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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Wireless Telecommunications Equipment Installation at Averill, Vermont

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— 2 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order granting a certificate of public good (CPG) to the United States Department of Homeland Security for the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 444 Forest Lake Road in Averill, Vermont. The commission approved the application on June 2, 2023, after considering the petitioner's request and the comments from the Vermont Department of Public Service.

The commission found that the project qualifies as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2). The project involves the installation of two collinear antennas, an equipment cabinet, and associated operating and ancillary equipment. The antennas and equipment will not extend above the existing 190-foot lattice tower and will not increase the height or width of the facility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission granted a CPG to the United States Department of Homeland Security for the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 444 Forest Lake Road in Averill, Vermont.
  • The commission approved the application on June 2, 2023, after considering the petitioner's request and the comments from the Vermont Department of Public Service.
  • The project involves the installation of two collinear antennas, an equipment cabinet, and associated operating and ancillary equipment.
  • The antennas and equipment will not extend above the existing 190-foot lattice tower and will not increase the height or width of the facility.
  • The project qualifies as "de minimis modifications" to an existing facility pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248a(b)(2).
  • The proposed Project will consist of modifications to an existing telecommunications facility that, excluding equipment, antennas, or ancillary improvements, will not increase the height or width of the facility, and will not create impervious surfaces surrounding the facility.
  • The reconfiguration of the equipment is expected to promote the general good of the state.
  • The Department of Public Service recommended that the commission approve the petition without further hearings or investigation provided the petitioner submits additional information requested.
  • The petitioner submitted the additional information requested by the Department of Public Service on May 18, 2023, and the Department filed comments recommending that the commission approve the petition without further hearings or investigation.
  • No other comments on the application were received by the commission, and no party has requested an evidentiary hearing or objected to the project.

Statistics:

  • The project involves the installation of two collinear antennas, each measuring approximately 60" by 2.75".
  • The antennas and equipment will not extend above the existing 190-foot lattice tower.
  • The net increase in aggregate surface area of the faces of the antennas and equipment to be attached to the tower is approximately 2 square feet.
  • 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 aggregate surface area of the antennas and equipment other than ancillary improvements does not exceed 75 square feet.
  • The antennas will not extend vertically or horizontally from the structure by more than 10 feet.

Sources:

  • STATE OF VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION Case No. 23-1093-PET
  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a
  • 1 Case No. 22-5122-INV, Investigation into revised standards and procedures for issuance of a certificate of public good for communications facilities pursuant to 30 V.S.A. § 248a, Attachment to Order issued January 18, 2023.

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