To: Board of Supervisors
From: Executive Office
Meeting Date: July 12, 2016
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Department Contact: |
Christopher Shaver |
Phone: |
463-4441 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 15 Min |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Acceptance of Presentation from Pacific, Gas and Electric (PG&E) Regarding Community Pipeline Safety Initiative to Include Tree Removal and Replacement and Public Outreach Efforts
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Receive the presentation from PG&E regarding Community Pipeline Safety Initiative to include tree removal and replacement and public outreach efforts.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None
Summary of Request:
PG&E’s Community Pipeline Safety Initiative in Mendocino County is designed to improve pipeline safety and reliability. One of the ways PG&E is accomplishing this is by removing/relocating trees and structures that pose a risk to the pipeline. PG&E’s focus is on creating/maintaining immediate access for first responders and safety crews, working with the community to identify safety risks and develop shared solutions, and to plant new trees at a safe distance when unsafe trees have to be removed.
The removal and or relocation of trees and structures will ensure that first responders and safety crews have immediate access for preventing potential damage, in the event of a natural disaster and other emergency situations. PG&E will accomplish tree removal by working with customers and the community in identifying hazardous trees, removing those trees located in the pipe safety zone and planting new trees when/where possible via a tree by tree basis.
PG&E has assessed that 946 of the 3,827 trees that pose a risk to pipeline safety are located on County property. The majority of those trees located on County property are in easements and right-of-way under the purview of the Mendocino County Department of Transportation (MCDoT). Tree locations have been provided to MCDoT in order to identify and assess removal and replanting of trees located on County property.
The Streets and Highway Code Chapter 5.5 sections 1450 &1460 empowers the County Road Commissioner to issue encroachment permits for various activities affecting the public Right-of-Way; among them is vegetation removal. MCDoT plans to issue permits to PG&E, with conditions as appropriate, based of proximity to residential properties that could require work arounds, replacement or other mitigation based on PG&E negotiations with property owners adjacent to the County easements and right-of-way. Where adjacent owners do not desire replacement MCDoT will likely not require tree replacement in the road right of way.
Representatives from PG&E have prepared a presentation to further discuss the details of their initiative and to answer any questions from the Board and public.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not receive the presentation and direct staff gather additional information for future Board direction.
Supplemental Information Available Online at: N/A
Fiscal Impact:
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Source of Funding: N/A |
Budgeted in Current F/Y: N/A |
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Current F/Y Cost: N/A |
Annual Recurring Cost: N/A |
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Supervisorial District: All |
Vote Requirement: Majority |
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Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: N/A
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CEO Liaison: Alan D. Flora, Assistant CEO |
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CEO Review: Yes |
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Comments: