Tree Removal - PG&E - 2008September 26, 2008
Mr. Felix Sorrentino, Forester
P.G. & E.'s Vegetation Management
10900 N. Blaney Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Re: Tree Removal Permit - File No: PLN2008-121
Pollard Road Homeowners Association- La Corona Ct.
Los Gatas Estate
Dear Mr. Sorrentino,
The Community Development Director has reviewed and approved your request to remove
nine Modesto Ash trees and one Black Walnut tree under the high voltage lines along La
Corona Court due to their potential conflict with theses overhead utility. It is understood that
P.G. & E. will be replacing these trees with a more appropriate tree type (eleven Crape Myrtle),
a smaller variety tree thus reducing the potential for future interference with utilities.
The Tree Removal Permit has been approved based upon the City's determination that the
referenced trees are exempt from Campbell's Tree Preservation Ordinance as follows:
Exemptions: Public utilities. Trees that undermine or impact the safe operation of public
utilities that are subject to the jurisdiction of the public utilities commission of the State of
California. Section 21.32.060(c) eM.e
If you have any questions regarding this approval, please contact me at (408) 866-2144 or via
email attimh(~Pcityofcampbel1.com.
Si erely,
TiJJ.~ H-r
Senior Planner
cc: Judy Robinson, Pollard Road Home Owners Association, 1935 Dry Creek Road, Suite 203, Campbell, CA 95008
Jackie c. Young, Principal Planner
70 North First Street. Campbell, California 95008-1436 . TEL 408.866.2140 . FAX 408.871.5140 . TDD 408.866.2790
m
Pacific Gas and
Electric Company@
10900 No. Blaney Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
September 22, 2008
Tim Haley, Senior Planner
Campbell Planning Division, City Hall
70 N. First Street, Campbell, CA 95008
Mr. Haley,
I was recently informed by our local contractor Supervisor Sam Miller of your request for
additional information and documentation regarding our Vegetation Management Program
standards regarding tree trimming along Transmission lines. I believe this letter will answer
your questions and further explain Pacific Gas & Electric Company's minimum standards as
required by both the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
NERC requires all utilities to complete and maintain a Transmission Vegetation Management
Plan which must document among other things, the minimum clearances required for all trees
and brush under transmission lines they operate. These clearances vary by voltage, but for those
lines designated as critical (200,000 volts or higher) such as the one adjacent to the Los Gatos
Estates on La Corona Drive, the minimum clearance at all times is ten feet. For the fast growing
trees (Modesto Ash and Black Walnut) that we have obtained permission from the Pollard Road
Homeowner's Association to remove, trimming these trees would require more than 23 feet of
clearance from the transmission lines. This would result in a tree or stump just 5 feet tall and
essentially is a removal. Also, these ash trees are currently 11-13 feet clear of the transmission
lines and have nearly reached emergency status.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and should you have any other questions or
concerns please do not hesitate to contact me directly or Sam Miller as well (408.592.3008).
Sincerely,
~Forester
PG&E's Vegetation Management
10900 N. Blaney Ave
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.725.3364 office
408.725.3375 facsimile
Cc: Chris Hughes