Valley Water is proposing the Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to assist with the design and construction of the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project (PREP). The project proposes up to 149 subsurface exploratory borings (to include 119 initial borings and 30 supplemental borings) to obtain essential information on subsurface geologic and geotechnical conditions. In addition, a total of 32 test pits are proposed as part of the project to explore a potential borrow area for dam core zone material for the design and construction of PREP. The project also proposes two types of linear surface geotechnical investigations within the project study area to include seismic refraction and electrical resistivity. One 1,520 foot long electrical resistivity survey would be performed across the valley bottom within the upstream portion of the proposed dam. In addition, 19 seismic-refraction lines totaling approximately 16,890 linear feet are proposed at multiple locations.
Environmental review process: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, Valley Water—the CEQA Lead Agency—has prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project. The NOP provides a brief description of the project and the potential environmental effects of the project.
DOWNLOAD THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION
The NOP initiates the CEQA process and EIR scoping period through which Valley Water will refine the scope of issues and environmental information that should be included in the Draft EIR. The Draft EIR will evaluate the possible environmental impacts of the project and identify mitigation measures and project alternatives that avoid, minimize, or reduce the project’s adverse environmental effects.
Valley Water is seeking input from public agencies, members of the public, and other interested parties on the scope of issues and content of the environmental information that should be included in the Draft EIR.
How to provide comments: Comments should be submitted by mail or via email at the earliest possible date, but no later than Wednesday, October 30, 2024:
Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
Attn: Todd Sexauer
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: DLGI Scoping Comments
Public scoping meeting: Valley Water will hold a public virtual scoping meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Participants may attend via Zoom (valleywater.zoom.us/j/89467238853, Webinar ID: 89467238853), or by phone at (669) 900-9128.