496257v1 Rev. 10.24
CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. TC00180-GN005
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: Charles Masters
Engineer II
City of Fresno Capital Projects Department
747 R Street, 2nd Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
PROJECT LOCATION: Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, 5607 W. Jensen Ave
(City of Fresno Council District 3)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Public Utilities Department is proposing to improve the internal access roads within the Fresno -Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility. This will consist of widening the paving at some locations and paving dirt roads at other locations.
This project is exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 of the 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:
Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), which exempts existing facilities under certain conditions. Staff found that the conditions are met.
Class 1 exemptions, for projects pertaining to Existing Facilities, consist 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 use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. Examples include but are not limited to: Existing facilities of publicly owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services; existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety); restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety; and, the Addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices.
496257v1 Rev. 10.24
The proposed project involves road widening at two locations to enhance the safety of workers and equipment. Existing roads in these areas are too narrow for the heavy equipment that currently uses them. In other locations, current dirt roads will be paved. This also enhances safety for workers and equipment that must regularly use these dirt roads. These improvements do not expand the size or purpose of the Fresno -Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclmation Facility, which is a publicly owned utility facility that provides an essential public utility service.
None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project. The project site is not located in or near a State designated scenic highway, nor is it included in any listed compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or a historical resource. The project replaces paves dirt roads and widens existing roads for safety. There is no risk of cumulative impact, nor will there be a significant effect as a result of the project.
Date: June 12, 2025
Prepared By: Charles Masters
Engineer II
Submitted by:
Charles Masters
Engineer II
City of Fresno
Capital Projects Department
(559) 621-8880