Golden Gate Fields in Albany, Calif., will be closing its track and stable area for nearly two months this summer to address infrastructure issues related to orders from local officials, a statement from the 1/ST Racing track said on Wednesday.
The closure will be from June 18 through Aug. 7, the statement said. Racing in Northern California moves to the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton from June 17-July 10, according to dates approved by the California Horse Racing Board, then to the state fair at Cal Expo July 15-31. The Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa is scheduled to run from Aug. 3-16 but held its 2021 meet at Golden Gate Fields. The Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale is scheduled from Aug. 19-28,
The following was distributed by Golden Gate Fields:
On behalf of Pacific Racing Association and Golden Gate Fields (“GGF”), I write to inform you that GGF will need to close its track and stable area to all activities and occupants from June 18, 2022, through and including August 7, 2022, to provide safe and unimpeded access for required upgrades, repairs and inspection of the utility infrastructure serving the GGF facility. For the reason explained below, we will not be able to accommodate any live horse racing, training, or housing at the GGF property while the required work is being done. Please know that GGF is closing this summer because we have no choice.
GGF had to close its facility 15 years ago when we replaced the racetrack. Now, GGF is required to undertake steps to evaluate, repair, and replace sanitary sewer infrastructure serving the GGF facility in order to comply with legal requirements imposed upon GGF under the East Bay Municipal Utility District (“EBMUD”) Regional Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance (the “Regional Ordinance”). GGF has been working cooperatively with EBMUD and the City of Albany to facilitate GGF's full compliance with these legal requirements.
As required by the EBMUD Regional Ordinance, GGF prepared a Condition Assessment Plan which requires GGF to undertake an extensive evaluation of its more than 6,000 linear feet (more than one mile) of sanitary sewer laterals serving the GGF facility. The portions of that work scheduled during the period specified cannot be completed safely or expeditiously in the context of a fully operational training facility. GGF has been advised by its consulting contractor that the planned temporary closure is necessary to meet regulatory requirements and to avoid the inconvenience and risks to occupants and horses that would otherwise result from this work absent the planned temporary closure. Following completion, GGF will be required to prepare a Corrective Action Work Plan to complete additional repairs and replacements of portions of that infrastructure within timeframes required by the EBMUD Regional Ordinance.
We apologize for the inconvenience and pledge to work with stakeholders over the next three months to minimize the impact. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as GGF undertakes to comply with the EBMUD Regional Ordinance requirements in a manner that is protective of human health, safety and the environment.
Thank you very much.
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