FWCP Chap 10 Private Utilities_201302271054355625CHAPTER TEN - PRIVATE UTILITIES
10.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter satisfies a Growth Management Act (GMA) requirement that cities prepare a
Private Utilities chapter. This chapter describes the location of existing utilities and the
proposed location of new utilities, as well as the capacity of existing and proposed
utilities. The GMA requires the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) to have
internal consistency. This means that the Private Utilities chapter must be fully
coordinated with other chapters of the FWCP. This is particularly important for Federal
Way's City Center and in the I-5/99 corridor where new development and other land use
change is anticipated in the near future.
In accordance with WAC 365-195-320(2)(c), this Private Utilities chapter includes plans
for natural gas, electricity, telecommunications, and cable television service for the City
and its planning area (Map X-I — Council Approved PAA Boundary, maps are located at
the end of the chapter and were revised in 2007 as part of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan
Amendments). Each utility plan will describe and analyze existing and proposed utility
systems within Federal Way and improvements necessary to meet growing consumer
demand. In most cases, maps are provided to illustrate the existing system and proposed
improvements. Plans for water supply and sewer are found in the Capital Facilities
chapter of the FWCP.
The City sees the GMA requirement to prepare a Private Utilities chapter as an
opportunity to identify ways of improving the quality of services provided within the
City. The City will use this Private Utilities chapter to identify goals and develop policies
to ensure that provision of utilities is properly coordinated with land use.
The City acknowledges that it would not have been possible to prepare this chapter
without the assistance of local utility providers.
10.1 ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL CONTEXT
Privately owned electrical, natural gas, and line telephone utilities are regulated by the
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). Cellular telephone
communication companies are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC). Cable television companies are regulated by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Private utilities
must have a franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-of-way or on private
property. Franchise agreements give each utility the non-exclusive right to provide its
category of service within the City.
FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
10.2 COUNTYWIDE LAND USE POLICIES FOR UTILITIES
The King County Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC) drafted the following
Countywide Planning Policy (CWPP) that is relevant to private utilities:
C06 Aggressive conservation efforts shall be implemented to address the need
for adequate supply for electrical energy and water resources, protect
natural resources, and achieve improved air quality. Efforts shall include,
but not be limited to, public education, water reuse and reclamation,
landscaping which uses native and drought -resistant plants and other
strategies to reduce water consumption, small lot size, low -flow
showerheads, conservation credits, and energy efficiency incentives in
new and existing buildings.
This Private Utilities chapter is consistent with the aforementioned CWPP.
10.3 PUGET SOUND ENERGY
Description of Utility
Puget Sound Energy Company, Inc. (PSE) is an investor owned private utility
headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. It provides electric and natural gas service to
approximately 1,042,213 metered customers within the company's 6,000 square mile
service territory. This service territory encompasses eleven counties in western and
central Washington. PSE is regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission (WUTC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 was designed to increase competition among energy
sources by encouraging the development of new natural gas resources and the
development of nationwide transmission pipelines.
PSE builds, operates, and maintains an extensive electric and gas distribution system
consisting of generating plants, electric transmission lines, gas supply mains, distribution
systems, substations, and pressure regulating stations. It is a hydroelectric -based
company purchasing about 40 percent of its power from utilities that own five large
hydro facilities on the Columbia River.
Four PSE owned hydroelectric plants, on the Baker River, Snoqualmie, and Puyallup
rivers add to the hydro base on the west side of the Cascades. Other PSE owned or partly
owned sources include three coal-fired plants (in Colstrip, Montana), and six gas and oil-
fired plants.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
General Location
PSE supplies electric and natural gas service within the entire limits of the City of
Federal Way. The quality of service within Federal Way is dependent on the local
delivery system operated by PSE, the bulk transmission system operated by Bonneville
Power Administration (BPA), and power generation by a number of agencies, including
PSE. Natural gas is supplied to the entire region through pipelines owned and operated by
Williams Gas Pipeline — West, Salt Lake City, Utah. The "gate station" off the pipeline
that provides most of the natural gas supply to Federal Way is located in Derringer (near
Auburn).
