Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves T-Mobile Northeast, LLC Wireless Telecommunications Facility in Plainfield

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order approving the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility in Plainfield, Vermont, on property owned by T-Mobile Northeast, LLC. The project involves the installation of six new panel antennas on an existing 86-foot monopole tower and two equipment cabinets on a new concrete pad within the existing gravel compound. The Commission determined that the project qualifies as a de minimis modification, as it meets the criteria set out in 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2), which includes not increasing the height or width of the facility, and not creating impervious surfaces surrounding the facility. The project will promote the general good of the State and a certificate of public good will be issued.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility in Plainfield, Vermont, on property owned by T-Mobile Northeast, LLC.
  • The project involves the installation of six new panel antennas on an existing 86-foot monopole tower and two equipment cabinets on a new concrete pad within the existing gravel compound.
  • The Commission determined that the project qualifies as a de minimis modification, as it meets the criteria set out in 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2), including:

+ Not increasing the height or width of the facility

+ Not creating impervious surfaces surrounding the facility

+ Not increasing the aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas and equipment attached to the tower by more than 75 square feet

+ Not extending vertically or horizontally from the structure by more than 10 feet

  • The project will promote the general good of the State and a certificate of public good will be issued.

Statistics:

  • 6 new panel antennas will be installed on the existing 86-foot monopole tower
  • 2 equipment cabinets will be installed on a new concrete pad within the existing gravel compound
  • The net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the tower will not exceed 75 square feet
  • The antennas will not extend vertically or horizontally from the structure by more than 10 feet
  • The project will not increase the height or width of the facility
  • The project will not create impervious surfaces surrounding the facility
  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued this order on April 12, 2023

Sources:

  • Order issued by the Vermont Public Utility Commission (Case No. 23-0683-PET) on April 12, 2023.