Impact 3.2-3: Tree removal or loss may affect visual character (applies to all pipelines).Wildcat Pipeline [Berkeley], Central Pressure Zone Pipelines
5. Track Record of Supplies made
2.9 Mark and John Chekal-Bain
MC-1 The commenter requests adoption of the Benvenue Avenue option, and describes a number of traffic and transportation reasons. The commenter's preference for the Benvenue Avenue option is acknowledged. As stated in the DEIR on pages S-3, 2-12 and 4-17, Benvenue Avenue is the preferred alignment.
MC-2 The commenter requests EBMUD make a firm commitment to the alternate parking solutions for residents described in Mitigation Measure TRA-2d, not just “work with”
the City of Berkeley and owners of nearby parking facilities. EBMUD will make a reasonable effort to find parking for Berkeley residents affected by street closures during construction. However, EBMUD cannot require the City of Berkeley or parking facility owners to comply with its requests.
MC-3 The commenter requests EBMUD to explicitly describe what occurs when a water line breaks and the effect of flooding on downhill homes during construction as well as post-construction. He requests that EBMUD also describe what will be done to prevent such a break during and post construction as well as during and after a seismic event.
During construction, the proposed pipeline would be empty and therefore a pipeline break during construction would not result in flooding or associated impacts. Refer to Responses GD1-9 regarding pipeline design criteria and BERK-19 for discussion of EBMUD’s leak response measures that would reduce the potential for pipeline rupture and associated flood damage related to a seismic event.
MC-4 The comment expresses concern regarding the high water table around Hillegass Avenue. Refer to Response GD1-4.
MC-5 The comment states that water pressures in homes on the block of Hillegass Avenue are extremely high, and requests the DEIR address potential impacts related to high water pressure, including on residents’ water pressure regulators. The DEIR Project Description, Section 2.2.2, provides an overview of existing water system operations.
Figure 2-4 presents a pressure zone diagram. The residents on Hillegass Avenue are in the Berryman Pressure Zone and would not be connected in any way to the proposed pipeline. The proposed project would have no effect on the Berryman Pressure Zone or on homeowners’ water pressure regulators on Hillegass Avenue.
MC-6 The comment questions how traffic and air impacts will be mitigated during the project. The commenter is referred to DEIR Section 3.13, Transportation and Traffic, for a discussion of potential traffic impacts and mitigation measures and to DEIR Section 3.3, Air Quality, for a discussion of potential air quality impacts and mitigation measures.
EBMUD West of Hills Northern Pipelines Project 2-30 ESA / 211488
Response to Comments October 2013
MC-7 The comment requests that EBMUD specifically commit to mitigating noise impacts and compliance with Berkeley and Oakland noise ordinances. As discussed in DEIR Section 3.11, Noise, even with implementation of mitigation measures NOI-1 and NOI-2b, daytime construction noise from certain construction equipment would exceed the City of Berkeley ordinance noise limits at the nearest residences, and is identified as a significant and unavoidable project impact. Proposed work hours along the Wildcat Pipeline (Berkeley) are generally consistent with the City of Berkeley’s construction time limits; however, there are some instances in which construction could extend into the evening and nighttime hours. As described on page 3.11-22, extended work hours may be required for one evening and nighttime at each of two tie-in locations. Further, it is possible that the City of Berkeley could require nighttime construction through its encroachment permit conditions at some street intersections to avoid traffic impacts.
MC-8 The commenter requests that EBMUD not approve the Final EIR until these items have been resolved with the City of Berkeley. EBMUD will continue to work with the local jurisdictions, including the City of Berkeley, during the encroachment permit acquisition process to develop final traffic control plans and address parking concerns, as discussed in the DEIR on pages 2-35 and 3.13-34.
From: Rosemary Richie [mailto:rosemaryrichie@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 6:55 PM To: WOHNP
Subject: Berkeley Wildcat pipeline
Good Morning!
I live in one of several residences on Benvenue Avenue that has no driveway. This proposed pipeline location presents a difficult parking problem on a street that ALREADY has a parking shortage. As you know there are many popular eateries and a movie theater around the corner from my house at 3027 Benvenue. Often, even now I need to park a block or two away from my house. If this proposed construction proceeds it will severely impact this street, whereas Hillegass residents rarely have restaurant, theater and library patrons park on their block.
Also, there are two Family Day Care childcare homes located on this block. Both Joyce Newton and I have operated small facilities for over 20 years at these locations. Joyce has arranged with the city to have a 5 minute parking area in front of her home for convenient, safe drop off and pick up of the toddlers under her care. My small daycare serves children 2 years 9 months to 5 years of age. Although many of the children are neighbors who walk their children to school, the majority (including my own grandchildren who live in South Berkeley) drive to Benvenue. This proposed construction will be a big problem for all the parents at both of our little programs.
Please reconsider your original plan to construct the pipeline on Hillegass.
Thank you for giving us the chance to comment on this matter.
Rosemary Richie owner, Benvenue Children's House
and 30 year resident of Benvenue Avenue between Woolsey and Webster 510-333-3198
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Rosemary Richie
Please note - I have changed my email to rosemaryrichie@gmail.com.
Comment Letter RR
RR-1
RR-2
EBMUD West of Hills Northern Pipelines Project 2-32 ESA / 211488
Response to Comments October 2013