Type of Service: Electric
Transmission Lines (II RV). Schematically, Figure X-I describes how electricity is
transmitted from the generation source to customers. Map X-2 describes that portion of
PSE's transmission system that covers Federal Way. It is a grid that provides a link
between BPA's Bulk Transmission System and the local distribution system that connects
with customers. The "Bulk Transmission System" is operated by the BPA, which operates
a region wide, interconnecting, transmission system that supplies electric power to utilities
from federal hydroelectric projects east and west of the Cascades. The primary service
BPA provides to PSE is wheeling energy around the region. All the transmission lines
supplying Federal Way are energized at 115kV (Kilovolt). These lines supply power into
the Federal Way distribution system and provide connections to Tacoma City Light, King,
and Pierce Counties. Power is transferred from the transmission system to Federal Way's
local distribution system at six distribution substations. Power also comes into the City
from substations located in Pierce County and unincorporated King County.
Transmission Switching Stations. The only switching station in Federal Way is the Starwood
Station. Switching stations are used to control and monitor power flow on 115kV lines in
order to increase system reliability.
Distribution Substations. Distribution substations transform voltages of 115kV or greater to lower
voltages of 12 or 34kV. The following stations are located in Federal Way: Lakota, Kitts
Corner, Belmore I, Belmore II, Marine View, Starwood 1, Starwood 2, West Campus, and
Weyerhaeuser.
Future Facility Construction
Map X-2 shows proposed transmission lines and substations necessary to increase service
reliability and/or capacity in the Federal Way area to meet this projected load growth.
The additional substations needed include:
• Enchanted • Killarney • Federal Way • Dolloff
• Steel • Twin Lakes • Five Mile Lake
In addition, Marine View will be expanded to a switching station.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Figure X-1
Electricity Supply From Source to Customer
115kV transmission lines are proposed in two separate locations:
One additional line extending from Marine View Substation located at
approximately South 295th and Pacific Highway South, east generally along
304th Street to 515Y Avenue South.
• One additional line along Military Road from South 320t1i Street south to the
Pierce County line.
Additional transmission line and transformer capacity may be necessary on the
PSE/Tacoma City Light (TCL) intertie at Starwood. Proposed cogeneration facilities in
TCL's tideflats area may require expansion of the existing system. The timing of any
improvement would depend on the design and capacity of the cogeneration facility.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
PSE also has an active asset management plan. The plan includes replacing poles as they
age, and as necessary to maintain or to increase line clearances.
Type of Service: Natural Gas
PSE provides natural gas to the City and surrounding communities through a network of
interconnecting supply and distribution mains (Map X-3). The components and hierarchy
of natural gas supply are illustrated in Figure X-2. The average house (using natural gas
for both heat and hot water) consumes about 1,000 therms per year. Ten therms equals
approximately one "mcf' (one thousand cubic feet) of gas per year.
It is estimated that PSE currently serves 17,971 customers within the city limits of the
City of Federal Way.
Supply mains (measuring 16", 12", 8", 6", and 4" in diameter) transport gas from the gate
stations to district regulators. This pipe material is typically wrapped steel (STW).
Figure X-2
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
District Regulators (DR) reduce supply main pressures to typical distribution operating
pressures of 25 to 60 psig.
Distribution mains are fed from the district regulators. These typically are 8", 6", 4", 2",
and 11/4" diameter lines. The pipe material typically is polyethylene (PE) or wrapped steel
(STW).
Individual residential service lines are fed by distribution mains and are typically V in
diameter. Individual commercial and industrial service lines are typically 11/4", 2" or 4" in
diameter.
