California Aqueduct MP 81.00R PG&E Utility Power Pole Treatment
Summary
SCH Number
2024110909
Public Agency
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR)
Document Title
California Aqueduct MP 81.00R PG&E Utility Power Pole Treatment
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/25/2024
Document Description
PG&E requests encroachment permission to maintain an existing utility pole located in the Department of Water Resources right of way. Maintenance of the pole includes testing the wooden pole for damage and treating it against future decay. PG&E’s contractor will perform the following work:
A two-foot-deep hole will be excavated by hand in an approximate one-foot radius around the pole to expose the pole’s base. Then, a battery-powered drill will be used to make three 7/8-inch diameter holes into the pole’s base to test the wood for damage. If damaged wood is found, up to fifteen, 9/16-inch diameter holes will be drilled along the length of the pole to determine the amount of damage. If the pole is not considered to be structurally sound it will be reported to PG&E for further assessment.
If the pole is in good condition, 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 three inches above the ground surface to about 20 inches below the ground surface. A paper-based backing will be applied over the preservative to help the pole absorb the paste and prevent the paste from leaching into the soil. The backing will cover a point from about four 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
Coordinates
Counties
Merced
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Approximately 1.2 miles NW of the intersection of the California Aqueduct and Mervel Avenue.
State Highways
Interstate 5, SR 165
Schools
Charleston Elementary School
Waterways
California Aqueduct, Delta-Mendota Canal
Other Location Info
Work will occur in Reach 3 of the California Aqueduct (Aqueduct). The worksite is on the right (R) side of the Aqueduct in the DWR right of way at Aqueduct milepost 81.00R. It is about 1.2 miles northwest of the intersection of the Aqueduct and Mervel Avenue (latitude/longitude: 36.984062 -120.886214).
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 involves maintaining an existing PG&E utility pole located in the Department of Water Resources right of way. There will be no expansion of existing or former use. The work will occur in areas with an average slope of less than 20 percent and will not result in any changes in land use or density. Department of Water Resources will issue an encroachment permit for this work. Categorical Exemption 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Categorical Exemption 15305(b) (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations – Issuance of Minor Encroachment Permits) apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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