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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmailed Comments from Clarissa Serpas1 Gloria Harper From:Iris Lee Sent:Monday, April 1, 2024 4:31 PM To:Shaun Temple; Megan Coats Subject:FW: City of Seal Beach Encroachment of the Right of Way and Utility Safety Access Attachments:City of Seal Beach_ Encroachment of the Right of Way and Utility Safety Access.pdf FYI From: Serpas, Clarissa R <CSerpas@socalgas.com> Sent: Monday, April 1, 2024 3:51 PM To: Alexa Smittle <ASmittle@sealbeachca.gov>; Iris Lee <ilee@sealbeachca.gov> Cc: Jill Ingram <jingram@sealbeachca.gov> Subject: City of Seal Beach Encroachment of the Right of Way and Utility Safety Access Hi and Good AŌernoon, Hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out as SoCalGas has become aware that some municipali Ɵes have permiƩed (or are considering permiƫng) dining structures in the public right of way. I would like to bring to your aƩenƟon SoCalGas’ concerns regarding the installaƟon of temporary and permanent above-ground structures in public sidewalks, streets, alleys, and other rights of way that is near or above gas infrastructure without coordina Ɵng with SoCalGas prior to permiƫng. We raise this issue as we have underground uƟlity faciliƟes that we need to maintain safe access to for maintenance and safety inspecƟons[1], as well as providing uƟlity service to new businesses and residents. When permiƫng or approving permanent improvements in sidewalks, alleys, or streets (public right of way), SoCalGas would like to be noƟfied of where they are to be built to verify there are no cri Ɵcal assets conflicƟng with construcƟon. To facilitate this discussion, please contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager at CSerpas@SoCalGas.com. AddiƟonally, we would like restaurants to understand that an open-air structure may be permissible, but enclosing sides and covering tops in areas above or adjacent to gas infrastructure could potenƟally increase natural gas safety concerns due to inadequate venƟlaƟon. Owners and businesses should be made aware of these risks and the proper protocols for contacƟng emergency personnel. Furthermore, by allowing permanent private infrastructure in the public right of way, there is a risk that we may need to excavate or demolish private structures encroaching in the public right of way in order to inspect, maintain, and repair access our uƟlity infrastructure. Costs of the repairs would need to be borne by the private en Ɵty that owns and maintains the above-ground faciliƟes in the public right of way. We believe coordinaƟon is always the best approach and we appreciate our partnership with the City of Seal Beach and look forward to conƟnuing to work together to best serve our community safely and reliably. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have addiƟonal quesƟons or concerns. Thank you and Kind Regards, Clarissa Serpas Public Affairs Manager 562 561 7983 | CSerpas@SoCalGas.com 2191 E. Birch St. Brea CA 92821 *Please note new mailing address 2 Glad to be of service® [1] See California Public Utilities Commission General Order 112-F, Section 143.5. Clarissa Serpas Public Affairs Manager | SoCalGas 2191 E. Birch St. Brea, CA 92821 CSerpas@SoCalGas.com | 562 561 7983 April 1, 2024 Subject: Encroachment of the Right of Way and Utility Safety Access Dear City of Seal Beach, SoCalGas has become aware that some municipalities have permitted (or are considering permitting) dining structures in the public right of way. I would like to bring to your attention SoCalGas’ concerns regarding the installation of temporary and permanent above-ground structures in public sidewalks, streets, alleys, and other rights of way that is near or above gas infrastructure without coordinating with SoCalGas prior to permitting. We raise this issue as we have underground utility facilities that we need to maintain safe access to for maintenance and safety inspections1, as well as providing utility service to new businesses and residents . When permitting or approving permanent improvements in sidewalks, alleys, or streets (public right of way), SoCalGas would like to be notified of where they are to be built to verify there are no critical assets conflicting with construction. To facilitate this discussion, please contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager at CSerpas@SoCalGas.com. Additionally, we would like restaurants to understand that an open-air structure may be permissible, but enclosing sides and covering tops in areas above or adjacent to gas infrastructure could potentially increase natural gas safety concerns due to inadequate ventilation. Owners and businesses should be made aware of these risks and the proper protocols for contacting emergency personnel. Furthermore, by allowing permanent private infrastructure in the public right of way, there is a risk that we may need to excavate or demolish private structures encroaching in the public right of way in order to inspect, maintain, and repair access our utility infrastructure. Costs of the repairs would need to be borne by the private entity that owns and maintains the above- ground facilities in the public right of way. We believe coordination is always the best approach and we appreciate our partnership with the City of Seal Beach and look forward to continuing to work together to best serve our community safely and reliably. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions or concerns. Regards, Clarissa Serpas, Public Affairs Manager, SoCalGas 1 See California Public Utilities Commission General Order 112-F, Section 143.5.