Future Facility Construction
Minimum pressure delivery in distribution systems is approximately 15 psig. If growth
would result in design pressures below 15 psig, there are several methods of increasing
the pressure in the line, including:
a. Looping the distribution and/or supply lines to provide an alternative route for
the gas to travel to an area needing additional supply. This method often involves
construction of supply mains, district regulators, and distribution mains.
b. Installing mains parallel to existing mains to supplement supply of natural gas to
a particular service area.
c. Replacing/upsizing existing pipelines to increase volume.
There are three types of construction:
1. New or replacement of existing facilities to increase capacity requirements due to
new building construction and conversion from alternate fuel.
2. Main replacement to facilitate improved maintenance of facility.
3. Replacement or relocation of facilities due to municipal and state projects.
PSE makes an effort to coordinate construction work with municipal projects in order to
minimize cost and impacts to surrounding community. Due to franchise agreements, PSE
is required to relocate existing facilities when required due to the municipal project.
The following major projects (Map X-4) are anticipated between now and the year 2017
to serve customers in the City of Federal Way:
Planned for 2008:
• No distribution system improvements known or planned at this time.
Tentative Future Projects:
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
• Continuing to work on the Pacific Highway South project from 18th Avenue
South, south to South 304th Street replacing an existing 4" STW IP with a 6" PE
IP; estimated construction is 2008.
• Long range plan is to install a 16" STW High Pressure Supply Main in the north
end of Federal Way at approximately South 272°d Street and Military Road
South; estimated completion in 2009.
Due to the growing popularity of natural gas in the Federal Way and surrounding areas,
PSE will continually evaluate the necessity of the above projects and alternatives. Changes
in the project route, construction schedule, and detail could occur as they are dependent on
budgets and WUTC approval.
10.4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN
The telecommunications section focuses on line telephone, wireless communication,
Internet service and cable TV. Telecommunications is not only important for voice
transmission but also provides the infrastructure for the transmission of images and
electronic data. In the City, telecommunications service providers include Qwest, which
operates both land -based and cellular telephone systems, several wireless providers, and
Comcast which provides cable TV and Internet service.
The telephone portions of the telecommunications industry are extremely competitive and
for this reason, the City had difficulty obtaining detailed information about operations
and plans. As a result, the section of the plan addressing telephone service: (i) reflects the
City's commitment to providing advanced telecommunications services; (ii) provides a
general description of how the existing system works; and (iii) describes the process for
improving delivery.
Telephone System
Existing Facilities and Operations —Qwest Corporation delivers telecommunication service to
the Federal Way planning area as regulated by WUTC.
A local exchange area is served by a Central Office (CO), which contains various kinds
of switching equipment. From a CO, there are typically four main cable routes extending
relatively north, south, east, and west. From each main cable route there are branch
distribution routes. These facilities may be aerial or buried, copper or fiber. Extending
from the branch distribution routes are local lines that can be used for voice or data
transmission by subscribers.
Proposed Improvements —Qwest is required by law to provide adequate telecommunications
services on demand in compliance with RCW80.36.090 and WUTC regulations.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Accordingly, Qwest will provide facilities, upon reasonable notice, to accommodate
whatever growth pattern occurs within the City. Due to advances in technology, additional
capacity is easily and quickly added to the system.
Wireless Networks
Existing Systems — The City of Federal Way is currently served with a number of wireless
service providers. Wireless communication is becoming increasingly important in the
telecommunications world. It is a combination of a portion of the radio frequency spectrum
with switching technology, making it possible to provide mobile or portable telephone
service to virtually any number of subscribers within a given area. Transmission quality is
comparable to that provided by conventional wireline telephones, and the same dialing
capabilities and features available to wireline users are available to cellular users. The
wireless/cellular communications sector of the economy is growing rapidly.
In 1997, the City adopted land use review procedures for siting facilities associated with
these services. These regulations were subsequently revised in 2000 and 2001. All of
these technologies use a line -of -sight radio signal transmitted and received by antennas.
