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

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted a certificate of public good to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 2878 North Road in Sunderland, Vermont. The Commission found that the project qualified as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility, as it did not increase the height or width of the facility, and the net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the existing structure will not exceed 75 square feet. The Commission determined that the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in 30 V.S.A. SS 248a, and the proposed Project will promote the general good of the State.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission granted a certificate of public good to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC for the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 2878 North Road in Sunderland, VT.
  • The project qualified as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility, as it did not increase the height or width of the facility, and the net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas attached to the existing structure will not exceed 75 square feet.
  • The Commission found no objection to the classification of the project as de minimis modifications, and therefore, the public interest is satisfied by the procedures authorized in 30 V.S.A. SS 248a.
  • The proposed Project will promote the general good of the State, and a certificate of public good to that effect shall be issued in this matter.
  • As a condition of this Order, the Petitioner shall comply with all terms and conditions set out in the CPG issued in conjunction with this Order.
  • The project involves the installation of six new panel antennas of varying sizes at a centerline height of 92' on the existing 109' monopine tower.
  • The antennas and equipment will not extend above the tower and will extend a maximum of approximately 4' horizontally from the tower.

Statistics:

  • The project will involve the installation of six new panel antennas, which will not exceed 75 square feet in aggregate surface area.
  • The antennas and equipment will not extend above the tower and will extend a maximum of approximately 4' horizontally from the tower.
  • The project will not increase the height or width of the existing structure.
  • The project will not increase the amount of impervious surface at the existing facility site.
  • The Commission has admitted as if presented at a hearing the affidavit of Craig Cody (exh. A) and exhs. 1-4.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 23-2825-PET, Order Granting Certificate of Public Good (09/22/2023).
  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a(k), Vermont Statutes Annotated.