Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Wireless Telecommunications Equipment Installation in Pownal

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted a certificate of public good to New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, authorizing the installation of wireless telecommunications equipment at 320 Tower Road in Pownal, Vermont. This decision was made in accordance with the Commission's Amended Standards and Procedures Order and 30 V.S.A. § 248a(k). The project involves modifications to an existing telecommunications facility, including the installation of a backup generator and associated ancillary equipment. The Commission found that the project meets the criteria for de minimis modifications, as it does not increase the height or width of the facility and will create less than 300 square feet of additional impervious surfaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC has been granted a certificate of public good to install wireless telecommunications equipment at 320 Tower Road in Pownal, Vermont.
  • The project involves modifications to an existing telecommunications facility, including the installation of a backup generator and associated ancillary equipment.
  • The Commission determined that the project meets the criteria for de minimis modifications, as it does not increase the height or width of the facility and will create less than 300 square feet of additional impervious surfaces.
  • The project will promote the general good of the State of Vermont, as it satisfies the public interest and complies with the procedures authorized by 30 V.S.A. § 248a.
  • No objection to the classification of the project as de minimis modifications was filed with the Commission.
  • The Petitioner, New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, must comply with all terms and conditions set out in the CPG issued in conjunction with this Order.
  • The project was deemed to have effectively addressed the applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. § 248a, requiring no hearings or investigation.
  • The affidavit of Michael Rebner, as well as exhibits A and 1-4, were admitted into evidence as if presented at a hearing.

Statistics:

  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a(k) defines de minimis modifications as the addition, modification, or replacement of telecommunications equipment, antennas, or ancillary improvements on a telecommunications facility or existing support structure.
  • The proposed project will increase the amount of impervious surface at the existing facility site by 40 square feet.
  • The total amount of impervious surface, including access roads, surrounding the facility or support structure will not be increased by more than 300 square feet.
  • The additional equipment, antennas, or ancillary improvements on the support structure will not increase the aggregate surface area of the faces of the equipment, antennas, or ancillary improvements on the support structure by more than 75 square feet.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Order No. 22-3469-PET (September 29, 2022)
  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a(k) (Vermont Statutes Annotated)