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HomeMy WebLinkAbout21 Tree trimming procedures Agenda Item # 21 Public: Utility District WORKSHOP To: Board of Directors From: Joe Horvath Date: June 04, 2008 Subject: Review of Tree Trimming Procedures 1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD This workshop is to discuss the District's current tree trimming procedures. 2. HISTORY The District constructs and maintains its overhead electric distribution system on easements throughout Truckee. There are approximately 134 miles of overhead electric distribution facilities in the District's service territory, typically located along street and road rights-of-way. It is critically important for the District to perform annual vegetation management operations in the areas [covered?] by our overhead electric facilities. The goals of the vegetation management program include: (1) ensuring the safety of District linemen and the general public, (2) reduction of fire risks due to tree contacts or electrical sparks igniting brush, (3) the prevention of customer outages due to tree contacts, and (4) aesthetics. An effective vegetation management program will help the District meet these goals. Safety - District linemen must be able to safely climb poles and work in and around overhead facilities without contacting trees or tree limbs. Trees growing into electrical facilities represent a clear danger to the public who may be in contact with trees during a fault event or who try to climb trees for various reasons. Fire — Fire danger is always a concern in this community and the District must mitigate the risk of fires caused by tree contact with energized electric facilities. Not only will the mitigation of fire risks help protect private property, but it will save the valuable natural environment for future generations. Outages - In addition to animal induced outages, some outages are the result of tree limbs coming into contact with conductors or trees failing into overhead facilities. Outages are, at the very least, an inconvenience to our customers. By implementing regular tree trimming operations, outages due to tree contacts will be substantially reduced. Aesthetics - We recognize that the presence of trees enhances the overall atmosphere of our community. Control of vegetation must balance the need for District goals while preserving overall aesthetics. California Public Utility Commission's General Order No. 95 (G.O. 95) publication specifies an 18 inch minimum clearance between vegetation and primary electric conductors. This is an absolute minimum clearance based on providing a minimum electrical clearance margin. Rule 35 of G.O. 95 allows an exception for mature trees whose trunks and major limbs are less than 18 but more than 6 inches from primary conductors. However, a more stringent standard is found in California Public Resources Code Section 4293. This Code requires the District to maintain a four (4) foot minimum clearance between all vegetation and primary electric conductors. In addition, Section 4292 of this Code requires a clearing of ten (10) feet around the base of poles which support switches, fuses or transformers. The specific intent of these Code sections is to prevent or mitigate fire risk due to tree contacts or burning material (sparks) which could fall onto ignitable material around poles. In practice, the District trims in excess of four feet because trees are constantly growing. This practice helps to ensure that by the next tree trimming cycle, there will be a high probability that there will be no less than four feet of clearance to trees previously trimmed. In an informal survey of Northern California utilities, specifications for tree trimming clearances to primary electric conductors range from six (6) to ten (10) feet. This variance is due to the length of each utility's tree trimming cycle, local conditions affecting tree growth, species of trees, etc. The District's current clearance requirement is six (6) feet. We may adjust this requirement as we gain experience over time with our specific conditions. The District developed a Tree Trimming Operating Procedure document (copy attached) which has guided our efforts to date. The District has engaged the services of tree trimming contractors every year on an as-needed basis to remove dead or diseased trees and perform tree trimming operations in specific areas where trees were growing into the primary conductors. Although this practice kept up with immediate needs, it did little to effectively manage vegetation with a view to long-term preventative maintenance. Beginning last year, the District has transitioned from an ad hoc to a more programmatic management of vegetation issues. Regular preventative maintenance will save the District, and our customers, money in the long term by reducing outages, increasing the safety of our facilities, and reducing the risk of fire danger due to tree contact. 