Admin Approval - Vault - 2000 CITY OF CAMPBELL
Community Development Department
January 29, 2001
Tracy Wright
Engineering/Public Works Coordinator
Pacific Bell
3475 B N. 1st. St. Room 500
San Jose, CA 95134
Administrative Approval Controlled Environmental Vault - Project Pronto
115-133 Dot Avenue
Dear Ms. Wright:
Thank you for the submittal of administrative application dated January 9, 2001, for the placement of controlled environmental
vaults on the referenced site. The Community Development Department has had an opportunity to review this submittal and is
approving its placements subject to the following conditions:
115-133 Dot Avenue -:
a. Applicant to obtain any necessary encroachment permits from Campbell Public Works Department
b. Applicant to obtain any necessary electrical/building permits from the Campbell Building Division.
c. The landscape plan indicates both rockroses and pittosporum. This plan is approved subject to the condition
that 5 five gallon 'pittosporum eugenioides' shrubs shall be installed for screening purposes
d. That the new plantings will be irrigated by the existing on-site sprinkler system.
e. That the two retained fir trees be protected during construction with appropriate construction fencing.
Appropriate measures need to be shown for protection of existing vegetation.
f. That Pacific Bell is responsible for replacing any disrupted landscaping due to trenching and returning
landscaping to its original condition.
The requested information needs to be shown on the plan submittals to the Public Works Department and the Building Division.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (408) 866-2144 regarding any of the requested information.
Tim J. Haley
Associate Planner
CC:
Geoff Bradley, Senior Planner
Alan Hom, Public Works Inspector
70 North First Street · Campbell, California 95008-1436 . TEl 408.866.2140 · FAX 408.866.8381 rDD 408.866.2790
CITY oF CAMPBELL
Community Development Department - Current Planning
December 11, 2000
Tracy Wright
Engineering/Public Works Coordinator
Pacific Bell
3475 B N. 1st. St. Room 500
San Jose, CA 95134
RE:
Administrative Review Controlled Environmental Vaults - Project Pronto
51 E. Campbell Avenue
115-133 Dot Avenue
Dear Ms. Wright:
Thank you for the submittal of administrative applications dated December 4, 2000, to consider the placement of controlled
environmental vaults on 2 sites within Campbell. The Community Development Department has had an opportunity to review
the submitted information and has made the following determination:
1)
51 East Campbell Avenue - The Community Development Director is not supportive of a vault located along this
street frontage. This location serves as a prominent entrance to the Downtown, the office building located on this
property has been designated as a local Historic Landmark, the landscaping concept of a bermed lawn area does not
effective screen the utilities and hatch, and the level of vehicle activity at this intersection would discourage the
placement of a vault at this location. Consequently, a vault as proposed at this location is not supported.
2) 115-133 Dot Avenue - This location is considered acceptable, subject to following conditions:
a. Applicant to obtain necessary encroachment permits from Campbell Public Works Department
b. Applicant to obtain any necessary electrical/building permits from the Campbell Building Division.
c. Applicant to submit a revised landscaping plan. Screening shrubs shall be a minimum 5 gallon size and
should be a similar variety to existing plant materials.
d. Any trees need to be protected from severe trenching and construction activity. Appropriate measures need to
be shown a provided for protection of existing vegetation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (408) 866-2144 regarding any of the requested information.
Tim J. Haley
Associate Planner
CC:
Sharon Fierro, Community Development Director
Geoff Bradley, Senior Planner
Al Horn, Public Works Inspector
70 North First Street . Campbell, California 95008-1436 · TEL 408.866.2140 · FaX 408.866.8381 · TDD 408.866.2790
CITY OF CAMPBELL
Community Development Department · Current Planning
June 2, 2000
Mr. JeffAddington
Pacific Bell
3475 B N. 1s~. St. Room 500
San Jose, CA 95134
RE: Administrative Review Controlled Environmental Vaults - Project Pronto
Dear Mr. Addington:
Thank you for the submittal of an administrative application to consider the placement of controlled environmental
vaults on 5 sites within Campbell. The placement of these vaults on private properties will be considered as a minor
modifications to the architectural approvals for the various sites. It is anticipated that revised landscaping and
irrigation plans will be required as a condition of approval for the vault placements. The Community Development
Department has had an opportunity review the submitted information and has determined that additional
information is necessary to complete the application. The following information is needed to complete the
application:
1) The first four items outlined in the attached letter from Robert Kass, dated May 11, 2000;
2) The submittal of an application fee of $1010.00 for the processing of the modification application and
3) Provision of a completed application form for the vault site requested at Campbell Technology Park.
