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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Partial Transfer and Amendment of Wireless Telecommunications Facility Certificate of Public Good

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

On September 16, 2021, the Vermont Public Utility Commission (VPU) issued an order granting a petition from New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) and Vertical Bridge Development, LLC to partially transfer and amend a certificate of public good for a wireless telecommunications facility in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. The commission approved the proposed modifications to the facility, which include the relocation of the compound, reduction in size, and extension of the access road.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VPU issued a certificate of public good (CPG) to AT&T on April 20, 2021, in Case No. 20-0434-PET, authorizing the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility at 3980 US Route 7 in Ferrisburgh, Vermont.
  • The petitioners, AT&T and Vertical, filed a motion on May 21, 2021, to partially transfer and amend the CPG, which was approved by the VPU on September 16, 2021.
  • The proposed modifications include relocating the facility compound approximately 160' to the north, reducing the size of the compound from 50' by 50' to 30' by 60", and extending the access road from 275' to 555'.
  • The commission found that the project will not have any adverse impacts on historic sites, and its visibility from nearby vantage points will not be materially changed.
  • The VPU included a condition in the amended CPG to ensure compliance with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' updated Indiana bat roosting protection guidelines.
  • The partial transfer of the CPG will have no substantive impact on any of the findings made in issuing the CPG and does not affect the commission's conclusion with respect to the project's compliance with the applicable criteria of 30 V.S.A. SS 248a.

Statistics:

  • 0.10 acres of additional vegetative clearing will be required due to the modifications.
  • 160' is the distance the facility compound will be relocated to the north.
  • The facility compound will be reduced in size from 50' by 50' to 30' by 60".
  • The access road will be extended from 275' to 555'.
  • The project will utilize an existing gravel drive for the majority of the access road.

Sources:

  • VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION ORDER No. 21-1886-PET
  • Case No. 21-1886-PET (September 16, 2021)

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