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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves AT&T Mobility's Wireless Facility Expansion

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved the petition of New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, d/b/a AT&T Mobility, for the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 1243 Junction Hill Road in Cambridge, Vermont, granting a certificate of public good.

The Commission found that the proposed Project meets the requirements of 30 V.S.A. SS 248a, and that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in the statute. The Commission determined that the project is a "project of limited size and scope" and conditionally waived certain criteria under 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(c)(1), except for those related to floodways and aesthetics.

The Project will involve the modification of an existing telecommunications facility, including a 30' extension of the existing 69' monopine tower, the installation of six new panel antennas, and ancillary operating equipment. The Commission's findings include that the Project will not have an undue adverse impact on floodways, scenic or natural beauty, aesthetics, historic sites, or rare and irreplaceable natural areas.

The Commission's decision is based on its determination that the Project qualifies as a "project of limited size and scope" and that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in the statute. The Commission conditionally waived certain criteria under 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(c)(1), except for those related to floodways and aesthetics, and found that the Project will promote the general good of the State of Vermont.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission approved the petition of New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, d/b/a AT&T Mobility, for the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 1243 Junction Hill Road in Cambridge, Vermont.
  • The Commission found that the proposed Project meets the requirements of 30 V.S.A. SS 248a and requires no hearings or investigation.
  • The Project will involve the modification of an existing telecommunications facility, including a 30' extension of the existing 69' monopine tower, the installation of six new panel antennas, and ancillary operating equipment.
  • The Commission conditionally waived certain criteria under 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(c)(1), except for those related to floodways and aesthetics, and found that the Project will promote the general good of the State of Vermont.
  • The Project will involve approximately 225 square feet of permanent earth disturbance, which is less than the 10,000 square feet limit for "projects of limited size and scope".
  • The Commission determined that the Project will not have an undue adverse impact on floodways, scenic or natural beauty, aesthetics, historic sites, or rare and irreplaceable natural areas.
  • The Commission's decision is based on its determination that the Project qualifies as a "project of limited size and scope" and that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in the statute.

Statistics:

  • The Project will involve approximately 225 square feet of permanent earth disturbance.
  • The Project will not exceed 200' in height.
  • The Project will result in less than 10,000 square feet of additional permanent earth disturbance.
  • The Commission waived criteria under 30 V.S.A. SS 248a(c)(1), except for those related to floodways and aesthetics.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Case No. 21-1010-PET
  • 30 V.S.A. SS 248a
  • Vermont Department of Public Service Comments on the Project

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