REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 23, 2025
FROM:
NOEL CASTILLO, Chief Flood Control Engineer, Flood Control District
SUBJECT
Title
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Flood Control District:
1. Certify that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (State Clearinghouse No. 2025060512) for the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project, in the City of Ontario, has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered prior to approving the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project, and that the report reflects the independent judgement of the Board of Supervisors.
2. Adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project, in the City of Ontario.
3. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project, in the City of Ontario, as provided in Section 4 of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.
4. Approve the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project as defined in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.
5. Direct the San Bernardino County Flood Control District to file the Notice of Determination in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Byanka Velasco, Assistant Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The San Bernardino County Flood Control District (District) is funded by property taxes, fees, and other local, state, and federal funding. The requested administrative actions have minimal financial impact on the District. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the District’s 2025-26 budget (1910002518 F02650).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The District proposes to construct a new storm drain outlet and basin improvements for the Grove Basin Storm Drain Improvement Project (Project), located in the City of Ontario.
The existing Grove Basin facilities consist of an aging storm drain outlet and basin system originally constructed to convey stormwater flows from the surrounding urbanized area. Over time, the infrastructure has deteriorated and no longer meets current stormwater management standards. Upgrades are necessary to ensure structural stability and to address sedimentation and capacity issues affecting performance during major storm events.
The Project proposes the construction of a new outlet structure, upgraded conveyance infrastructure, and associated improvements to enhance basin discharge performance to meet current engineering design and safety standards while accommodating regional drainage capacity needs. However, the Project itself will not generate an increase in urban runoff or contribute to new development demand.
The Project is funded by local sources and requires compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Under CEQA, environmental review must be completed before project initiation.
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and a Notice of Intent/Notice of Availability were prepared for the Project and circulated for a period of 30 days beginning on June 10, 2025, through the Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse. A Notice of Intent was also distributed to responsible and trustee agencies, interested parties, and surrounding property owners, with the completed draft of the IS/MND made available for the same 30-day period beginning on June 10, 2025. Mitigation measures determined to be needed to reduce potential impacts to the lowest level possible were included in a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, included as Section 4 of the IS/MND entitled “Summary of Mitigation Measures.”
As the lead agency, the District Board of Supervisors is the appropriate authority to adopt the state environmental document.
The Project will meet the County’s and Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring the development of a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable County and providing for the safety, health and social service needs of County residents by improving stormwater infrastructure and protecting downstream communities from flooding.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 19, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on September 6, 2025.