Baker Bridge Emergency Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2022080662
Public Agency
San Mateo County Resource Conservation District
(SMCRCD)
Document Title
Baker Bridge Emergency Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/29/2022
Document Description
A large tree fell onto Baker Bridge over Pescadero Creek in Pescadero Creek County Park, San Mateo County damaging the bridge beyond repair, rendering it no longer functional and a hazard to park users and stream habitat. It is deteriorating rapidly and has a high risk of imminent collapse into the creek. In addition to being impassable for fire response vehicles, the presence of the damaged bridge blocks any alternate creek crossing (e.g., fording) for vehicles. Its removal is necessary to prevent additional harm to creek water quality, the creek bed which is spawning habitat for threatened and endangered anadromous fish, and downstream structures (e.g., bridges). During the project, a temporary log deck will be protect the creek while the bridge is cut into pieces that will be taken off site to an approved disposal facility.
Contact Information
Name
Sara Polgar
Agency Name
San Mateo Resource Conservation District
Job Title
Conservation Program Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Mateo
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
Baker Bridge at Pescadero Creek on the Baker Fire Road in Pescadero Creek County Park
Zip
94060
Total Acres
0.27
Jobs
4
Parcel #
085-150-080
State Highways
NA
Railways
NA
Airports
NA
Schools
NA
Waterways
Pescadero Creek
Township
8S
Range
3W
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
Removal of the bridge is exempt under 15269 (c) because the damaged bridge is rapidly deteriorating and is at imminent risk of collapse, posing a hazard to park users, creek habitat and other bridge crossings downstream. Furthermore, Baker
Bridge is on a critically important fire access road and the damaged bridge currently blocks any emergency crossing of Pescadero Creek (e.g.
fording) should CAL FIRE need access. Ideally the bridge could have been removed and replaced shortly after it was damaged, but safe access
to this remote, steep site for the large, specialized equipment needed for removal required construction engineering planning as well as
timing the work for driest conditions for safety. Due to supply chain delays for steel, it is not possible to get a replacement bridge in time for
this emergency work
County Clerk
San Mateo