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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04222014 - D.5RECOMMENDATION(S): ACCEPT the report regarding the proposed Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Pipeline Pathway Project and the potential general overall impacts to the residents of Contra Costa County (County), as recommended by the Public Works Director. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact related to this general report. The potential fiscal impacts to the County from the Pipeline Pathway Project are unknown at this time. BACKGROUND: In January 2014, PG&E notified the County Public Works Department that they had embarked on a gas pipeline safety project for PG&E’s gas transmission lines throughout California. PG&E further notified the County that they intended to begin work on this project within Contra Costa County and it would impact unincorporated areas of the County as well as cities within Contra Costa County. The project was phased and within certain communities of the County PG&E anticipated work beginning in April, 2014. The work is described generally as vegetation clearing within what PG&E APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 04/22/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS Contact: Brian Balbas (925) 313-2284 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: April 22, 2014 David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: , Deputy cc: D.5 To:Board of Supervisors From:Julia R. Bueren, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Date:April 22, 2014 Contra Costa County Subject:Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposed Pipeline Pathway Project in Contra Costa County BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) has termed a “PG&E corridor" over their gas pipeline distribution network. PG&E proposes to remove all tree and shrub vegetation within this corridor. Some of the PG&E gas transmission lines are within the public right of way and are subject to the franchise agreement that we have with PG&E for those facilities. Other PG&E gas transmission lines are located on private property and PG&E has easements with those individual private property owners. The County would also like to get a better understanding on any impacts to County owned property. County staff from the Public Works Department and the Department of Conservation and Development have numerous questions related to this proposed project and have asked PG&E for clarification on many aspects of the project. Our questions all generally relate back to PG&E’s authority to complete this project and their need to adhere to local agency ordinance(s). A number of cities in Contra Costa County and the surrounding area have also had similar questions and are also working with PG&E to understand this proposed project and its impact to residents, the communities and the environment. PG&E has recently decided to slow implementation of this project, at least in the immediate area of Contra Costa County. PG&E has indicated it wants to work with the local agencies to discuss concerns and find answers and solutions to the questions being raised, but is still currently moving forward with some aspects of the project, primarily working with private property owners at this time. PG&E, as part of this report, will present general information related to the Pipeline Pathway Project to the Board of Supervisors. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: This is an informational only report intended to provide general information related to the proposed PG&E Pipeline Pathway Project. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: Not applicable. CLERK'S ADDENDUM Speakers: Debra Mason, resident of Bay Point; David Hanna, resident of Martinez; Marie Olson, Alhambra Valley Improvement Association; Susan Fuller, resident of Pleasant HIll; Yehudit Lieberman, Pleasant Hill CoHousing. ACCEPTED the report; and DIRECTED staff and REQUESTED of PG&E to work together toward providing greater specific detail of the geographic location of individual area projects to facilitate better dialogue with the community.  Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Presentation April 22, 2014 Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Since San Bruno, PG&E has implemented important changes in its gas safety operations, including the maintenance and inspection of its pipeline with a commitment to become the safest, most reliable gas company in the United States. •Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program (Inline inspections, retrofits, replacements, testing) In 2013, we launched Pipeline Pathways, a multi-year shareholder-funded program aimed at improving access to our 6,750-mile natural gas transmission pipeline system •Comprehensive survey •Installing new markers and replacing old or damaged markers •Identifying and removing incompatible structures and vegetation over the pipe •Replacement of incompatible trees and other vegetation with compatible plants Gas Transmission Background Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map •We need to ensure the integrity of the pipeline and address potential tree root and pipeline interactions. •PG&E crews and first responders need access to the land above the pipeline in order to quickly respond in emergency situations and perform necessary safety inspections and maintenance activities. Pipeline Pathways Safety Program Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map We will not remove any County trees without an agreement in place We will not remove any “protected” or “ordinance” trees on private property until we first reach agreement We want to come together with the County and create a common understanding about each other’s needs so that we can reach a shared solution We will continue to meet with private property customers to identify all encroachments on their property, however, we will only remove structures and non-protected trees, and only after we have an agreement in place with the customer Our Commitment to the County Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map • Tree roots can damage the pipe’s external coating. Additionally, there is potential for roots to structurally damage the pipeline if they are uprooted by external forces, such as high winds or earthquakes. • Structures or trees over the pipeline impede and slow down first responders in emergency situations. • Dig-ins often occur as a result of right-of-ways that are not clear of trees and structures. • Obstructed right-of-ways and lines-of-sight prevent important safety and maintenance activities. Identified Safety Risks Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 6 Pipeline Zone Designation Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 7 Pipeline and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) From the PIPA Report (pg 41): “ A clear ROW enables the transmission pipeline operator to conduct inspections and testing to verify pipeline integrity and to perform general maintenance and repairs as needed… Tree roots have the potential to damage pipeline coatings which may contribute to the loss of integrity of the pipeline.” Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 8 Example Photos from PIPA Report Incompatible Vegetation Example of incompatible vegetation planted within the ROW Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 9 Example Photos from PIPA Report Example of the impact tree roots can have on a pipeline. Tree Roots Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 10 Step-by-Step Guide to Pipeline Pathways Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map • PG&E will continue to conduct regular safety maintenance inspections of the pipeline • Ensure pipeline markers remain visible and in good condition • Continue and enhance customer education about pipeline safety, including calling 811 before any digging • On an ongoing basis, proactively work with municipalities to build awareness about keeping the Rights-of-Way clear Moving Forward Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 12 Learn More •To view an online map of PG&E’s natural gas transmission pipelines, please go to www.pge.com/pipelinelocations •To learn more about PG&E’s comprehensive survey and our efforts to maintain ready access to the pipeline, please visit us at www.pge.com/pipelineaccess or call the Land Management Department at 1-877-259-8314 •To view the complete Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance root study report, visit www.pipa-info.com •For independent pipeline safety information, visit Pipeline Safety Trust’s web site at www.pstrust.org Pipeline Pathways Keeping Safety on the Map Thank You   Walden District Improvement Association ! 15 Foss Ct, Walnut Creek, CA ! boardpresident@waldenwalnutcreek.org www.waldenwalnutcreek.org     April 17, 2014 Board of Supervisors Contra Costa County 631 Pine Street Martinez, CA 94553   Dear Madam Chair and Board;   The Walden District Improvement Association, a long-standing citizen group in the County, opposes the wholesale destruction of trees by PG&E.   PG&E has cited “safety” as the reason the trees must be eliminated. The safety of the public and of the pipelines can be determined by methods which do not require such drastic action. The flyovers which PG&E uses in rural areas are inappropriate in urban areas; other means should be employed. On the Iron Horse Trail and in downtown areas, for example, there are always people about who would notice anything that can be seen from photos taken by a plane. And the response would be immediate. Further, PG&E has smart pigs which travel inside pipelines and check the safety of the pipes. In an urban area, PG&E observers could drive the length of a pipeline.   PG&E cannot be sincere in its claims that this is a safety issue and that the destruction of trees is the only solution. When PG&E claims it needs no permits to cut down trees, it should be informed in the strongest terms that PG&E falls under the law not above it.   We, in our community, regard the trees around us as valuable assets. They increase quality of life and property values for both business and the homeowner. PG&E should be required to demonstrate in the case of each tree on its list how “safety” would be improved by its removal.   We ask that the County respond to PG&E with a demand that it obtain permits for all trees that it proposes to remove. Require a 3:1 replacement for all trees that are removed. The replacements must be maintained for three years to ensure survival. Replacement trees should also be at least 24” box size.   Thank you for your attention and your support in this matter. Jeffrey Peckham President Walden District Improvement Association Cc: board