Therefore, it is not possible to underground the antennas or structures on which the
antennas are mounted. The FCC regulates the cellular telephone industry by controlling
where carriers can operate and what frequencies can be utilized in their operation. This
ensures that their operation does not interfere with AM/FM radio and cable television
transmissions. If interference does occur, the cellular tower operator is required by the
FCC to eliminate any noise or interference that impacts local citizens. For example, if a
television set or radio experiences interference from the tower, the operator must either
correct the problem or disable the cellular site.
Wireless service transmits and receives low power high frequency radio signals. The
basic technology is as follows:
1. The service originates from a cellular phone, pager, computer, dispatch service,
or personal communications service.
2. The signal is transmitted to the nearest cellular communications facility, known
as a cell site, which processes numerous cellular phone calls and routes them to
the nearest hub cellular switching office.
3. At the cellular switching office, also known as a Mobile Telephone Switching
Office, the call is further processed and the call is routed to the party being
called. The call may be routed via traditional landline or via a cellular network
depending on the nature of the receiving device.
System Capacity — Capacity is a function of frequency of use, the number of sites in a
geographic area, and the number of customers. However, wireless service providers
consider site locations, the number of calls handled, number of customers, and cell site
capacity to be proprietary information.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Improvements to the Cellular System — Like the non -cellular telephone companies, wireless
companies expand services in response to growth. For this reason, companies closely
analyze market demand to determine expansions into new service areas. The cellular
network is expanded by dividing a larger cell into several smaller cells to increase the
number of available channels. Capacity may also be expanded through technological
advances in digital equipment.
Internet Service
Internet service is presently provided by telephone, cable, and satellite. Qwest provides
Internet service via telephone lines and Comcast provides Internet service via cable. The
Weyerhaeuser Company and Williams Communication have recently obtained franchises
from the City to construct fiber optic communication systems throughout the City. In
addition, as the City constructs or reconstructs streets, it is providing conduits to assist in
the installation of fiber optic communication systems.
Cable TV Plan
On November 18, 2002, Comcast and AT&T Broadband merged to form the new
Comcast Corporation. Comcast Corporation, which is headquartered in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, is the largest U.S. cable company serving more than 21 million customers
in 41 states, as of 2003.
Figure X-3 is a general description of the components of the cable TV (CATV) system
and shows supply from source to customer. One of the primary components of a cable
system is the headend siteCan electronic control center where the information signal is
processed for distribution through the cable system. The signal can be received either off
a hard line (cable), satellite dish, microwave antennas, and/or TV antenna.
Existing Conditions
Map X-5 shows -the Comcast service areas covering the City. Comcast's Tacoma, Pierce
County system, serves the majority of the City. A small area in the northern part of Federal
Way and parts of the area to the east of I-5 are served by the Comcast's Auburn system.
The headends, located north and south of the City, supply the signal by microwave feed.
The majority of the system has been designed and built at a capacity of 450 MHz and will
be upgraded consistent with the franchise agreement between Comcast and the City of
Federal Way.
Map designations depict the main trunk cable lines (coax and fiber) distributing signals
throughout Federal Way. Feeder cables (not depicted) branch from the main trunk cables
to distribute the signals to neighborhood areas. From there, individual connections are
made to the customer's service entry.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Figure X-3
Cable Source to Customer
System Analysis
In June 1998, Comcast was providing cable TV service to 29,787 customers citywide.
This service level represents 71 percent of potential customer connections in the City.
Existing cable television facilities are currently capable of servicing approximately 98
percent of the potential customer connections in Federal Way.
Comcast makes every attempt to provide service to all residents within its franchise areas.
Factors considered in extending service are overall technical integrity, economical
feasibility, and franchise requirements.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Proposed Improvements
Cable television installations are made to new subscribers (either to new dwelling units
or, to a much smaller degree, to residences who have not opted for cable before) at
published rates, provided they are less than 150 feet from a distribution or feeder line.
