McGrath Drain and East Landfill Drain Tributaries to the Santa Clara River (Streambed Alteration Agreement No. 1600-2019-0175-R5)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has amended Streambed Alteration Agreement No. 1600-2019-0175-R5 to authorize the Ventura Regional Sanitation District to maintain two drainage systems—the McGrath Drain and East Landfill Drain—that channel stormwater runoff from the Bailard Landfill to the Santa Clara River in Oxnard, California. The amendment updates the permittee from Mark Potter to Edward Pettit, who now represents the district as the official point of contact, and revises the organization’s mailing address to reflect current records. A key environmental adjustment involves the implementation of a revised mitigation strategy aimed at protecting the southwestern pond turtle, a species of special concern, ensuring that maintenance activities comply with state wildlife protection mandates. The project qualifies for a CEQA Class 1 categorical exemption under Title 14, Section 15301, as it involves the operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure without significant environmental impact, and this exemption was formally accepted by the department as the responsible agency. The agreement is regulatory in nature, not a traditional procurement contract, and no pricing, payment terms, or financial obligations are specified in the documentation. The administrative update also includes the designation of Angela Castanon as the primary environmental scientist point of contact at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s South Coast Region, with additional oversight provided by Victoria Tang. The place of performance is clearly identified as Oxnard, California, with all project activities centered on the drain systems in Ventura County. While no formal contract type, delivery schedule, invoicing procedures, or inspection criteria are detailed, compliance is tied to adherence to the Fish and Game Code Section 1602 and the terms of the amended agreement. No solicitation number, contract value, or FAR clauses apply, as this is an environmental permit modification rather than a federal acquisition. The exemption notice was issued on October 29, 2025, and the amendment became effective following that date, with submissions processed through the CEQA Submit system. The Ventura Regional Sanitation District remains the sole entity authorized to conduct the work under the amended agreement, with no options, extensions, or socioeconomic certifications referenced in the documentation.