3. NEW INFORMATION To help effectively manage vegetation issues now and in to the future, we have developed a formal technical specification, established a yearly budget for tree trimming and pole clearing operations, and are using the GIS mapping systems to track tree trimmings operations. The District's FY 2008 budget for tree trimming and pole clearing operations is $250,000. As we gain experience over time with vegetation management issues, these component parts of our program can be revised and updated as required. The Tree Trimming Operating Procedure has been greatly expanded and revised into the current Electric Line Clearance and Tree Trimming Specification, a copy of which has been attached for your information. This comprehensive document specifies all major aspects of tree trimming operations and procedures, a few of which are discussed in greater detail below. One important difference between a typical tree service company as may be engaged by a homeowner, and a utility tree service company is the requirement for electric line clearance certification. Tree trimmers as defined in our Specification are required by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) to be line-clearance certified in order to work near high voltage power lines. Each tree trimming company must have an ongoing line clearance safety program, as defined by OSHA. The program includes ongoing training, equipment maintenance and inspection programs to ensure tools are non-conductive for workers. Another important part of the District's vegetation management program is our interaction with customers. The trimming and removal of trees along District easements also affects the appearance of private property. It is very important that the District, within reason, communicates with property owners who may be affected by tree trimming activities. For example, the Specification requires the Contractor to notify property owners a minimum of 24 hours prior to any line clearance tree trimming on private property. The Contractor must discuss with the property owner the type of work to be performed, identifying any and all trees that need to be trimmed or removed, the disposal of logs and/or brush, and the proposed route of all vehicles and equipment traveling over the property owner's property. In addition, residents on whose property a tree or trees have been cut shall have first choice over any wood collected from such trees. 4. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for vegetation management is incorporated in the approved FY 2008 budget. 5. RECOMMENDATION Receive this report and provide comments. 9 Stephen Hollabaugh, Assistant General Michael D. Holley, General Manager Manager TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ELECTRIC LINE CLEARANCE AND TREE TRIMMING - 2008 1. Description of Work A. Work to be done consists of furnishing all labor, methods, materials, tools, permits, licensing, certification and equipment that are necessary to accomplish Line Clearance pruning on Truckee Donner Public Utility District's(the District's)electrical distribution system.This work is to be conducted in accordance with accepted industry practices, the scope of which includes but is not limited to the following: hazardous tree pruning, overhead electrical line clearance tree pruning, tree removal, pole clearing and associated work to include brush and log removal. B. Tree work shall meet the requirements contained in the following standards: California Public Resources Code Sections 4292 and 4293 California Administrative Code, Title 8, Articles 37 and 38 California General Order No. 95, Rule 35 Tree Trimming ANSI Z133.1 - Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining, And Removing Trees, And Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements ANSI A300 - Tree Care Operations, Standard Practices ISA Standard Practices District Standards and other standards as referenced in this Specification. 2. License and Certification A. At the time Bids are submitted and throughout the Contract period, the Contractor shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the California Contractors State License Board. The following licenses are required to perform the Work: Classification C-61 — Limited Specialty Category D-49 —Tree Service Contractor B. The Contractor or their Field Supervisor/Representative shall be a Certified Arborist with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). 3. Workmanship A. The Contractor shall keep fully informed of all State and Federal codes, regulations, laws and all municipal codes enforced by the Town of Truckee which relate to the work herein. Specifications 1 B. The Contractor shall perform the work described herein as an integral part-of a continuing high quality District service to which its customers are accustomed. C. The Contractor shall only employ competent crafts persons/skilled workers to perform the work. If any person employed by the Contractor fails or refuses to carry out directives of the District, appears incompetent, or acts in a disorderly or improper manner, they shall be immediately removed at the request of the District. D. All public contact shall be courteous and informational only. When the Contractor is approached by a property owner or any other member of the public with questions concerning the Work, they shall be addressed with courtesy and professionalism. Discourtesy will not be tolerated. 4. Crew A. The crew needed to effectuate the work herein is to consist of a three(3)person crew made up of two (2) tree pruners and a crew leader. The crew leader may be one of the pruners and if so, a helper will be required to complete the crew. Changes to the crew size and make up may be required for specific work tasks but shall be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the District. B. No more than two (2) crews shall be working at any one time in the District. Exceptions may be allowed by the District for special circumstances such as storm damage or other emergencies. 