Connections requiring longer runs are charged on a time and material basis. Most public
work considerations, such as tree trimming, work in the right-of-way, restoration of
property, and so on, are covered in the City of Federal Way Master Cable Television
Ordinance and Franchise Agreement.
Comcast works closely with utility companies and the City to stay informed on proposed
developments so that cable can be a part of a development's plans. Each year, engineers
assigned to the Federal Way area assess the need for system expansion based on
telephone inquiries, permitting data from the City and County, and technological
advances in distribution equipment.
The total mileage of cable plant within the City is approximately 280 miles. The
company now offers digital service to Federal Way customers Comcast has also begun
replacing existing copper cable trunk lines with fiber optic, which can be configured to
carry video or data transmission signals.
10.5 GOALS AND POLICIES FOR CITY ACTION
The Private Utilities chapter provides an opportunity for the City to assist utility
companies in delivering efficient service to customers and to seek to reduce potential
negative impacts on the natural and built environments. This section builds upon system
descriptions to identify issues and sets forth policies to coordinate the provision of
utilities with City planning.
The GMA requires that the utilities element include the general location, proposed
location, and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities. This has resulted in cities and
counties becoming more actively involved in the way in which utilities are sited and
provided. In order to protect both citizens and utility customers, the City will work in
accordance with the following goals and policies:
Goals
PUG1 Work with private utility companies to allow them to provide full and timely
service that meets the needs of the City's residents and businesses, both present
and future.
PUG2 Work with private utility companies to allow them to provide service in a way
that balances cost-effectiveness with environmental protection, aesthetic
impact, public safety, and public health.
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PUG3 Process permits for private utility facilities in an efficient and timely manner, in
accordance with franchise agreements, development regulations, the FWCP, and
adopted codes.
PUG4 Ensure that development regulations are consistent with public service
obligations imposed upon private utilities by federal and state law.
Policy and Issue Statements
Issue Statement: Provision of Timely and Economic Services to the Citizens and Businesses
of Federal Way.
Partnership with private and public service providers is a continual theme of the FWCP.
The City plays a critical role in the provision of private utilities. The City approves
permits that allow utilities to build transmission towers, lay distribution lines, and
connect customers. If the City responds quickly and appropriately, it helps the utility
companies respond to customer needs quickly and efficiently. However, the City must
balance these considerations with its other responsibilities, including bringing them into
compliance with due process, ensuring consistency with the FWCP, addressing aesthetic
impacts, and protecting the natural environment. Therefore, the City must continue to
communicate with utilities and periodically review their needs as well as the policies in
the FWCP and its permit processing to ensure that the results are in the best interest of
Federal Way residents and businesses.
The City must also be mindful of the need to provide a choice of energy sources to
Federal Way's residents and businesses. Choice of energy source is important because it
creates competition in the marketplace that helps to keep costs down. Providing
alternative energy sources is also important because if one energy source fails, the other
may be available.
Policies
PUPI The City's right-of-way permitting process should not unnecessarily delay the
expansion or improvement of the utility network.
PUP2 The City will, if possible, coordinate with other jurisdictions on proposed utility
improvements that impact a multi jurisdictional area.
PUP3 The City should work to encourage, to the extent possible, the supply of all
utilities to existing and new homes, offices, industrial, and commercial buildings.
Issue Statement: Coordination Between Utilities, Capital Facilities, City, and Private
Developers.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
The costs of pipe, cable, or conduit installation can add significantly to the cost of
providing service. Installing utility lines, which follow existing right-of-ways and
easements, can also create disruptions to traffic and cause damage to pavement and
landscaping. These costs and disruptions can be reduced if utilities share the same trench
and perform work simultaneously.
Consequently, the City encourages utilities to continue exchanging information about
plans for expansion, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities. The City presently
provides information to all utilities about its public works projects, such as street
improvements, which may provide opportunities for installing new systems.
