726-6US-1094 Ground Bed Placement Project

Caltrans has approved an encroachment permit for the Pacific Bell Telephone Company (AT&T California) to execute the Ground Bed Placement Project (726-6US-1094) along State Route 126 at post mile R28.48 in the City of Fillmore, Ventura County. The scope of work involves accessing existing utility pole #4215663E within the Caltrans right-of-way to install a new ground bed. This process includes the direct burial of ground wire connected to two new copper grounding rods. Excavation specifications require a minimum depth of 42 inches and a maximum depth of 48 inches, with average dimensions of 1 foot by 10 feet. The project also includes the implementation of traffic control activities, and it has been determined that no public utilities will be relocated and no new right-of-way will be acquired. The project is governed by Encroachment Permit Special Provisions (TR-0408) and has been granted a CEQA statutory exemption and a NEPA categorical exclusion, as no significant environmental impacts were identified. Key compliance requirements include the guidance of a professional biologist if active nests are discovered on the pole and the immediate halting of work if unidentified cultural materials are unearthed until an archaeologist can perform an assessment. Additionally, the project specifies that no construction dewatering will occur. Any changes to the project scope must be reported to the Division of Environmental Planning and may require further review by the cultural resource unit.