5. Safety A. The Contractor shall be solely and completely responsible for initiating, maintaining, and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the Work.The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of, and provide all reasonable protection to prevent damage, injury or loss to employees and other persons including the general public, and property including District facilities and private property. The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders of any public authority having jurisdiction for the safety of persons or property or to protect them from damage, injury or loss. B. The Contractor shall use EXTREME CAUTION at all times to ensure safe distance and working space limits are maintained from electric facilities. C. All employees and equipment working within a ten (10) foot proximity of energized conductors in excess of 300 volts shall be qualified line clearance tree trimmers or qualified line clearance tree trimmer trainees using appropriate tools and equipment. Personnel employed and considered qualified for line clearance tree trimming by the Contractor shall meet and abide by all applicable OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, ANSI Specifications 2 Standard Z133.1, and California Code of Regulation Title 8 Article 38 standards and requirements. D. Proof of such qualification shall be in the form of individual identification cards reflecting current status as line clearance tree pruners for each qualified employee and documentation of the Contractors training program that shall include, but not limited to, the following items: First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Aerial Device Rescue Utility Hardware Identification Training meeting all applicable standards and requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, ANSI Standard Z133.1, and California Code of Regulation Title 8 Article 38. E. All qualified employees utilized by the contractor for line clearance tree pruning must also provide proof of having performed such duties a minimum of eighteen (18) months under the supervision of a qualified line clearance tree pruner. F. The Contractor shall require all personnel to use the appropriate Protectice Equipment as may be required by federal, state, and local laws. Such Protective Equipment shall include, but is not limited to, the following: Hard Hats — complying with ANSI Standard Z89.1 Safety Glasses - complying with ANSI Standard Z87.1 Hearing Protection - complying with OSHA-Hearing Conservation Standard 1910.95 and ANSI Standard S12.6 Boots, gloves and other protective clothing as necessary 6. Notification for Emergency Service Provider A. The Contractor must furnish the name and phone number of a representative that can be contacted in the event of an emergency. 7. Emergency Work Availability A. The District and the Contractor, on a verbal authorization basis, shall coordinate any and all emergency work. The Contractor must be able to respond to emergency call- out requests within one(1)hour of contact by the District during normal working hours and within two (2) hours outside of normal working hours. Specifications 3 8. Hours of Work A. Unless otherwise specified herein, all tree trimming activity, except for emergency situations, shall be confined to the hours of 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.Work in excess of eight(8)hours per day,or forty(40)hours per week shall be at overtime rates and shall not be performed except upon written authorization by the District. B. Saturday, Sunday, holidays and overtime shall not be regarded as working days. Work shall not be allowed on non-working days without the expressed approval of the District. The Contractor shall make a request for approval in writing with the stipulation (implied or expressed) that the Contractor shall pay the District for all overtime labor charges at the rate of$110 per hour per inspector. All overtime labor charges for the District's inspector shall be deducted from the payments to the Contractor for Work performed. The following days are recoginzed holidays for District employees: New Years Day Veterans Day Presidents Day Thanksgiving Day Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving Independence Day Christmas Eve Labor Day Christmas Day 9. Communications A. The Contractor shall provide its crews with acceptable communications devices for its own safe operations but must also include person-to-person communications devices, such as cellular telephones, capable of contacting the District for the purpose of reporting concerns or emergencies. Contractor crew leaders and the Contractor's field supervisor must also have such means of communications for contact purposes. B. The District may supply radios to the Contractor for direct contact with the District during emergencies. 10. Tools A. Equipment is to consist of, but is not limited to, a combination aerial lift dump truck with insulated boom, chipper, and related devices. Each line clearance tree pruning crew shall have, in addition to an aerial lift dump truck and chipper, all the necessary chain saws, manual and/or hydraulic pruning devices, small tools, climbing lines, rigging, ropes, etc. in order to efficiently and safely perform routine pruning and removal of trees associated with line clearance tree pruning.The District will not loan or provide the Contractor with tools. Specifications 4 B. Trucks and trailers shall be clearly marked with the Contractor's name and/or logo. C. Mufflers and/or baffles shall be required on all equipment to control and minimize noise. The Contractor must comply with all applicable Town of Truckee noise regulations. 