California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2020-056-04 for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Dolan Road Substation Fence Replacement
Summary
SCH Number
2020120492
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4
(CDFW)
Document Title
California Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2020-056-04 for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Dolan Road Substation Fence Replacement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/24/2020
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued a California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.) Incidental Take Permit (ITP) to authorize Pacific Gas and Electric Company to incidentally take California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) which is listed as threatened species under CESA (Fish & G. Code § 2050 et seq.; see Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 670.5, subd. (b)(3)(G)).
The Project includes emergency substation maintenance activities at Dolan Road Substation. The substation grounding is non-compliant and possess significant risk of electric shock to individuals who come in contact with conductive structures located within the substation boundaries including the substation fence. Project activities consist of the placement of a temporary security fence, grading and site preparation, installation of an erosion/no-dig barrier, replacement the old fence with a new non-conductive fence topped with barbwire, and scour pads. The Project is expected to result in the permanent loss of 0.06 acres of California tiger salamander habitat and temporary impacts to 0.019 acres of California tiger salamander habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Craig Bailey
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Region 4
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Moss Landing
Counties
Monterey
Cross Streets
12000 Dolan Road
Parcel #
133-171-005-000
Other Location Info
The Project is located approximately 0.86 miles east of Highway 1.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15269, subd. (b); Public Resources Code, section 21080, subd. (b)(2)
Reasons for Exemption
Approval of this Project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) because the Project is subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15269, subdivision (b), “Emergency repairs to publicly or privately owned service facilities necessary to maintain service essential to the public health, safety, or welfare” and Public Resources Code, section 21080, subdivision (b)(2), “Emergency repairs to public service facilities necessary to maintain service”. “Emergency” is defined as “a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services” (Pub. Resources Code, § 21060.3).
On November 30, 2020, results of a Grounding Analysis were reported to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Environmental Planning and Permitting Department, indicating that the existing ground grid does not meet IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding (P80). Electric shock potentials in excess of allowable limits may exist on grounded objects within the substation yard as well as at the chain-link fence. This poses a significant risk of electric shock to individuals who come in contact with conductive structures, including the substation fence, located within the substation boundaries. To correct these safety concerns, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company will immediately install a non-conductive fence around the substation yard and will also install additional ground wells (within the substation) to mitigate potential shock hazard. This work includes grading of soil around the substation perimeter, prior to installation of scour pads and erosion/no-dig barriers to prevent future erosion and creation of gaps below the fence line where trespassers have the opportunity to access the site.
The proposed Project includes 1) installation of a temporary security fence; 2) grading and site preparation; 3) installation of a concrete erosion/no-dig barrier; 4) replacement of the current fence with a non-conductive fence topped with barb wire; and 5) installation of scour pads.
Project activities include: fence installation, scraping, grading, excavating/trenching, pouring concrete, auguring, and other activities. Impacts will be minimized and fully mitigated through the implementation of measures required by Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2020-0456-04. Measures include: 1) Weekly Compliance Reports; 2) establishment of avoidance zones; 3) worker education; 4) species relocation; and 5) permanent habitat protection.