Board OKs easement notice to SFPUC as pipeline replacement plan advances

The board approved a notice of intention to convey easements to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to allow construction and maintenance access for a vulnerable section of the town's water pipeline that traverses school property.

Dina Brazil, SFPUC right‑of‑way manager, introduced the agency's team and explained the design changes necessary to avoid a heritage tree on the school field. An SFPUC technical representative said the pipeline section in the creek has lost cover and is "in particularly very vulnerable" condition; earlier in the discussion an SFPUC speaker characterized the portion as "the last section that needs to be replaced." SFPUC described the need to sequence bridge and creek work, build diversion/cofferdams and provide temporary water arrangements to avoid interruptions.

Board members asked about PUC approval timing and whether construction could be completed in the summer window; SFPUC responded that a formal board approval process could extend into July or September but proposed an interim permit and a good‑faith payment approach to permit early mobilization. The board approved the action to continue working with SFPUC, and staff noted a public hearing on the project will be scheduled at the May meeting.

Why this matters: the easement and sequencing decisions enable replacement of a publicly owned pipeline that supplies the town and firefighting systems; timely work reduces the risk of emergency repairs with higher costs and greater disruption.