11. Notification of Property Owners A. Property owners shall be notified a minimum of twenty four (24) hours by the Contractor prior to any scheduled line clearance tree pruning on private property. Contractor shall discuss with the property owner the type of Work to be performed, identifying any and all trees that need to be trimmed or removed, the disposal of logs and/or brush, and the proposed route of all vehicles and equipment traveling over the property owner's property. Trespassing on private property is prohibited. B. The Contractor shall provide paper "door hangers" for use in officially notifing customers of impending work. Hangers shall contain information such as Company name, Address, Contact Name, Phone Number, etc. Contractor shall be responsible for proper distribution of said "door hangers". C. If the Contractor cannot obtain private property owner permission to perform the necessary work, the District will assist in notifying the property owner. If a property owner or resident objects to line clearance tree pruning for any necessary tree work, the Contractor may be required to delay that work until the objection is resolved. If the objection to work occurs while the work is in progress, the Contractor shall stop work immediately and notify the District. Work shall not resume at the location of an objection until authorized by the District. The District shall not be liable for any expense to the Contractor arising from Work delayed by a property owner's objections to tree trimming or refusal to give permission. D. Contractor shall certify that complaints of any nature received from property owners or public authorities resulting from this Work shall receive immediate attention and that all efforts shall be made to effect a prompt adjustment. If any damage is done to the property of others by Contractor's workforce, Contractor shall repair and restore at its sole expense any such property and correct any damage inflicted thereto, all to the complete satisfaction of the owner(s) of the injured property. All complaints, and any action taken by Contractor in connection with such complaints, shall be reported to the District. 12. Control of Arboreal Material and Clean Up A. All tree pruning and debris resulting from the Work, including wood larger than five(5) inches in diameter, shall be promptly removed from the Work site and properly and Specifications 5 legally disposed of at the expense of the Contractor. All disposal costs shall be included in the Contractor's bid. B. The Contractor shall dispose of all small (less than 5 inches) vegetation by chipping and removal from the Work site. Wood larger than 5 inches in diameter shall be cut into lengths for safe lifting purposes and removed from the Work site. Residents on whose property a tree or trees have been cut shall have first choice over any wood collected from such trees. The Contractor shall make chipping material and wood larger than five (5) inches in diameter available to District customers. C. The Contractor's work shall be performed in an environmentally responsible manner with regards to any and all material generated by the work. Upon completion of work, the area shall be cleaned to a condition at least equal to that which existed prior to the commencement of the work. Undergrowth and adjacent shrubbery or trees sustaining damage or injury due to the work shall receive corrective action. Final cleanup of the work area shall be satisfactory to the District and the affected property owners. Special care shall be taken to ensure that pruned material not remain aloft, either hanging on branches or District facilities. 13. Reporting Requirements A. The Contractor shall be required to furnish the District with a written record of work locations, completed work and time spent at each location. Documentation shall consist of the following: A Crew Log (Contractor produced document)given to the District at the beginning of the workweek that states, at a minimum, the date(s) the Contractor's crew will be working on the Project, prospective pruning locations for that workweek and contact names/phone numbers for the crew performing the work. A completed District Line Clearance Field Tag, a copy of which is included as Exhibit A. This District Field Tag shall be filled out no later than the completion of each location, or at the end of the workday, whichever comes first. All field tags shall be turned in no later than Wednesday of the following workweek. The District Field Tag may be substituted with a copy of the Contractor's own daily/weekly report/field log/tag only if said document reflects the minimum required fields set forth by the District's Field Tag. The District will determine the acceptance of any field tag other than the District's Field Tag for records keeping. Specifications 6 14. Priority of Line Clearance Pruning A. The Contractor shall give first priority to trees in contact or in close proximity to primary (12,470 Volt) overhead lines when scheduling work throughout the contract period.The District will provide a list of locations where trees are in contact or in close proximity to overhead lines whenever the District is aware of such conditions. All line clearance tree pruning locations must be processed in the order they are scheduled and any deviations must be communicated to the District. B. The Contractor shall not begin a work week without first contacting the District, furnishing a Crew Log and taking special assignments/locations from the District if available. 