Policies
PUP4 The City encourages the joint use of trenches, conduits, or poles, so that utilities
may coordinate expansion, maintenance, and upgrading facilities with the least
amount of right-of-way disruption.
PUP5 The City encourages utilities to inform one another of plans to expand or
improve utility services.
PUP6 The City will endeavor to inform utilities of upcoming improvements or
expansions that may provide opportunities for joint use.
PUP7 The City will endeavor to notify utilities of proposed plans to make highway or
right-of-way improvements.
PUP8 The City hereby incorporates by reference PSE's GMA Electrical Facilities Plan
into this private utilities element as now existing or hereafter amended or adopted.
Issue Statement: Energy Conservation.
State and federal law requires energy conservation in building design. State and Federal
statues also require that power providers implement energy conservation policies. In
accordance with these mandates, PSE has an Energy Select Program that provides
information on qualified contractors for potential customers.
State law requires that the City's building code conforms to the Washington Energy Code
(WAC 51-11). However, the energy code sets out only minimum standards for energy
conservation. Therefore, cities have developed conservation conscious design codes that
go beyond the minimum requirements of the energy code.
Policies
PUP9 The City shall, at minimum, ensure that its buildings comply with state and
federal standards for energy conservation.
PUP10 The City will endeavor to work with utility companies to promote and educate
the public about strategies for conserving energy.
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Issue Statement: Importance of Telecommunications and the Information Superhighway.
Society is in the midst of a revolution in information and communication that is changing
the way that people interact with each other. For example, today, many of the transactions
and communications that make up the majority of our day are possible from a single
workstation. This revolution is being fueled by recent advances in computing and
telecommunication technology.
There are several technological innovations that have stimulated these changes in our
lifestyles, including: fiber optic cables, the "Integrated Services Digital Network" (ISDN)
and digital subscriber loop (high-speed communications over copper) technology. These
technologies combine to expand the capacity of the telecommunications network. This
expansion allows the provision of a diverse range of services on one system including,
telecommunications, cable TV, radio, business services, shopping, and professional
services. It will also be possible for institutions such as schools, universities, government,
and emergency services to broadcast on this single system.
Technology is also being developed to expand capabilities for transmitting information.
In the past, one could transmit voice by telephone, text/graphics by facsimile, and data by
modem. Now it is possible to transmit video images, and potentially to broadcast to a
mass audience using these new technologies.
These advances in technology are forcing telecommunication companies to reevaluate
their business strategies. Technological change has made it possible for all services to be
provided on one cable, and companies are jockeying for position to create that system.
These advances have great potential to alter the way we do business in Federal Way. For
economic development reasons, the City must ensure that the atmosphere for investment
encourages companies to bring these advanced services to Federal Way, and that the
community's growing needs are addressed.
It is critical for people and businesses to have access to the information superhighway if
they are to enjoy a fully active role in society and the economy. In this sense, the
information superhighway is analogous to the road network, where all citizens have a
"right-of-way." For this reason, government has an essential role in ensuring that the
right of citizens to both receive and transmit information is protected, and in ensuring that
municipalities maintain their ability to regulate information providers in the same manner
that they regulate users of the rights -of -way.
Policies
PUP11 The City will encourage and work with telecommunication and cable companies
to develop fiber optic cable networks and to increase interconnectivity between
different networks.
PUP12 The City will endeavor to work with utility companies and other public
institutions, such as the School District, to develop a full range of community
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
information services, available to citizens and businesses through the
telecommunication network.
Issue Statement: Health Impact of Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF) and Microwaves.
There is much public and scientific interest about low level Electric and Magnetic Fields
(EMF) emitted by the use of electricity and its impacts on human health. The National
Institutes for Health and the World Health Organization have done extensive research on
the topic, and have been unable to find a conclusive link between EMF exposure and
adverse impacts on human health. Because EMF exposure is not recognized as a health
hazard, it is not regulated by governmental agencies.
