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Public utilities

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

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved AT&T Mobility's request to install a temporary wireless telecommunications facility at 720 South Prospect Street in Burlington, Vermont, to avoid loss of wireless coverage during repairs to the water tank. This decision was made after evaluating the proposed project's impact on the surrounding area, including aesthetics, historic sites, and rare or irreplaceable natural areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The commission has determined that the project qualifies as a "project of limited size and scope" under Vermont law, which waives certain review criteria, including floodways and aesthetics.
  • The project involves the installation of a 117' temporary tower with three flush-mounted panel antennas, which will be partially screened by existing infrastructure and has a temporary visual impact.
  • The commission has concluded that the project will not have an adverse effect on rare or irreplaceable natural areas, wildlife habitat, or endangered species in the vicinity.
  • The project is consistent with existing land use and zoning permits and aligns with the goals in the Burlington Comprehensive Plan and the Chittenden County Regional Plan.
  • The commission has conditionally waived various review criteria, including those related to aesthetics, historic sites, and rare or irreplaceable natural areas.

Statistics:

  • The proposed project involves a temporary replacement of a telecommunications facility located on a water tank at 720 South Prospect Street in Burlington, Vermont.
  • The project includes the removal of antennas and equipment from the water tank and the installation of a 117' temporary tower with three flush-mounted panel antennas.
  • The project will not exceed 200' in height and will result in less than 10,000 square feet of additional permanent earth disturbance.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-1423-PET (June 14, 2022)
  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Procedures Order (Paragraph 4) (June 14, 2022)

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