Additionally, the following concerns or issues have been identified regarding the various sites proposed thus far:
1) 115 Dot Avenue -A concern is raised regarding a surface mounted installation at this location. It is
recommended that an underground vault be investigated.
2) 2060 S. Bascom Avenue (Denny's) The general placement and location is acceptable. It is
recommended that the any supportive utilities be setback from the street frontage so that an acceptable
buffer is provided to the adjacent single family use. The landscaping is in poor condition on this site and it
is anticipated that the irrigation and landscaping around the vault area will be upgraded and refurbished.
3) i 651 W. Campbell Avenue (Sugia's) The placement calls for the removal of two mature pine trees. It is
recommended that the vault location be adjusted to allow the retention of these trees.
4) 51 E. Campbell Avenue (Heritage Village Offices) This location is an entrance to the Downtown Area.
An aesthetic treatment such as a bench would be more traditional and architecturally compatible versus
the 'rock' concept that has been presented. Perhaps a less prominent location may be found at this site.
5) 605 Campbell Technology Parkway (Campbell Technology Park) The 'rock' and landscaping would be an
effective aesthetic treatment at this location.
Please feel free to contact me to schedule a meeting to discuss any of these comments or to clarify the requested
information. I can be reached at the Community Development Department at (408) 866-2144.
70 North First Street · Campbell, California 95008.1423 · TEL 408.866.2140 · F^X 408.866.8381 · TDD 408.866.2790
Completeness letter - Pacific Bell CEV
Page 2
Tim J. Haley
Associate Planner
CC:
Sharon Fierro, Community Development Director
Harold Housley, Land Development Engineer
Robert Kass, Public Works Director
Enclosure: Letter from Robert Kass - dated May 11, 2000
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMENT SHEET
Distribution: 5/30/2000
Completeness: 6/5/2000
Comments: 6/12/2000
l~C)l ltl: TO.
X Architectural or Landscape Advisor
X Fire Department
Police Department
Redevelopment Agency
Engineering
Traffic Engineering
Corporation Yard
Building Division
X
X
X
X
PRC)IFCT DF~CR IPTIC)N.
Application for the placement of five controlled environment vaults on various private properties to service
the PRONTO (ADSL) system (asynchronous digital subscriber line)
INFORM A TIIDN:
File No. Address APN Zonin~ Comments
Pre 2000-34 115 Dot Avenue 305-43-(001- P-D (Medium Above ground vault
018) density residential)
Pre 2000-35 2060 S. Bascom 288-08-073 C-2-S Denny's
Avenue 1070 Arroyo Seco
Pre 2000-36 1651 W. Campbell 307-16-014 C-1-S Sugia's
Avenue La Pradera Fronta~oe
Pre 2000-37 51 E. Campbell 279-38-075 P-D (Professional Heritage Village
Avenue Office) Offices
Pre 2000- 605 Campbell 412-29-007 P-D (Industrial) Tech Park Entrance
Technology Parkway
Applicant: Jeff Addington/Pacific Bell
PROJECT PLANNER: Tim Haley
I')FPA RTMFNTA [ ~ R ECCIMMI~NDA TIONI.
If it can be determined that this project will require minimal or no comments by your department/agency,
please return this comment sheet with your initials to the Project Planner as soon as possible.
Status Initial
No Comment
Additional information/revisions(see attached)
Draft conditions of approval attached
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT VAULTS (CEVs)
Introduction and Scope
At the request of Pacific Bell, Thomas Olsen Associates 'Inc. has prepared an analysis
of the potential environmental effects of the installation and operation of controlled
environment vaults (CEV).
A CEV, as defined here, is an underground concrete structure used by Pacific Bell to
house a fiber optic-fed terminal. Such a terminal can greatly extend the range of
telephone, ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber line), and other services, thus
making these services available to thousands of customers in a new housing tract. The
CEV typically contains the following:
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment
A sump pump to remove condensate (clean water)
A rectifier to convert 220V AC to 48V DC
Loop electronics (switching center)
Backup batteries to provide emergency power
Environmental and system monitoring devices, including smoke and gas
detectors
A breaker box
Fluorescent lighting
CEVs and similar remote terminals have been used for many years without
environmental incident. Due to the recent demand for ADSL service, Pacific Bell
proposes to install some 300 new CEVs throughout California starting in 2000. Thus,
the purpose of this document is to address homeowners' most frequent questions and
concerns .regarding possible environmental or health effects.
Methods and Personnel
Information for this report was obtained from the following sources:
Robert Nolasco and Jody Wong, Pacific Bell
Mike Revelle, AE!