Electro-Magnetic Fields are found wherever electricity exists. EMF are generated by
high -voltage transmission lines, low -voltage lines, and substations, as well as electrical
appliances and devices found in homes and businesses. The strength of an EMF depends
on the amount of current flow, not on voltage, and current is a function of energy
consumption. Research is clear that EMF are not blocked, reduced, or altered by most
solid objects. This means they are not blocked by vegetation, or by any form of
screening, or covering by earth. It is however, important to note that EMF diminish
rapidly with distance from source.
Research on EMF and human health continues in the scientific community. PSE
continuously monitors the results of this research and operates its electric system in
compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
Policies
PUP13 The City shall continue to monitor research into the health effects of Electro-
Magnetic Fields (EMF) and microwaves. The City will take appropriate action
once definitive conclusions about health implications are reached.
Issue Statement: Environmental and Aesthetic Impacts.
Utility systems have a broad range of associated environmental and visual impacts. Much
of Federal Way's electrical, telecommunications, and cable system is mounted on
overhead poles. Pole -mounted systems not only reduce the aesthetic appeal of
streetscapes but also contribute to system failures and power outages caused by falling
trees and branches. Undergrounding utilities is a potential solution to both problems, but
must be balanced against the cost associated with such undergrounding.
As with other types of development, the impacts of utilities on environmentally sensitive
areas need to be evaluated. These impacts are addressed in the context of broad
environmental protection policies in the Natural Environment chapter of the FWCP and
through measures for protecting critical areas in the zoning code. On the other hand, there
is also a need to provide for the location and continuing maintenance of essential public
and private utilities in environmentally sensitive areas, if no feasible alternative location
exists. The existing Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) makes provisions for this in the
environmentally sensitive area provisions.
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FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
The FWRC sets out some requirements for undergrounding utilities in new subdivisions
and in existing right-of-way in accordance with the WUTC. These exemptions include
the undergrounding of transmission lines 115 kV and greater.
The City should continue to work in partnership with the utility companies to further
address aesthetic impacts. Requiring undergrounding across the entire Federal Way area
is prohibitively expensive. However, there are key areas, such as the City Center and
along Highway 99, where undergrounding of utilities is important to improving the visual
image of the area in order to stimulate economic development. The City should work
with the utilities and also support statewide efforts by WUTC to devise a method of
paying for such improvements.
The City has a right-of-way vegetation ordinance that allows removal or pruning of
vegetation within rights -of -way without a permit only when there is imminent danger to
the health, safety, or welfare of residents. This process could be further improved if the
City and utility companies prepared a right-of-way vegetation plan meeting utility needs
and addressing environmental and streetscape improvements to be made by the City. This
approach to streetscape is particularly important in the newly developing City Center.
Policies
PUP14 To the maximum extent possible and based upon applicable regulations, the
City should require the undergrounding of utility distribution lines in new
subdivisions, new construction, and significantly reconstructed facilities,
consistent with all applicable laws.
PUP15 To the maximum extent possible and based upon applicable regulations, the
City should work with the utilities in preparing a plan for undergrounding
utilities in areas where their visual impact is critical to improving the
appearance of the City, such as the City Center and along Highway 99.
PUP16 The City should, to the extent practical, work with utility providers in preparing
a right-of-way vegetation plan that ensures that the needs of landscaping and
screening are balanced with the need to prevent power outages.
PUP17 The City should require that site -specific utility facilities such as antennas and
substations be reasonably and appropriately sited and screened to mitigate
adverse aesthetic impacts.
PUP18 The City should work with the utilities and also support statewide efforts by
WUTC to devise a method of paying for improvements associated with
environmental and aesthetic impacts.
PUP19 Through its development regulations, the City shall continue to address the
siting, screening, and design standards for wireless/cellular facilities, substations,
and antenna facilities in such a manner as to allow for reasonable and predictable
review while minimizing potential land use and visual impacts on adjacent
property.
