Dear LBNL Colleagues,
PG&E has notified the Lab that it will shut off power to the Lab’s main hill site and to the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) in Walnut Creek on Saturday, Oct. 26, due to weather forecasts of extremely high winds and dry conditions this evening through Monday morning. The current estimated time for power shutoff for both sites is 5 p.m.
As a result, these two Lab locations were closed this morning at 7 a.m. The Lab’s main hill site and JGI have been closed to all except those individuals on the emergency-essential personnel access list. The Lab’s other off-site locations are currently not in PG&E’s shutoff zone.
At the main hill site, Blackberry Gate is the only gate available for entrance and exit. All personnel entering and exiting the main hill site during the closure must use the Blackberry gate and must present their badges to security personnel. At that time, security will check each person’s name against the emergency-essential personnel access list. All personnel entering the site must check in and check out from the site at Building 76 so the EOC knows who is on site at all times.
The Lab’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to prepare for the power shutdown. Last night, Facilities began shutting down non-essential systems and buildings. Other systems and buildings are being de-activated this morning.
Weather conditions may change this timeline and you should keep informed by checking for updates on status.lbl.gov, at 1-800-445-5830, and on a new Twitter account for Lab staff, users, and others: @LBNLstatus.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that cover general closure information, business systems, user facilities, transportation, and supervisor information, among other topics.
Michael Brandt
Deputy Director, Operations and
Chief Operating Officer