Larry Clauss, Arizona Tekoustics Inc
Gary Hammonds, Oldcastle Precast inc
Mike Flick, Utility Vault
Dave Brown, Collins Comfort Masters
In the interest of time, most of the data cited in this report were obtained from existing
reports. As no data were available regarding magnetic fields produced by equipment in
the CEV, new EMF readings were taken on 17 February 2000 at a CEV located at
12692 65th Street near Hamner in Ontario, California. The instrument was a single-
axis electromagnetic field radiation meter (Applied Magnetics Lab Model EMF-931),
AEI-CEV Report 2/24~00 page 1 of 6 .
used in accordance with the California Department of Health Services' 1992 protocol
(see References).
This report was prepared by Dr. Joan R. Callahan of Thomas Olsen Associates, an
environmental scientist and author of Recent Advances and Issues in Environmental
Science (Oryx Press, 2000).
Results
Noise: The air conditioning units in the proposed CEVs were specially designed with
condenser blower wheels rather than the noisier, less expensive alternative of propeller
fans. Thus, the units are actually less noisy than those used in private residences.
In 1999, Arizona Tekoustics Inc. reported sound measurements in the range 50 to 70
decibels (dB) at distances of 5 to 10 feet from the air conditioning unit in a typical CEV.
This is the approximate sound level of normal human speech at a distance of 3 feet. In
practice, however, most CEVs are located at least 50 feet from any human residence.
Thus, the sound level will be too Iow to disturb residents.
Other than the air conditioning unit, only two devices associated with the CEV will
produce any detectable sound: (1) the sump pump, which operates only intermittently
and is inside the concrete vault (see VVastewater Disposal), and (2) the backup diesel
generator, which would be present only in the event of a prolonged power outage (see
Backup Generator). In case of a power outage or system malfunction, the alarm will
sound only at a central office, not at the CEV location itself.
The above statements refer to normal operations of an in-place CEV. Inevitably, some
noise, dust, and other short-term disturbances are associated with excavation and
placement. Also, workers and their vehicles must visit the CEV from time to time after
construction, typically on the order of 2 to 4 times per month.
EMF: Electromagnetic fields (EMF)~ are a major focus of environmental health
research and public scrutiny. Extremely iow-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields generated
by 60 Hz alternating current (AC) sources are of greatest concern.
In 1998, a panel of experts convened by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS) concluded that magnetic fields from power lines and
electrical equipment represent a possible human carcinogen. There is general
agreement, however, that no health risk is associated with exposure to magnetic flux
densities measuring less than about 2 miiligauss (mC-,).
Olsen Associates personnel obtained the following EMF measurements of a typical
CEV:
I Some confusion has rmult~l from tl~ fact that EMi: also samds for electrornotiveforce, a measure of the ~fference in electrical potential betwe~
two tcm~nals. Electromotive force ia an unrelat~l concept with no known implicatioas for health or enviromn~atl quality.
AEI-CEV Report 2/24/00 page 2 of 6
Outside above-ground structure (ali distances): 0.1 to 0.3 mG
Inside CEV, except near breaker box: 0.2 mG
1 to 3 inches from breaker box: 4 to 10 mG
Thus, all readings taken in and near the CEV were on the order of one-tenth the
potential hazard level, except in the immediate vicinity of the breaker box. (Higher
readings also are expected near the fluorescent lights, which were out of reach.) The
point to bear in mind is that risk requires exposure. Most private homes also have
breaker boxes and fluorescent lights, with comparable magnetic fields, but there is no
significant health risk because exposure is minimal. Neighborhood residents will not be
exposed to the breaker box or other equipment inside the locked CEV.
,As a basis for comparison, here are typical magnetic flux densities associated with
some common household appliances:
4 inches from vacuum cleaner:
4 inches from electric can opener:
4 inches from circular saw:
230 to 1300 mG
1300 to 4000 mG
200 to 2100 mG
In conclusion, magnetic fields associated with CEVs are unremarkable and pose no
demonstrable environmental health risk, even for workers who enter these structures
on a regular basis. A manufacturer's representative has further indicated that ali
equipment in the CEV is in compliance with FCC regulations and will cause no EM
interference with television or radio reception.
Wastewater Disposal: As noted above, the only wastewater generated by the CEV is a
small volume of clean condensate from the air conditioning system. There will be no
unpleasant odors, explosive methane generation, or other hazards that may be
associated with contaminated wastewater. Depending on local environmental
regulations, this water will be pumped to the gutter for disposal via the storm drains or
else removed by a tanker to an appropriate disposal site.
