Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Wireless Telecommunications Facility in Fairfax, Vermont

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The Vermont Public Utility Commission has approved a certificate of public good for Industrial Tower and Wireless, LLC to install a wireless telecommunications facility at 22 Toof Road in Fairfax, Vermont. The facility, which includes a 155' tower with 6 whip antennas, will provide expanded and improved wireless coverage in the surrounding area. The commission found that the project complies with all applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. § 248a, including aesthetics, historic sites, air and water purity, the natural environment, and public health and safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued a certificate of public good for a wireless telecommunications facility in Fairfax, Vermont.
  • The facility, owned and operated by Industrial Tower and Wireless, LLC, includes a 155' tower with 6 whip antennas and will provide expanded and improved wireless coverage in the surrounding area.
  • The commission found that the project complies with all applicable substantive criteria of 30 V.S.A. § 248a, including:

+ Aesthetics: The project will not have an undue adverse effect on aesthetics, despite being a commercial telecommunications facility in a wooded area.

+ Historic Sites: There are no historic sites in the area that will be affected by the project.

+ Air and Water Purity: The project will not result in undue air or water pollution.

+ Natural Environment: The project will have no impact on outstanding resource waters, headwaters, streams, shorelines, or wetlands.

+ Public Health and Safety: The project will comply with Federal Communications Commission standards related to radiofrequency emissions.

+ Soil Erosion: The project will comply with Vermont standards and specifications for erosion and sediment control.

+ Transportation Systems: The project will not cause undue congestion or unsafe conditions with respect to use of highways, waterways, railways, airports, airways, or other means of transportation.

+ Municipal Services: The project will not place an unreasonable burden on the ability of the local government to provide municipal or governmental services.

+ Aesthetics, Historic Sites, and Rare and Irreplaceable Natural Areas: The project will not have an undue adverse effect on the scenic or natural beauty of the area, aesthetics, historic sites, or rare and irreplaceable natural areas.

  • The commission found that the project is consistent with the goals in the applicable town and regional plans and will promote the general good of the State of Vermont in accordance with 30 V.S.A. § 248a(a).

Statistics:

  • The facility includes a 155' tower with 6 whip antennas.
  • The project will involve approximately 8,657 square feet of permanent earth disturbance.
  • The project will comply with Vermont standards and specifications for erosion and sediment control.
  • The project will not result in undue air or water pollution.
  • The project will have no impact on outstanding resource waters, headwaters, streams, shorelines, or wetlands.
  • The project will not cause undue congestion or unsafe conditions with respect to use of highways, waterways, railways, airports, airways, or other means of transportation.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission Case No. 21-3174-PET
  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a
  • 30 V.S.A. § 202c(b)