15. Pruning Methods and Types of Pruning A. Natural pruning techniques recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI Standards A300 shall be utilized. Care shall be taken to avoid practices that can cause severe damage or injury to the tree while achieving the required clearance objectives. Wherever possible, natural pruning cuts shall be made to direct future growth and sprouting away from the conductors. B. Pruning: All trees are to be pruned so as to maintain the minimum clearance requirements from electric conductors as set forth in Section 20 of these Technical Specifications, Table of Minimum Required Clearances. Dead branches overhanging primary and/or secondary conductors shall be removed. Portions of dead or decaying trees or portions of trees weakened by decay or disease that may contact conductors from the side or by falling must be pruned to eliminate the hazard. Extreme care should be taken while working around energized conductors. The Contractor shall analyze and bring to the attention of the District any dangerous conditions or potential safety hazards. C. Crown Reduction:Trees directly under conductors shall be pruned and shaped.The tree crown shall be reduced and rounded into a symmetrical appearance. Conifers shall be pruned in a natural manner that allows them to retain as much of their natural shape as possible. D. Side Prunes and Slope Backs: Where line clearance tree pruning adversely alters the shape of a tree, additional pruning shall be done to give such trees a satisfactory shape and appearance. Whenever possible, slope back a high side prune to prevent the wall effect that is an unsightly style of pruning and which increases the chances of limb failure. Specifications 7 16. Tree Pruning A. Tree pruning (trimming) includes Work performed on any plant with a central trunk having a diameter at breast height (DBH) four (4) inches or larger. Multiple stems originating from the same crown shall be considered one tree. B. The Contractor shall identify and recommend trees that may be removed, in lieu of pruning, so as to minimize future tree trimming operations. 17. Tree Removal A. Tree removal includes the falling of the entire tree having a DBH of at least five (5) inches and the removal and disposal of limbs and branches. When multiple stems originate from the same root crown, each (5) inch DBH or larger stem shall be considered as one tree.The maximum remaining height of tree stumps shall be six(6) inches. B. Trees removals shall be scaled and priced by size category according to the Bid Schedule. C. The Contractor shall identify and recommend trees that should or must be removed due to disease, proximity to conductors, the hazard of falling into electric facilities, etc. D. Trees shall not be removed unless specifically authorized by the District. 18. Pole Clearing A. Pole clearing consists of all plant material being removed for a distance of not less than 10 feet in each direction from the outer circumference of an electric distribution pole for firebreak purposes in accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 4292. B. Pole clearing work shall not be performed unless specifically authorized by the District. The District will specify as needed which poles, if any, require pole clearing operations. 19. Types of Work A. Work under this Contract shall consist of three(3)general types and shall be identified as such for reporting, invoicing and billing purposes: Specifications 8 1. Routine Maintenance Work - Routine maintenance work includes trees to be trimmed, or removed up to 24-inch DBH and pole clearing operations. Such work shall be billed by Contractor on a per unit price as defined in the Bid Schedule. The Contractor is expected to provide enough resources to keep pace with any Routine Maintenance Work identified by the District. Under rare and extenuating circumstances the District may direct the Contractor to perform the Work on an overtime basis at overtime unit prices as defined in the Bid Schedule. Such overtime work at unit prices shall only consist of normal tree trimming, removals and pole clearing operations as listed in this description. 2. Non-Routine Maintenance Work - Non-routine maintenance work consists of work other than routine performed by the Contractor, including tree removals with a diameter larger than 24 inches DBH and other work as may be directed by the District. Contractor will be paid for Non-routine Maintenance Work at Time and Material (T&M) prices as defined in the Bid Schedule. Any time spent by the Contractor to perform Routine Maintenance Work on a per unit basis, shall not be cause for billing Non-Routine Work at overtime prices. Time to perform this Work may be estimated by the Contractor, for approval by the District, and will serve as a guide for billing purposes. 3. Emergency Work - Emergency work shall consist of additional requested work that the Contractor's employees are trained and qualified to perform and which may be required on an unscheduled basis at any time including emergency storm related work. Emergency work will be paid at T& M prices as defined in the Bid Schedule. Contractor shall be required to ensure that all labor and equipment necessary to perform emergency work is available to the District within one (1) hour of contact during normal working hours and two (2) hours outside of normal working hours. Contractor shall be required to ensure crews have suitable lighting to perform work and protective clothing for work in inclement weather, including rain and snow gear. 20. Table of Required Minimum Clearances A. The following table reflects the minimum clearances required between trees and conductors: Specifications 9 Distance from Tree to Conductor, feet (1.) Trimmed Minimum Type of Conductor Voltage Clearance (2.) Clearance (3.) Supply Service 0 to 750 0 (Note 4.) 0 (Note 4.) Drops Secondary Supply 0 to 750 4 2 Conductors Primary Supply 750 to 6 (Note 5.) 4 (Note 5.) Conductors 22,500 Notes: 1. While obtaining the trimmed or minimum clearances, consideration shall be given to conductor sag due to changes in temperature. The Contractor shall assume a minimum of one (1) foot additional sag for Primary Supply Circuits. This additional clearance factor shall be added to the applicable clearance values as shown in the Table. 