AT&T is seeking approval from the Vermont Public Utility Commission for upgrades to a wireless telecommunications facility at Sugarbush in Warren, according to a recent filing.
The Warren Select Board heard the request at its August 12 meeting. The hearing was a courtesy as the tower is already permitted.
The company, officially New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, doing business as AT&T, filed an application on July 15 requesting a Certificate of Public Good (CPG) for what it classified as a de minimis modification under state law. The proposed changes would take place at an existing facility located at 849 Upper Village Road, on property owned by Sugarbush.
AT&T wants to remove nine existing antennas and three remote radio units (RRUs), replacing them with six new antennas and three updated RRUs. The new equipment would be mounted at centerline heights of 87 feet and 89 feet, 6 inches on the 99-foot monopole tower. Other changes include adjusting cabling and making minor modifications inside the existing AT&T equipment shelter at the site.
According to documents submitted to the select board, the upgrades will not increase the height or width of the tower, nor will they expand the site's footprint. The modifications also reduce the total surface area of the antennas and related equipment on the tower by approximately 25 square feet.
The tower is owned and operated by American Tower Corporation and currently hosts AT&T's existing wireless infrastructure, including 12 antennas, 12 RRUs, and three surge arrestors. It was permitted in 2011.
State regulators noted that the proposed work qualifies as a de minimis modification under Vermont statute 30 V.S.A. § 248a. That designation allows for a streamlined review process for projects that do not significantly alter the physical or environmental footprint of an existing telecommunications facility.
No objections to the application have been filed, and the Vermont Department of Public Service has recommended approval.
If the Public Utility Commission (PUC) agrees with the classification and no objections are received during the statutory 30-day review period, a Certificate of Public Good will be issued without a public hearing.
The (PUC) emphasized that the project must be carried out in accordance with submitted plans and that any material change would require prior approval. The certificate, once issued, cannot be transferred without PUC consent.
AT&T has not applied for or been denied any other local or state permits related to the proposed modifications, and the upgrades are consistent with existing permit conditions at the site.
The application is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve network performance in rural parts of Vermont.
