<br />July 2025 Findings & Decision of the Planning Director Page 4 of 10 <br />Headwaters Trail Electric Upgrade (SDR 25-1) <br />In accordance with these allowances, the applicant does not propose the expansion of any <br />above ground utility infrastructure. Rather, they propose the direct replacement of five existing <br />wooden utility poles. The reality of replacement means the footing and exact location of the <br />new poles may need to be slightly offset from their original locations. As identified by the <br />applicant, these replacements are integral to improve safety and resilience for the utilities and <br />mitigate wildfire risk and hazard. The applicant also proposes on their site plans to backfill the <br />top 24 inches in accordance with these requirements. The applicant proposes to conduct the <br />work between June 30 and September 30 to avoid any soil compaction. Finally, the applicant <br />has demonstrated that they have sought out the most feasible and effective way to mitigate <br />impacts to the resource, while performing necessary maintenance to the existing infrastructure. <br />Based on these findings and the applicant’s materials, their proposal complies with the <br />requirements set out in EC 9.4930(3)(d)1-4. Findings demonstrating compliance with EC <br />9.4980(2) through (5) are provided below. <br />(e) Construction of new underground utility lines within /WR conservation <br />areas of Category A, B, C, or D streams or Category A, B, or C wetlands. Subject <br />to EC 9.4980 /WR Water Resources Conservation Overlay Zone Development <br />Standards (2) through (5) and to the following additional standards: <br />1. No reasonable alternative routes exist to provide service to an <br />unserved area or to connect to an existing line. <br />2. Routing of new utility lines shall be designed so as to minimize <br />adverse impacts to habitat within the /WR conservation area to the <br />greatest extent practicable. <br />3. Excavated areas shall be backfilled to the previous grade with <br />existing native soil used for the uppermost 3 feet of backfill whenever <br />possible and in no case less than the uppermost 2 feet of backfill. <br />4. Construction of new utility facilities shall be planned and timed to <br />minimize adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat within a /WR <br />conservation area. <br />5. Impacts to plant species listed as threatened or endangered by the <br />Oregon Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <br />shall be avoided.