California Aqueduct Reaches 2B, 3, 4, and 5 PG&E Utility Pole Maintenance
Summary
SCH Number
2024050773
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
California Aqueduct Reaches 2B, 3, 4, and 5 PG&E Utility Pole Maintenance
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/16/2024
Document Description
PG&E needs to maintain existing utility poles located in the Department of Wter Resources Aqueduct right of way. Maintenance of the poles includes testing for structural integrity and treating against future decay. PG&E’s contractor will perform the following work at each pole:
First, a 20-inch radius area will be excavated around the base of the pole; the excavation will be at least 20 inches deep and will be dug by hand. Once the area is excavated, the structural integrity of the pole will be tested by using a battery-powered drill to make up to three 7/8-inch diameter holes into the base of the pole. If the integrity of the wood from any of these drilled holes is questionable, then up to fifteen 9/16-inch diameter holes will be made along the length of the pole to determine the amount of damage. Any poles not considered to be structurally sound will be reported to PG&E for further assessment.
If the pole is considered structurally sound, it will be treated with a chemical product that protects against wood decay and insect attack. To prevent potential chemical spills and leaks, the product will be applied into the 7/8-inch holes from calibrated containers with a squirt tip applicator. After the holes have been filled with the chemical product, a wood preservative paste will be brushed onto the pole from a point about 3 inches above the ground surface and down to about 20 inches below the ground surface. A paper-based backing will be applied over the preservative to aid in absorption of the paste into the pole and to prevent the paste from leaching into the soil. This backing will extend from a point about 4 inches above the ground surface to about 20 inches below the ground surface. Once the pole has been treated, the drill holes will be sealed using plastic plugs and the excavated area will be backfilled and compacted.
Contact Information
Name
Cody Nelson
Agency Name
California Department of Water Resources
Job Title
Planner Scheduler/UC Supervisor
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus
Regions
Northern California, Southern California
Cross Streets
Northern end of Reach 2B and is where Orestimba Road intersects the California Aqueduct.
Waterways
California Aqueduct
Other Location Info
Work will occur in portions of Reach 2B, 3, 4 and 5 of the California Aqueduct (Aqueduct). All work locations will be in the Department of Water Resources right of way, along an existing PG&E service line on the left and right sides of the Aqueduct. MP 51.20 is the northern end of Reach 2B and is where Orestimba Road intersects the Aqueduct, in Stanislaus County. MP 143.23, the southernmost end of Reach 5, is approximately 0.14 miles southeast of the intersection of State Route 145 and the Aqueduct, in Fresno County.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301 (Existing Facilities); 15305(b) Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations – Issuance of Minor Encroachment Permits
Reasons for Exemption
Work consists of maintaining existing PG&E utility poles in the Department of Water (DWR) Resources right of way. Work will occur in areas with an average slope of less than 20 percent and no changes in land use or density will occur. The project will not expand existing use. DWR will issue an encroachment permit for completion of this work. Categorical Exemption 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15305 (b) (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations – Issuance of Minor Encroachment Permits) apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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