CEQA EXEMPTION / NEPA CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
DETERMINATION FORM (rev. 04/2021)
Project Information
Project Name (if applicable): Baseline Road Median Improvements DIST-CO-RTE: 08-SBd-Rialto PM/PM: NA
EA: NA Federal-Aid Project Number: HSIPL 5205(027)
Project Description
The proposed project is located within the City of Rialto in San Bernardino County. The Project will consist of the following activities along Baseline Rd between North Lilac Ave and Meridian Ave: install 640 linear feet (LF) of fence along existing raised median between North Lilac Ave and North Willow Ave; install new raised medians between North Willow Ave and Meridian Ave (excluding a 300 foot gap between Acacia Ave and Eucalyptus Ave; perform striping between North Willow Ave and Meridian Ave; and reconstruct or retrofit designated curb ramps to be compliant with American Disabilities Act (ADA). The purpose of the project is to improve motorist and pedestrian traffic along this section of Baseline Rd. The need is to provide a safer corridor that experiences high traffic. No right-of-way is required.
Caltrans CEQA Determination (Check one)
☒ Not Applicable – Caltrans is not the CEQA Lead Agency ☐ Not Applicable – Caltrans has prepared an IS or EIR under CEQA Based on an examination of this proposal and supporting information, the project is:
☐ Exempt by Statute. (PRC 21080[b]; 14 CCR 15260 et seq.) ☐ Categorically Exempt. Class _. (PRC 21084; 14 CCR 15300 et seq.) ☐ No exceptions apply that would bar the use of a categorical exemption (PRC 21084 and 14 CCR 15300.2). See the SER Chapter 34 for exceptions. ☐ Covered by the Common Sense Exemption. This project does not fall within an exempt class, but it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment (14 CCR 15061[b][3].) Senior Environmental Planner or Environmental Branch Chief
NA NA NA
Print Name Signature Date
Project Manager
NA NA NA
Print Name Signature Date
CEQA EXEMPTION / NEPA CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
DETERMINATION FORM
EA: NA Page 2 of 3
Federal-Aid Project Number: HSIPL 5205(027)
Caltrans NEPA Determination (Check one)
☐ Not Applicable
Caltrans has determined that this project has no significant impacts on the environment as defined by NEPA, and that there are no unusual circumstances as described in 23 CFR 771.117(b). See SER Chapter 30 for unusual circumstances. As such, the project is categorically excluded from the requirements to prepare an EA or EIS under NEPA and is included under the following:
☒ 23 USC 326: Caltrans has been assigned, and hereby certifies that it has carried out the responsibility to make this determination pursuant to 23 USC 326 and the Memorandum of Understanding dated April 18, 2019, executed between FHWA and Caltrans. Caltrans has determined that the project is a Categorical Exclusion under:
☒ 23 CFR 771.117(c): activity (c)(4)
☐ 23 CFR 771.117(d): activity (d)(_)
☐ Activity _ listed in Appendix A of the MOU between FHWA and Caltrans ☐ 23 USC 327: Based on an examination of this proposal and supporting information, Caltrans has determined that the project is a Categorical Exclusion under 23 USC 327.
The environmental review, consultation, and any other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by Caltrans pursuant to 23 USC 327 and the Memorandum of Understanding dated December 23, 2016 and executed by FHWA and Caltrans.
Senior Environmental Planner or Environmental Branch Chief Aaron Burton
Print Name Signature Date
Project Manager/ DLA Engineer
Alberto Vergel de Dios
Print Name Signature Date
Date of Categorical Exclusion Checklist completion (if applicable): NA Date of Environmental Commitment Record or equivalent: 10/26/2021 Briefly list environmental commitments on continuation sheet if needed (i.e., not necessary if included on an attached ECR). Reference additional information, as appropriate (e.g., additional studies and design conditions). 10/26/2021
10/26/2021
CEQA EXEMPTION / NEPA CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
DETERMINATION FORM
EA: NA Page 3 of 3
Federal-Aid Project Number: HSIPL 5205(027)
Continuation sheet:
The following studies, checklists and exemptions were prepared during the environmental phase of the project:
• Preliminary Environmental Studies Form: approved 10/18/2021 • Transportation Air Quality Conformity Findings Checklist: approved 10/26/2021 • Section 7 Biological No Effect Memo: approved 10/18/2021 • Cultural 106 Screened Undertaking: approved 10/14/2021
Avoidance Measures:
Cultural
CR-1: If buried cultural resources are encountered during Project Activities, it is Caltrans policy that work stop in that area until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and significance of the find.
CR-2: In the event that human remains are found, the county coroner shall be notified and ALL construction activities within 60 feet of the discovery shall stop. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, if the remains are thought to be Native American, the coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) who will then notify the Most Likely Descendent (MLD). The person who discovered the remains will contact the District 8 Division of Environmental Planning; Andrew Walters, DEBC: (909)383-2647. Further provisions of PRC 5097.98 are to be followed as applicable.
Permits
N/A