Telecom Facility Siting

The Vermont Public Utilities Commission has denied an application filed by Verizon Wireless to install and operate a cellular telecommunications tower on an approximately 104-acre parcel of land described as "unique." 

The site, which consists of a rare forest block, would have been in Waterbury, Vermont. Based on evidence provided by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), the commission concluded that construction of the project would "destroy or significantly imperil necessary wildlife habitat" in the North Hill forest block, a large area of undeveloped woodland with diverse natural communities, necessary bear habitat, and wildlife corridors. 

According to the commission, location of the cell tower project at the carrier's selected spot would entail significant earth disturbance, tree clearing, and blasting of rock ledge, which could adversely impact both flora and fauna. 

Nevertheless, the commission stressed that its decision rejecting the plan should not be read as a blanket prohibition of telecommunications facilities in all forest blocks in Vermont. Rather, the commission said, its order is limited to the specific and unique circumstances of this particular property. 

The commission added that the ANR itself has not disclosed any desire or need to prevent the placement of telecom facilities in all forest blocks within the state. (Docket No. 8601)