Rincon Forest Fire Station-Replacement/Reconstruction of Electrical/Utility Services
Summary
SCH Number
2009088008
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Rincon Forest Fire Station-Replacement/Reconstruction of Electrical/Utility Services
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/3/2009
Document Description
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) is coordinating with the San Diego Power and Electric (SDGE) Company in relocating the electrical and other utility services to the Rincon Forest Fire Station located in the San Diego Unit. SDGE provides the power pole that supports the electrical service drop to the fire station. The power pole has dry rot and must be replaced or removed from the system. SDGE is planning to remove/abandon the power pole and relocate the electrical services to the next available power pole, which is located on the northeast corner of the fire station property (approximately 45 feet away from the current location). The SDGE project provides the opportunity for the Rincon Fire Station to reposition/convert the above ground electrical and other utility services to underground services. Moreover, the fire station must upgrade the existing electrical service to support the electricity requirements for the new apparatus garage/office building. Specifically, this project is to cut a trench between the new location of services to the electrical panel box at the fire station, then place electrical and other services into conduits, fill in the trench and lastly, re-contour the surface to original grade. The trench is approximately 145 feet in length, 2 feet wide and 3 feet in depth. Regulations governing underground electrical services require a 3-foot minimum trench depth. Repositioning the electrical and other utility services underground ensures protection from nearby tree or branch failure impacts. The placement of the trench is positioned to give consideration for the root systems of the nearby trees, especially the big oak tree and sycamore trees. Trenching operations will utilize oak tree protection guidelines during trenching operations.
Contact Information
Name
Kathleen Edwards
Agency Name
Cal Fire
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Pauma Valley
Counties
San Diego
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2 Section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
This exemption allows for the "…d) Conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines were the surface is restored to the condition existing prior to the undergrounding." This project involves the repositioning/converting of the existing electrical and other utility services from above ground to underground within the same geographical area. The location of the trench is in an area that has been highly distributed for nearly 50 years and primarily serves as a landscaped area for the fire station. The San Diego Unit resource management staff completed an on-site review, consulted with the fire station personnel, and completed a CNN record search. Additionally, CalFire Archaeologist Herb Dallas completed an on-site archaeological review. CalFire shall provide an archaeologist to be present during trenching operations to confirm that no archaeological resources are present. Environmental review documents are on file at CalFire's Pre-Fire/Resource Management Office at Unit Headquarters in El Cajon.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.