CALIFORNIA, USA — A 10 On Your Side investigation revealed new concerns about vegetation management by PG&E. The company is talking only to ABC10 about the controversy.
"There is a process for customers if you have any concerns about vegetation work that was done on your property," said Paul Moreno with PG&E.
Moreno is talking to ABC10 after Justin Cristler sent 10 On Your Side an email suggesting the company's efforts to prevent fires may have been adding to the problem.
"Water bottles all over. Tree branches hidden behind shrugs," said an outraged Justin Cristler. "I'm reaching out to see if you all would want to cover PG&E contractors coming out for jobs then leaving the jobs unfinished with wood, debris and trash on properties next to power poles to fuel future fires.
It turns out Mr. Cristler is not alone.
"These clowns cut 4 or 5 trees on my property and left the mess everywhere," said viewer Mary. "Their ignorant workers cut through my deer fence (that I had to pay to get repaired) because they were too lazy to walk 50 feet."
Terry from El Dorado County says she also has concerns.
"For no less than 7 consecutive years, various vegetation management subcontracting under PG&E, used PG&E shade easement rights to enter my property and leave more downed wildfire fuel than was present prior to their visit," said Terry.
Moreno says concerned customers should contact PG&E.
"Many customers want this wood. They use this wood for firewood," said Moreno. "If there is ever an issue that a customer has. If the job was left messy behind. We do encourage them to call us."
Moreno says wood greater than 4" in diameter could potentially have marketable value so the PG&E policy is to leave it on the customer's property.
"Well it's important to remember that the wood that was left behind does belong to the property owner," said Moreno. "But we understand there are certain cases where maybe that would is put in a position that was too close to the home or causing some sort of a blockage."
PG&E confirms after 10 On Your Side got involved they reached out to Mr. Cristler and he filled out a wood management form that will allow PG&E to return to his property to pack up the wood and remove it for him.
"Every case is different, and each case is handled on it's own merits," said Moreno.
If you have any concerns about vegetation management on your property Mr. Moreno says you can call them at 1-800 PGE 5000. And ABC10 is here to help. Do you have a problem and don't know where else to turn? Email us at onyourside @abc10.com.
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