maintaining daily operations. 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 capacity 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 replacing the existing concrete layover pad at the public CNG fueling station located at the FAX bus yard. The existing concrete pad is severely deteriorated and presents safety concerns for both FAX personnel and external vendors who use the fueling station. The FAX CNG fueling station is a critical asset supporting transportation and public sanitation efforts for both the City of Fresno and external entities. This repair is essential to prevent an unexpected failure that could disrupt operations. The new reinforced concrete pad will accommodate the heavy vehicle traffic expected at the station. These improvements will enhance 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 concrete replacement which will not negatively impact the existing characteristics of the respective areas or the condition of land. The project will be at the FAX bus yard. 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.
Date: April 28, 2025
Prepared By: Drew Wison
Submitted By: ______________________________________
Drew Wilson, Planning Manager
City of Fresno
Department of Transportation
(559) 621-1464