Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Wireless Telecommunications Facility in Williamstown

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has granted a certificate of public good for the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility in Williamstown, Vermont. The facility, which will be operated by Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems of Allentown, Inc. and Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless), and Vertex Towers, LLC, will provide expanded and improved wireless coverage in the surrounding area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission determined that the project qualifies as a "project of limited size and scope" under 30 V.S.A. § 248a, which means that it does not require a full review of the substantive criteria under 30 V.S.A. § 248a(c)(1).
  • The project will involve the construction of a 140' tower with 9 panel antennas, a 12' by 20' equipment shed, and a generator within a 50' by 50' fenced compound.
  • The project will result in approximately 9,659 square feet of permanent earth disturbance, but will not have an undue adverse impact on floodways, scenic or natural beauty, aesthetics, historic sites, or rare and irreplaceable natural areas.
  • The Commission found that the project is consistent with and does not violate any clearly identified community standards, and will not appear shocking or offensive to the average viewer.
  • The Petitioners have taken generally available mitigating steps to improve the harmony of the project with its surroundings.

Statistics:

  • The project will involve the construction of a 140' tower.
  • The project will result in approximately 9,659 square feet of permanent earth disturbance.
  • The project will not have an undue adverse impact on floodways, scenic or natural beauty, aesthetics, historic sites, or rare and irreplaceable natural areas.
  • The project is consistent with and does not violate any clearly identified community standards.
  • The Commission found no adverse effects on rare or irreplaceable natural areas, wildlife habitat, or endangered species.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission. (2025, February 28). Order Granting Certificate of Public Good. Case No. 25-0066-PET.
  • 30 V.S.A. § 248a.