230-kV Transmission Line Steel Pole Recoating Project near Florin Perkins Road and Elder Creek Road

SMUD proposes surface preparation and coating of seven 125-foot-tall 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line steel poles. The poles were installed in 1980’s timeframe and require new coatings to help maintain the poles. The goal of the proposed project is to extend the life of the steel transmission poles by recoating the poles to mitigate rust and corrosion. Activities will include constructing scaffolding around the transmission poles numbered 983, 984 and 985, masking, protecting, washing, spot preparation, painting with primer, an intermediate coat, and finishing coat. These 3 poles will require existing coating to be removed from the base and up to 50 feet with sand blasting. From 50 feet up to the top pf the poles, we will utilize an overcoat method, new paint over the existing. The existing coating contains heavy metals. A full containment system will be constructed to capture the coating and blasting material. The old coating will be captured and disposed of in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The effects of coating transmission poles on the environment have been evaluated and the project will comply with environmental and safety regulations to prevent exposure to human health and the environment. Pole numbers 982, 986, 987 and 988 will be treated using an overcoat method, new paint over old. Painters will use a high lift aerial platform to gain access to all parts of the poles. Spot corrosion mitigation will occur at these poles using a bristle brush with vacuum attachment to capture debris that is removed. The overcoat method paint will be applied with brushes and rollers; no spray shall be utilized in areas that are not fully contained. This project will require minor grading adjacent to pole 988 to level the ground and allow a high lift aerial platform to operate safely on flat ground. No environmental impacts are expected to occur from the proposed project. The project is in an area zoned by the City of Sacramento as heavy industrial, (City of Sacramento Planning and Development Code September 2014). The 230-kV lines will be de-energized for the recoating work, however, there will be no disruption to customer’s power. Maintenance will occur between the hours of 6 am through 6 pm, seven days a week. The project will occur on or around October 20, 2025, through November 8, 2025. Proper protective measures will be used to ensure exposure to metals (no lead detected) and dust does not occur. Protective measures include appropriate respiratory protection (minimum P-100 air purifying half mask), covering for work clothes (e.g. Tyvek), gloves, and proper training. The painting contractors will comply with all environmental regulatory requirements by capturing removed coatings generated and employing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control releases of coating particulates into the surrounding environment. These measures consist of full containment systems with scaffolding and wrappings and installing a plastic tarp at the base of each tower to collect coatings particulates and debris. The coating particulates and debris will be collected and consolidated in DOT specified containers and marked and labeled prior to removal for offsite disposal. Additional sheeting will be used where there is the possibility of material entering storm drains or being transmitted onto adjacent properties.