The submersible effluent pump (sump pump) used to remove excess water inside the
CEV does not operate continously, but only when the well or basin fills with water to a
certain level. When this type of pump is running inside a closed structure, the sound
level is too low to disturb nearby residents.
Emissions: Redundant air conditioning units of three different capacities may be used
in the CEV: 24,500x2, 36,500x2, or 49,100x2 BTU/hour. VVhen both sides of the unit
are running, the total capacity is double the listed capacity. This is the same range of
capacities found in typical residential air conditioners, depending on the size of the
house.
Although the air conditioning unit itself generates no emissions, all electrical equipment
contributes indirectly to global air pollution and the greenhouse effect, as most
electricity in the United States is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. It is important
to note, however, that the air conditioner in a CE¥ creates no more carbon emissions
AEI-CEV Report 2/24100 page 3 of 6
than that in a residence. Collins Comfort Masters reports that it has recently improved
energy efficiency of its units by replacing the standard blower motor with a design that
uses one-third less electricity.
Aside from greenhouse gas emissions, a second environmental concern is the use of
ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigeration systems. Most modem air conditioning
units, including all those in Pacific Bell's CEVs, use a Class II HCFC refrigerant called
R-22. Although these refrigerants contain chlorine and are chemically similar to the
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the HCFCs have a significantly lower ozone depletion
potential. The presence of hydrogen in the HCFCs makes them tess stable than CFCs,
so that they tend to decompose in the lower atmosphere and do not reach the Earth's
protective ozone layer.
Although these chemicals still cause some damage to the ozone layer (and also act to
some extent as greenhouse gases), their effect is the same whether the air conditioning
unit is installed in a CEV or in a home. Since the 1980s, when AT&T began eliminating
CFCs from its manufacturing plants worldwide, the telecommunications industry has
been a leader in the effort to reduce ozone depletion by developing environmentally
safe refrigerants and solvents.
After opening the CEV hatch, workers do not enter the vault until the indicator lights
confirm a breathable atmosphere. The existence of this monitoring system does not,
however, imply that the vault is expected to contain noxious gases. It is a standard
safety precaution to ensure that personnel are not exposed to an interior atmosphere
that might be contaminated from an outside source, such as lawn mowers or other
power equipment operating near the air conditioning vent.
Backup Batteries: The CEV contains batteries that can provide up to 8 hours of backup
power in the event of a power outage. These Iow-maintenance batteries contain a gel
that cannot leak or spill, even if the battery is ruptured. Gel batteries are equipped with
a flame arrestor/safety valve to maintain pressure in the battery, prevent the release of
hydrogen and oxygen during normal operation, prevent arcs and sparks from entering
the cell, and allow venting during abnormal operation. Thus, the presence of these
batteries poses no significant environmental risk. As with any acid-lead batteries,
proper disposal procedures are necessary.
Backup Generator: If a power outage lasts longer than the remaining battery life,
Pacific Bell will bring a trailer-mounted diesel generator to provide power to the CEV.
Such generators are somewhat noisy (typically on the order of 70-80 dB), but this is a
rare situation that is unlikely to occur except in the event of a local or regional disaster.
At such times, most homeowners probably will want uninterrupted telephone service,
and will accept the short-term inconvenience as a necessary tradeoff.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): In California, any project with potentially
significant environmental impacts requires the responsible party to prepare a document
that discloses the impacts, analyzes their significance, and proposes measures to
reduce or eliminate them. Depending on the nature of the project, an environmental
AEI-CEV Report 2/24100 page 4 of 6
assessment (EA) or a more extensive environmental impact report (EIR) may be
required. Certain types of projects, however, are exempt from CEQA requirements.
Section 15300 of CEQA states that such projects "do not have a significant effect on
the environment, and they are declared to be categorically exempt from the
requirement for the preparation of environmental documents."
Pacific Bell representatives have indicated that all previous CEV installations in
California have been exempt from CEQA review on this basis. Specifically, CEVs fall
under CEQA Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. This
categorical exemption applies to single-family residences, duplexes, small restaurants,
utility extensions, and other relatively small structures that do not involve the use of
hazardous materials and are not located in environmentally sensitive areas. Repeated
studies have concluded that CEVs in residential neighborhoods pose no demonstrable
environmental risk.
Homeowners or other concerned citizens who may have further questions about
environmental effects of CEVs are invited to call Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc., at
888-526-4222 (toll free in California) or at 909-766-4655.
References
Arizona Tekoustics Inc. 1999.
in CEV 624, Tempe, Arizona.