Revised 2008 X-16
FWCP — Chapter Ten, Private Utilities
Issue Statement: Planning to Meet the City's Future Needs.
The plans for system improvements and extensions described in the Private Utilities
chapter are based on the population and growth forecasts provided by the utilities. The
Land Use chapter will provide utility providers with information on where and when new
growth will occur in the City. This will allow utility companies to plan for expansion of
their systems to meet future needs. The City may assist the utilities by continuing to
provide them with future plans and by soliciting input for future planning projects.
Policies
PUP20 The City should provide utility companies with plans, forecasts, and supporting
data to assist in the proper planning for utilities. The City should integrate
communication with the utility companies into its Management Information
System to allow for fast and efficient communication.
PUP21 The City should encourage utility providers to base extension and sizing of
systems on the Land Use Plan in order to adequately serve anticipated growth.
PUP22 The City should encourage utilities to provide them with their utility service
plans to allow better integration with other utilities and City plans.
PUP23 The City and utilities should be encouraged to develop an integrated
Geographic Information System (GIS) to better serve mutual needs and those of
the public.
Revised 2008 X-17
City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan
Council Approved
PAA Boundary
Utility Plan Element
Legend:
0 Federal Way City Limits
L _ 1 Potential Annexation Area
Scale:
0 0.5 1
N � Miles
Map Revised: October. 2006. Source: City of Federal Way, King County
Federal Way MAP X-1
Note: This map is intended for use as a graphical representation only.
The City of Federal Way makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan
Existing & Proposed
Improvements to the
Sub -Transmission
System
Utility Plan Element -
Puget Sound Energy - Electricity
Legend:
Q Federal Way City Limits
1_ j Potential Annexation Area
BPA Line
Proposed
Sub -Transmission Line
• Sub -Station (Distribution)
Sub -Station (Transmission)
■ Proposed Sub -Station
Scale:
0 0.5 1
N 1!!!%iiiii Miles
Map Reformatted: OCtoer, 2006. Information pates 2002. Source: PSE
Q.' �i111pBY _■ crrr or
r' Milton Federal Way MAP X-2
Note: This map is intended for use as a graphical representation only.
fP $ d e The City of Federal Way makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan
Gas Supply
Mains
Utility Plan Element -
Puget Sound Energy - Gas
Legend:
Q Federal Way City Limits
Potential Annexation Area
Distribution Pipe Diameter
"'%. 2" to 4"
4" to 6"
^o Above 6"
Scale:
0 0.5 1
N 1000006mmmii Miles
Map Reformatted: October, 2006. Information Date: 2002. Source: PSE
ll
V or Milton 's' � � Federal Way MAP X-3
Note: This map is intended for use as a graphical representation only.
F fe ,5 Edge The City of Federal Way makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan
Proposed
Improvements
Utility Plan Element -
Puget Sound Energy - Gas
Legend:
Q Federal Way City Limits
�^ Potential Annexation Area
4" Distribution Pipe Diameter
6" Distribution Pipe Diameter
16" Distribution Pipe Diameter
Scale:
0 0.5 1
Miles
Map June, 2008. Information Date: 2002, Source: PSE
Federal Way MAP X-4
Note: This map is intended for use as a graphical representation only.
The City of Federal Way makes no warranty as to its accuracy.
City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan
Cable Service by
Comcast
Utility Plan Element -
Cable Television
Legend:
0 Federal Way City Limits
L _ 1 Potential Annexation Area
0%,o Comcast- Auburn System
O'er Comcast - Tacoma/Pierce County System
Scale:
0 0.5 1
N � Miles
Map Reformatted: October, 2006. Information Date: 2002. Source: Comcast
V
Milton 6' Federal Way MAP X-5
Note: This map is intended for use as a graphical representation only.
r fa 5 Edgeyv s� The City of Federal Way makes no warranty as to its accuracy.