Chugach Electric Association, Inc.
Anchorage, Alaska
May 16, 2000
Project Submittals for 2000 Kenai Peninsula Borough Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chugach Electric Association, Inc. is requesting that consideration be given for full or partial funding of the following right-of-way clearing projects under the 2000 Kenai Peninsula Borough Hazard Mitigation Plan. These projects are scheduled to be done later this year and the permit acquisition process is in progress. It is intended to take advantage of the very competitive clearing rates established under our existing long-term vegetation control contract. In addition, the nature of the work mandates that qualified line clearance contractors perform this work.
Chugach Electric Association, Inc. has demonstrated a long history of competent and responsible project management and administration in the line clearance industry. Chugach has also demonstrated a continuous and rigorous commitment to clearing the electrical corridors and removal of danger trees on the Upper Kenai Peninsula since 1987. Chugach has invested over $1,350,000 on clearing the transmission corridors on the Kenai Peninsula since1987. Most of that amount was expended within the last five years for clearing the 115 kv and 69 kv lines from Cooper Landing to Soldotna. This was in large part a response to the increased fire, safety and reliability hazard presented by the beetle-kill spruce mortality.
All of the following clearing projects also include the identification and removal of danger trees located outside of the right-of-way and/or permit limits. It is not intended to seek reimbursement for work done in prior years, though these clear power line corridors provide an additional level of reliability and fire safety not only to Chugach but also to all residents of the Kenai Peninsula.
Following are the projects scheduled for this year and submitted for your review for consideration for cost reimbursement. Please note that the following costs assume that the danger trees will be dropped in the right-of-way, brushed and limbed, bucked into sections and Hydro Axed. However, it is intended to handle the danger trees as directed by the authorizing and/or funding agency but the removal costs and associated requested reimbursement costs may be significantly higher.
1. 115 kv Transmission System from Dave's Creek Substation (Cooper Landing) to Lawing Substation (Moose Pass)
This is a cooperative and joint-use clearing project between Chugach Electric and the City of Seward. The project is scheduled to begin in June or July depending on permit acquisition and/or requirements. It is proposed to clear approximately 15.9 miles of heavily overgrown right-of-way. The average clearing width is 60 feet for a total of 115 acres. In addition, it is proposed to remove approximately 2,000 beetle-kill spruce danger trees. The clearing method will be a combination of Hydro Axe and hand clearing depending on access and terrain.
Estimated costs are as follows:
Clearing within Right-of-Way: $150,000
Danger Tree Removal: $60,000
Total Estimated Cost: $210,000
This project will be managed and administered by Chugach Electric. Contacts are Chris O'Brien, Chugach Electric (762-7660) or Jeff Estes, City of Seward (224-4072).
2. 24.9 kv Moose Pass Distribution System
This is a project scheduled for July/August and includes the remaining portion of the Moose Pass distribution system owned and operated solely by Chugach Electric and not covered by the first project listed above. It is proposed to clear an additional 6 miles (approximate) of line located within the residential area of Moose Pass. This area will be cleared to a width of 20 feet and will primarily require hand clearing. In addition, it is estimated that approximately 500 danger trees located outside the easement limits will be targeted. Estimated costs are as follows:
Clearing within Right-of-Way: $45,000
Danger Tree Removal: $15,000
Total Estimated Cost: $60,000
Contact for this project is Chris O'Brien, Chugach Electric (762-7660).
3. 115 kv Transmission System from Portage Substation to Hope Substation
This project is scheduled for August/September depending on permit acquisition and/or requirements. It is proposed to clear 19.7 miles of line to a width of 100 feet. The total area to be cleared is estimated at 240 acres. It is also proposed to remove approximately 800 danger trees located outside the electrical corridor. The clearing method will be a combination of Hydro Axe and hand clearing depending on access and terrain. Estimated costs are as follows:
Clearing within Right-of-Way: $98,500
Danger Tree Removal: $24,000
Total Estimated Cost: $122,500
Contact for this project is Chris O'Brien, Chugach Electric (762-7660).
4. 24.9 kv Hope Distribution System
This is a project scheduled for September and includes all of the Hope distribution system from the substation on the Seward Highway up to and including the residential area of Hope. It is proposed to clear approximately 26 miles of distribution line to an average width of 30 feet for a total area of approximately 95 acres. This area will be cleared by a combination of Hydro Axe and hand clearing depending on access and terrain. In addition, it is estimated that approximately 600 danger trees located outside the easement limits will be targeted. Estimated costs are as follows:
Clearing within Right-of-Way: $75,000
Danger Tree Removal: $18,000
Total Estimated Cost: $93,000
Contact for this project is Chris O'Brien, Chugach Electric (762-7660).
5. 24.9 kv Cooper Landing Distribution System Danger Tree Removal
The distribution system from Dave's Creek Substation to Cooper Landing was cleared to the allowable permit and/or easement limits in 1999. It is proposed to aggressively target remaining beetle-kill spruce danger trees located outside the easement limits of this 25-mile distribution corridor that have potential to fall into the line. It is estimated that there are approximately 500 danger trees located outside the easement limits. Estimated costs are as follows:
Total Estimated Cost: $15,000
Contact for this project is Chris O'Brien, Chugach Electric (762-7660).