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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves SBA Communications' Wireless Telecommunications Facility

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted SBA Communications Corporation a certificate of public good to install a wireless telecommunications facility in Barnet, Vermont. This approval is based on the company's petition and supporting materials, which satisfied the applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. § 248a. The facility will involve the modification of an existing telecommunications facility, including the installation of six panel antennas and one dish antenna, as well as an equipment cabinet on a new concrete pad. The project is considered a "project of limited size and scope" due to its relatively minor modifications and lack of significant earth disturbance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved SBA Communications Corporation's petition for a certificate of public good to install a wireless telecommunications facility in Barnet, Vermont.
  • The facility will involve the modification of an existing telecommunications facility, including the installation of six panel antennas and one dish antenna, as well as an equipment cabinet on a new concrete pad.
  • The project is considered a "project of limited size and scope" due to its relatively minor modifications and lack of significant earth disturbance.
  • The Commission has waived all criteria under 30 V.S.A. § 248a(c)(1) with the exception of 10 V.S.A. § 6086(a)(1)(D) (floodways) and 6086(a)(8) (aesthetics, historic sites, rare and irreplaceable natural areas, endangered species, necessary wildlife).
  • The facility will promote the general good of the State of Vermont in accordance with 30 V.S.A. § 248a(a).
  • The Petitioner, SBA Communications Corporation, is required to comply with all terms and conditions set out in the CPG issued in conjunction with this Order.

Statistics:

  • The project will result in approximately 30 square feet of permanent earth disturbance.
  • The facility will exceed 140 feet in height, but will not increase the width of the existing support structure by more than 20 feet.
  • The project will not exceed 10,000 square feet of earth disturbance, excluding temporary earth disturbance associated with construction activities.

Sources:

1. Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 22-0089-PET, March 4, 2022.

2. 30 V.S.A. § 248a.

3. Vermont Department of Public Service, February 18, 2022.

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