Macadamia Access Road Repairs Project

The Macadamia Access Road Repairs Project addresses the emergency restoration of nine damaged segments of two unpaved utility access roads in Hillsborough, California, which were severely impacted by landslides during the winter storm events of 2022 and 2023. These roads are critical for maintaining access to sanitary sewer infrastructure, and their repair is essential to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the town’s public sewer system. The work involves embankment stabilization and retaining wall construction along approximately 3,700 feet of road spanning 4.12 acres, with repairs executed in two phases—first the southern access road, followed by the northern—strictly limited to rehabilitation without new construction. The project leverages a statutory exemption under California Public Resources Code § 21080.25(b)(3), authorized by the state’s March 2023 emergency proclamation, which allows for expedited delivery without a competitive procurement process. This exemption necessitates compliance with CEQA filing requirements, including the submission of a Notice of Exemption certified on September 26, 2025, accompanied by a $50 filing fee paid to the San Mateo County Clerk and copies filed with the State Office of Planning and Research. Coordination with agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to address potential impacts to nearby sensitive habitats, though no specific engineering standards or federal specifications are cited in the documentation. The Town of Hillsborough acts as the lead agency, applicant, and sole contracting entity, with no formal contract type, pricing, or payment structure disclosed beyond administrative fees. There is no identified contractor, procurement method, or formal evaluation criteria, as the project proceeds under emergency authority without competitive bidding. No federal acquisition regulations (FAR) or defense standards (MIL-STD) apply; instead, all compliance obligations stem from state environmental law. The primary point of contact is Natalie Gribben, Deputy Director of Public Works, who serves as the administrative and regulatory liaison. Packaging, marking, preservation, invoicing, and contract administration provisions traditionally found in federal contracts are absent, and no COR, COTR, or PCO roles are designated. Acceptance occurs on-site following completion of repairs, with regulatory approval tied to successful CEQA filing rather than formal inspection criteria. The project’s timeline is defined by environmental compliance milestones rather than fixed delivery schedules, and while the Notice of Exemption filing marks the official activation of the project, no start or completion dates are provided.