DATE: August 14, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Put the Volcan Mountain Power Line Underground

SUMMARY:
Reference
San Diego County is experiencing the second worst fire in its history - the Pines Fire. Only the Laguna Fire of 1970 has destroyed more habitat and structures. The Pines Fire, which started on July 29, 2002 after a downed power line ignited dry brush, has now consumed over 61,000 acres and destroyed 37 homes. In the end, the estimated cost to put this fire out may be as high as $30 million. This was an unfortunate fire that could have been avoided.

The power line that was cut down fed electricity to the top of Volcan Mountain, which has two RCS towers and one FAA tower. Those towers are currently running on power from a generator. As public safety agencies are working to control the Pines Fire, their communication system is relying on a generator that has already broken down one time. Since SDG&E will need to install a new power line to the top of the mountain, an opportunity exists to redesign the power line underground and prevent any future incidents.

Today's action directs the Chief Administrative Officer, with the assistance of the RCS staff, to work with SDG&E, the FAA, private property owners and State Fish and Game to expedite getting power from San Felipe Valley to the top of Volcan Mountain and putting the line underground.

Recommendation
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer, with the assistance of the RCS staff, to work with SDG&E, the FAA, private property owners and State Fish and Game to expedite getting power from San Felipe Valley to the top of Volcan Mountain and putting the line underground.

BACKGROUND
San Diego County is experiencing the second worst fire in its history - the Pines Fire. Only the Laguna Fire of 1970 has destroyed more habitat and structures. The Pines Fire, which started on July 29, 2002 after a downed power line ignited dry brush, has now consumed over 61,000 acres and destroyed 37 homes. In the end, the estimated cost to put this fire out may be as high as $30 million. This was an unfortunate fire that could have been avoided.

The power line that was cut down fed electricity to the top of Volcan Mountain, which has two RCS towers and one FAA tower. Those towers are currently running on power from a generator. As public safety agencies are working to control the Pines Fire, their communication system is relying on a generator that has already broken down one time. Since SDG&E will need to install a new power line to the top of the mountain, an opportunity exists to redesign the power line underground and prevent any future incidents.

Prior to the fire, two separate power lines, one on the North side and one on the South side, fed the top of Volcan Mountain with electricity. When SDG&E reconnects power to Volcan Mountain, there is a prospect for both short term and long term savings. SDG&E may only have to install one line on the North side from San Felipe Valley, instead of two lines again. Further, by putting the line underground, SDG&E would not have to repair the line in the future because of damage from natural causes, such as snow, wind, fire and cold temperatures. The line on the North side would run through State Fish and Game property and private property.

Today's action directs the Chief Administrative Officer, with the assistance of the RCS staff, to work with SDG&E, the FAA, private property owners and State Fish and Game to expedite getting power from San Felipe Valley to the top of Volcan Mountain and putting the line underground. I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District