The plans and specifications for the conversion of overhead to underground electric lines will incorporate guidelines set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when installing electric service to buildings (FEMA 348). In addition, at a minimum our plans and specs will include the following FEMA mitigation measures:
- Providing looped underground distribution services.
- Elevating pad-mounted transformers and switches above base flood elevation (BFE).
- Installing cables with EPR insulation per ICEA S-94-649. This manufacturing standard for EPR insulated cable covers cables suitable for indoor, outdoor above and below grade, direct buried and in ducts, wet and dry, and for submarine applications. The standard underground cables manufactured for Alameda Municipal Power per ICEA S-94-649 are designed to function in wet (i.e., submerged) applications and will be used on this UUD project. In addition, standard underground cables used at Alameda Municipal Power pass the production water penetration tests per ICEA-T-31-610 at 15 psi for 60 minutes.
In addition, the next phase of the update to the city's climate action plan will consider adaptation, including sea-level rise.