2. The amount of removal and number of pruning cuts shall be determined on a tree-by-tree basis and calculated considering the species, unique characteristics and growth patterns of each particular tree. The end result achieved shall ideally be that of maintaining the Minimum Clearances described in the Table throughout a tree's growth cycle until the next scheduled pruning. The Trimmed Clearances may be increased to meet this requirement. 3. Where conditions exist that prohibit the Contractor from obtaining the Trimmed Clearances (i.e., to comply with state and local ordinances, etc.), clearances may be reduced to the Minimum Clearances. 4. Provide minimum pruning of 1 to 2 feet where supply service conductors show strain or evidence of abrasion from tree contact. 5. By District approval, General Order No. 95, Rule 35, Exception No.4 may be applied on a case by case basis. B. At no time shall any pruned clearances be inferior to those mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and General Order No. 95 relating to minimum clearances for overhead supply lines. The Contractor shall notify the District where General Order No. 95, Table 1 minimum clearances are not obtained. Specifications 10 21. De-Energizing Conductors A. Whenever it is determined that an electrical hazard exists in a tree that has to be climbed for line clearance tree pruning, removal or the performance of any work described herein and such hazard cannot be cleared from the ground by using non- conductive pruning or sawing instruments,the Contractor or Contractor's crew leader must make a formal request to the District to have the section of line in question de- energized and properly grounded for the length of time necessary to clear the hazard. B. If the electrical hazard is an emergency with the potential for personal injury, property damage or conductor/facility damage, the line in question will be de-energized as soon as possible after notification has been made to the District. If this is not the case, the District requires at least forty-eight(48)hours of notification for any planned outage. C. On a daily basis, the District will place the appropriate distribution feeder circuit(s)on "non-reclose" mode for tree trimming operations if deemed necessary by the District. 22. Contractor Operations A. The Contractor shall be expected to conduct their operations in a manner which creates minimum damage to the natural vegetation and landscape not directly involved in the scope of work. Ingress and egress must be via the existing roads, driveways, etc. B. Care must be exercised to avoid hazards that may cause injury to persons, animals or property either during working hours of after work hours,which will include, but are not limited to, dust control, site clean up, material control and temporary fencing as required. 23. Maintaining Traffic and Pedestrian Operations A. The Contractor must so conduct their operations so as to cause the least possible obstruction and inconvenience to public traffic. All traffic control and related devices shall conform to requirements set forth in the Town of Truckee requirements.All traffic must be permitted to pass through the Work unless otherwise approved by the District. B. Full compensation for conforming to the requirements of this section will be deemed included in the prices paid or the various Contract items of Work and no additional allowances will be made therefore. C. Due to the need to accommodate and minimize inconvenience to the public, unless expressly specified or approved in writing by the District, no road closures shall be permitted. Public vehicular and pedestrian traffic must be allowed to travel through the Work area with an absolute minimum of interruption or impedance unless Specifications 11 otherwise approved in writing by the District. The Contractor must make provisions for the safe passage of pedestrians around the area of Work at all times. D. Residents affected by tree trimming operations must be provided passage and access through the Work area to the maximum extent possible. E. Gutters and drainage channels must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times. All equipment shall be utilized in a manner that protects Town of Truckee streets, sidewalks, or other facilities from damage. F. Where approved in advance by the District, the Contractor must construct and maintain detours for the use of public traffic at their own expense. Failure or refusal of the Contractor to construct and maintain detours so approved at the proper time shall be a material breach of the Contract subject to any and all remedies available pursuant to the Agreement and at law and equity. Such remedies include, but are not limited to, termination pursuant to Article 10 of the Agreement. G. The Contractor shall be responsible for keeping all emergency services, including the Town of Truckee police and fire departments informed of obstructions to, or detours around any public or private roads caused by reasons of their operations. 