Seismic and Earthquake Early Warning Station - Lee Vining Area, Mono County

The University of Nevada Reno, Nevada Seismological Laboratory is partnering with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to remove an existing seismic station and install a new Earthquake Early Warning station on City of Los Angeles property in the Lee Vining Area of Mono County, California. The primary objective of the station is to enhance public health and safety by providing between 10 to 60 seconds of warning before imminent ground shaking occurs. The project involves the installation of non-ground penetrating solar, electrical, and radio components, with a design life of approximately five years based on battery longevity. Construction activities include boring 12-inch diameter holes up to three feet deep, digging trenches, laying pipe, and pouring a cement pad. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA review under Section 15303, Class 3. Work is scheduled in two phases: initial hard construction over one to two days, followed by a two-week curing period, and a final one to two-day installation of seismic components. All activities must occur between 06:00 am and 07:00 pm, with a strict prohibition on work during the Greater Sage-Grouse lekking season from March 1 through April 30. Environmental protections are paramount, requiring vehicles to remain on existing roads at speeds under 25 mph, prohibiting vehicles exceeding a 1-ton factory category, and mandating that all equipment be cleaned to prevent the spread of invasive weeds. Additionally, vegetation trimmers must be EPA 2010 or California CARB Tier III compliant.