Arizona.
Sound Measurements of Air Conditioning Unit Running
Report prepared for Mike Flick, Utility Vault, Chandler,
Butch Everett Inc., Division of Collins Comfort Masters. [No date] A/C Equipment
Specifications. Mesa, AZ.
Califomia Department of Health Services. 1992. Electromagnetic Fields: Possible
Health Effects. Berkeley, CA: Special Epidemiological Studies Program.
California Department of Health Services. 1992. Suggested Protocol for Measuring 60
Hz Magnetic Fields in Residences. Berkeley, CA: Special Epidemiological Studies
Program.
Goulds Pumps Inc. [No date] Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions:
Model 3871. Seneca Falls, NY.
Slesin, Louis, and Conneily, Matthew. 1991. EMFs: an overview for planners. In
Electromagnetic Fields and Land-Use Controls. Planning Advisory Service Report No.
435. Chicago, IL: American Planning Association.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1992. EMF in your Environment: Magnetic
Field Measurements of Everyday Electrical Devices. 402-R-92-008. Washington, DC:
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air.
AEI-CEV Report 2/24/00 page 5 of 6
U.S. National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. 1998. "Panel Evaluates
Electric and Magnetic Fields for Health Effects." Press release #11-98, 24 June 1998.
AEI-CEV Report 2/24/00 page 6 of 6
May 11, 2000
CITY oF CAMPBELL
Public Works Department
JeffAddin~on
Project Pronto Project Manager
Pacific Bell
3475 B North First Street, Room 500
San Jose, CA 951_34
Dear Jeff:
At our meeting of March 21, 2000. Pacific Bell presented the CiD' with an overview of your ambitious
fiberopt'/c;DSL rollout entitled "Project Pronto". At the meeting we discussed a number of issues,
including the City's interest in working cooperatively with Pacific Bell to ensure that DSL service will be
made available throughout Campbell as soon as possible.
I Would, however, like to confirm that Pacific Bell will be providing the City. of Campbell with the
following requested information:
A map indicating what areas of the Ci~' of Campbell currently have access to full 'Pacific Bell
DSL service;
· A map indicating approximate locations for installation of CEV's that will be required in order to
ex'rend DSL availability, to all homes and businesses;
· Location of any new under~ound ducts (such as is currently under consumction along
Burrows/San Tomas Aquino Road) needed for the Project Pronto deployment;
· General location of any above-~ound structures (e.g., SAI's); and
· A schedule indicating when construction actMties are anticipated to take place.
As we have discussed, it is the CiD' of Campbell's desire for Pacific Bell to locate CEV's and SAI's
within easements on private prope,w3.' so as to minimize any potential conflict with future public
improvement projects. Applications for the installation of vaults and other structures on private property
will be reviewed bv our Communir,.' Development Department. Ail work within the public right-of-way
will require an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department, which would be issued in
conjunction with CommuniD' Development approvals, as applicable.
The CiD: of Campbell appreciates the recent efforts that you and your engineering staff have made to
coordinate your Project Pronto work on Burrows/San Tomas Aquino Road with the City's schedule for
utility relocations associated with our roadway reconstruction project and we look fom'ard to continuing
this cooperative relationship with the Project Pronto rollout:
Sincerely.
Robert Kass
Director of Public Works
cc: Leon Beachman bcc:
Bernard M. Strojny
Sharon Fierro
Miche!le Quinney
Bill Helms
70 N0_rt_h First _St, re._~eF -. C_a_.m_oj~tl.I...__C41i_/2rni~ .9~QQ2~-14~23 . T~.k 408:8_6fi, '2_ ~50 · ,1~4;~ 40~ 3.76 ng-~s~ . mn ~,c}8 86_~ '~7on.
PACIFIC [] BELL
3475B N. 1't. Street Room 600
( California Room )
San Jose, Ca. 95134
Management Services Company
3725 Miramar Way
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Attn: Ron Orr
April 25, 2000
Re: Notification of work to be performed in Public Service Easement: APN: 305-34-001 thru -
018
Dear Mr. Orr,
This is to notify you that Pacific Bell will be performing excavation work for placemem of
facilities on the frontage of your property on Dot Avenue, Approximately 125' north of
the intersection with West Rincon. All work will be completed within the Public Service
Easement as shown on the attached Tract Map # 7457. This work is scheduled to be
performed during the month of May.
Please call me if you have any question concerning this work.
Sincerely,
Tracy Wright
Right of Way Administrator
N4-1054W
Tmcy Wright Right of Way Administrator (408) 493-7774