Pedestal-to-Handhole Conversion and Additional Handhole Project for the SisTel Broadband Capital Oversight Project

The SisTel Broadband Capital Oversight Project is part of the statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN) project which would install about 10,000 miles of broadband infrastructure across the State of California. The SisTel Broadband Capital Oversight Project is located within Siskiyou and Humboldt counties, California and extends approximately 89 miles along portions of State Route (SR) 3, SR 96, SR 263, Salmon River Road, Sawyers Bar Road, Hawkinsville-Humbug Road, Humbug Creek Road, Klamath River Road, Quartz Valley Road, and various streets in the city of Yreka. Pedestal-to-Handhole Conversion and Additional Handhole Project for the SisTel Broadband Capital Oversight Project has been determined to meet the CEQA and NEPA definitions for independent utility and is considered as a standalone project. This CEQA Exemption / NEPA Categorical Exclusion Determination Form addresses the Pedestal-to-Handhole Conversion and Additional Handhole Project (i.e., the Project) which is located along SR 96 and SR 3 in Humboldt and Siskiyou counties. The Project is on land managed by Caltrans District 1, Caltrans District 2, and Six Rivers National Forest. The Project consists of converting existing pedestals to new handholes (i.e., vaults) and installing new handholes at six locations within five project sites on the existing conduit portion of the SisTel Broadband Capital Oversight Project. Two of the project sites are within the Six Rivers National Forest along SR 96, one of the locations is along SR 96 south of the intersection of Salmon River Road, and two are along Howell Avenue and SR 3 in Etna and Greenville, California. The proposed method of construction for the three locations along SR 96 include the following: Removal of Existing Pedestals: The existing 14-inch x 30-inch x 20-inch pedestals would be excavated and removed following the safe disconnection of any connected utilities. Site Preparation: Excavation would be conducted to accommodate the new 30-inch x 72-inch x 48-inch handholes, with additional clearance on all sides to provide for proper leveling and structural support. Installation of New Handholes: The handholes would be installed at the following post mile (PM) markers: o HUM-96 PM R44.947 o SIS-96 PM R0.028 o SIS-96 PM R0.211 Utility Reconnection and Site Restoration: All utilities would be reconnected. After placement, each area would be backfilled and compacted to provide stability. Following construction, the project location would be restored to their original condition, with attention to minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. The proposed method of construction for the two locations along Howell Avenue and SR 3 include the following: Site Preparation: Excavation would be conducted to accommodate the new 30-inch x 48-inch x 36-inch handholes, with additional clearance on all sides to provide for proper leveling and structural support. Excavation would be conducted for installation of a 2-inch conduit duct to connect conduit to the new handholes. Place Path from Future CDT Hub Location and Installation of New Handholes: Excavate a trench to a depth of approximately 42 inches, sufficient to accommodate a 2-inch conduit duct. Install one 2-inch conduit duct within the excavated trench, providing for proper alignment and support. Backfill the trench with appropriate material, compacted to prevent settling. Extend and connect the conduit to the proposed handhole, providing a secure and sealed connection. Installation of New Handholes: The handholes would be installed at the following PM markers: o Howell Avenue and SIS-3 PM 21.472 o SIS-3 PM 26.867 (west of SR 3 Caltrans ROW) o SIS-3 PM 26.857 (west of SR 3 Caltrans ROW) Utility Connection and Site Restoration: All utilities would be connected. After placement, each area would be backfilled and compacted to provide stability. Following construction, the project locations would be restored to their original condition, with attention to minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. Purpose: The Project would support the Middle-Mile Broadband Network project which will install the broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) necessary to connect to a third-party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. Need: In July 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring high-speed broadband service to all Californians. The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network included in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband Internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.