Ukiah Electric Utility Hazard Mitigation Grant-Fuel Reduction & Undergrounding Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023080090
Public Agency
City of Ukiah
Document Title
Ukiah Electric Utility Hazard Mitigation Grant-Fuel Reduction & Undergrounding Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/3/2023
Document Description
With the use of funds received as a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant, the City of Ukiah proposes to reduce the fuel load along critical electric utility line corridors on the west side of the city and underground more than 1.5 miles of existing overhead wires and equipment in the same area (“Project”). Hazard mitigation methods would include: 1) fuel reduction via brush removal and tree thinning around approximately 9,412 linear feet of existing electrical distribution lines; and 2) undergrounding of approximately 8,270 linear feet of overhead lines and related equipment. A project location map depicting the alignment of these activities is included in Figure 1. Brush removal activities would occur within a 24-foot-wide corridor around the electrical lines and poles (12 feet on each side), and tree trimming activities would create 12 feet of clearance below the power lines, as well as and clearing all tree limbs that overhang power lines. If it is determined that fuel reduction activities are needed beyond 24-feet in areas with higher wildfire risk, the activities would not extend beyond 100 feet of the City's electric infrastructure, consistent with CEQA Section 15302. No trees would be removed and vegetation management activities would occur outside of the nesting bird season (typically March through August). Undergrounding activities would occur within the City’s right-of-way or within existing disturbed areas developed with roads, sidewalks and areas residential uses. Trenches for undergrounding would be approximately 24 inches wide and approximately 48 to 60-inches deep and would be restored to the current condition upon completion.
Contact Information
Name
Michelle Irace
Agency Name
City of Ukiah
Job Title
Planning Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Ukiah
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Various within western Ukiah
Zip
95482
Total Acres
1.5 miles
Parcel #
multiple
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15302 Replacement/Reconstruction; 15304 Minor Alteration to Land
Reasons for Exemption
Project includes fuel reduction within 30 feet of the City's electric infrastructure, as well as the removal/replacement of of existing utility poles and infrastructure, to include trenching, placement of electrical conduit in the trenches, and the restoring of the trenched areas to their previous condition. The proposed Project is intended to reduce wildfire risk and protect the City's electric infrastructure. The Project would not have an adverse impact on environmental resources because it is located in an urban environment, vegetation activities would occur outside of the known nesting bird season, no trees would be removed, and all work would be performed in areas within the existing right-of-way or areas that are previously disturbed. Additionally, no work would occur within Gibson Creek and the area containing potentially sensitive habitat would be avoided. existing poles adjacent to the creek in this area will not be replaced as a part of this project, as they are secondary (not primary) poles and were not included in the grant program. Overhead lines that currently span Gibson Creek in the area of Park Boulevard and North Barnes Street will remain overhead and will not be included in the underground portion of this Project. Instead, the undergrounding will continue up to the existing pole in the sidewalk, on either side of the creek (approximately eight ft from top of bank), leaving an overhead span crossing the creek. If existing poles need to be replaced or relocated, they will be replaced like for like and will not be located closer to the creek than the existing poles, and will be placed in the sidewalk. No modification will be made to the creekbed or bank, and undergrounding in this area will take place during the dry season. As such, the Project qualifies for the aforementioned exemptions.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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