24. Public Safety A. The Contractor must at all times conduct the Work in accordance with Construction Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety, State of California, to ensure the least possible obstruction to traffic and inconvenience to the general public, and adequate protection of persons and property in the vicinity of the work. B. No pedestrian or vehicle access way may be closed to the public without first obtaining permission of the District. C. Should the Contractor fail to provide public safety as specified or if, in the opinion of the District, the warning devices furnished by the Contractor are not adequate, the District may place any warning lights or barricades or take any necessary action to protect or warn the public of any dangerous condition connected with the Contractor's operations and the Contractor shall be liable to the District for, and the District may deduct from amounts due or that may become due the Contractor under the Contract, all costs incurred including, but not limited to, administrative costs. Specifications 12 25. Inspection A. The District's Inspector will inspect each area of the Work. In the event the inspection finds unsatisfactory work, the Contractor shall immediately correct the defective Work as directed by the District. Such corrective actions shall be at no additional cost to the District. B. The District shall decide any and all questions that may arise as to the quality or acceptability of the work performed and progress of the Work. 26. Contact Information A. Technical and Specification Information: Steve Trevino, Electric Superintendent (530) 582-3932 Joe Horvath, Electric System Engineer (530) 582-3969 Sanna Schlosser, Electric Engineer (530) 582-3945 B. District Inspector: Pat McQuary, Inspector (530) 448-3107 cell, 582-3914 office C. Fire Protection Information: Doug Rinella, CDF Battalion Chief (530) 582-5730 27. Invoice and Payment A. The Contractor shall submit a monthly Invoice for payment in a form acceptable to the District for all Work performed. B. Payment for all work and work requirements denoted in these Specifications shall be considered as included in the Contract Price and no additional allowances shall be made therefore. - End of Specifications - Specifications 13 Exhibit A LINE CLEARANCE FIELD TAG (Sample) This field tag is to be used should the Contractor's own form or tag not have the minimum information required below. Completed By: Date: Circuit/Feeder No. Address: Comments/Notes: Description Units Regular Overtime Notes Routine Maintenance Work Tree Trim EA Tree Removal EA 5"— 12" DBH Tree Removal EA 12.1"—24" DBH Pole Clearing EA Time and Material Foreman/Supervisor HRS Trimmer HRS Apprentice Trimmer HRS Groundsman/Helper HRS Bucket/Lift Truck HRS Dump Truck HRS Chipper HRS Pickup LHS Specifications 14 Tree Trimming Operating Procedure Goal statement: The District constructs and maintains its overhead electric distribution system on easements throughout the Truckee community. It is important for the District to perform certain vegetation maintenance tasks in those easements to maintain access to poles, to help prevent outages and to reduce the risk of fires. It is also important for the District to recognize that the presence of trees and other vegetation enhance the overall atmosphere of the community, so control of vegetation should balance the need for safety with the need to preserve the mountain atmosphere. Trimming or removal of trees falls into three distinct categories: (1)trimming, (2) topping and (3) removal of the tree. Trespassing on private property prohibited: The District's activities related to easement maintenance shall be limited to the easement. Trespassing on private property is prohibited. Customer communication: The trimming, topping of removal of trees affects the appearance of private property. It is important that the District, within reason, communicate with property owners whose property can be affected by such activities. Trimming: Trimming is defined as the removal of branches from a tree to keep a safe distance between the tree and the electric distribution system and falls into two categories. (1) Hot trimming is removal of branches that are close to or touching primary wires. This is critical trimming because such branches pose a serious fire risk. (2) Routine clearance trimming is removal of branches to allow crews safe access to poles. Hot trimming will be performed without the need to contact the property owner. When it is determined that a tree needs routine clearance trimming the crew assigned that task will make an effort to contact the property owner and communicate the need for the trimming. If the property owner is opposed to trimming the tree the crew shall refer the matter to the electric superintendent who shall make the final determination regarding the need for and extent of trimming. The property owner will be notified of the superintendent's decision. If the property owner cannot be contacted by the crew the superintendent shall be notified and he will attempt to reach to property owner. If he is unable to reach the property owner he shall make a determination as to the need for and extent of trimming. Trimming will be performed as carefully as possible such that the remaining tree retains an aesthetic shape, within reason and the necessity to protect the District's electric system and prevent fires. Topping and removal of trees: Topping is defined as removal of the top portion of a tree such that it will not grow any higher. Removal is defined as complete removal of a tree such that only a tree stump is left. When it is determined that a tree needs to be topped or removed the crew assigned that task will notify the superintendent who will make an effort to contact the property owner and communicate the need for the topping or removal. If the property owner is opposed to the topping or removal superintendent shall refer the matter to the electric system manager who shall make the final determination regarding the need for topping or trimming. The property owner will be notified of the electric system manager's decision. If the superintendent is unable to reach the property owner the electric system manager shall make a determination as to the need for the topping or removal. In cases where an emergency exists, such as during a storm, or where the tree poses an immediate and serious hazard in the judgment of the superintendent, notification of the property owner is not necessary.