Mr. Duffy

 As a member of the Bonita/Sunnyside trail users’ community and the President of the Bonita Valley Horsemen I am submitting public comment on the subject project. One important aspect that must be considered and is absent in the project documents is the impact to the county trails and trail users in the project area. The Sweetwater River Trail is the only west to east connection thru the Sweetwater River Valley and is heavily used by many trail users (Equestrian, bicycle and joggers). While occasional trail closures due to construction can be expected and accommodated; trail detours or other bypass features must be in place to allow trail connectivity during the construction period. Additionally it is expected that any damage to existing trails due to construction would be corrected prior to project completion. Of particular concern is the above ground bypass pipe that will be used during the CIPP process. This bypass pipe can serve as an effective roadblock if placed across the trail. If and when a roadblock condition is created ramps or other bridging mechanisms must be utilized to allow trail users (including equestrians and their horses) safe passage over the bypass pipe. A similar sewer pipe work over was accomplished at the Eastern end of the same sewer line years ago and construction and trail connectivity was accomplished concurrently. I am confident that this can again be the case with the mitigating actions as described in my email. Please feel free to contact me if any additional input is required from the trail user community on this project.

Mark Kukuchek
President, BVH

 

The County appreciates your thoughtful comments on this project. The project does include features to allow trail connectivity during the construction period. Also, any damage to existing trails due to construction will be corrected prior to project completion.   

We have attached copies of the project plans which illustrate these features. The project would cross two trails. In both locations the 24 inch pipe will be buried beneath the trail and covered with dirt to maintain trail connectivity.  Please see the red circled comments on the attached plans. Sheet 3 of the plans shows two trail crossings and both indicate that access will be maintained during construction. This will accomplished by burying the pipe under the existing trail and backfilled with dirt.  Sheet 6, the bypass plan indicates in Note 1 that “where bypass piping crosses horse trails it will be installed in a shallow trench” thus providing full time access for trail users. Again, the pipe will be buried here.  After the bypass is removed, the trails will be restored to their former condition.  County Construction inspection staff will be onsite during construction to ensure that trail connectivity is maintained during construction and that any damage to existing trails due to construction will be corrected prior to project completion.

 

Tom Duffy
County of San Diego
Department of Public Works
Environmental Services Unit
BYPASS.pdf   other file