Opinion

On January 15, 2003, AT&T Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a AT&T Wireless (AT&T) applied to the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) for the construction, maintenance and operation of a wireless telecommunications facility to be located in the Town of Bolton, Connecticut at one of two locations identified as 49 South Road (Site A) and 299 Hop River Road (Site B). The primary purpose of the proposed facility would be to provide wireless telecommunications coverage to the Town of Bolton along US Route 6 (Hop River Road) in the region known as Bolton Notch and adjacent areas.

AT&T proposes to construct a 120-foot monopole facility at 49 South Road, identified as Site A, or a 180-foot monopole facility at 299 Hop River Road, identified as Site B. At either location, AT&T’s proposed facility would be built to accommodate at least two additional wireless carriers.

Site A is located in a wooded area at edge of a cleared field downslope from the property owner’s home. The site would be accessible over a gravel driveway that would be installed to the proposed site. Site B is located on cleared land behind a dewatering business’ equipment yard. Access to this site is over existing driveways. There is a designated wetlands that would abut the edge of the lease parcel at Site B. There are known extant populations of State Special Concern Clemmys insculpta (wood turtle) in the vicinity of Site B. Construction at either site would not affect the state's archaeological heritage. Furthermore, there are no sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places or any National Historic districts in the vicinity of the proposed sites.

Site A is located in a residential zone; the property on which Site B is located is split between Business and Industrial zoning.

The Town of Bolton expressed a preference for Site B because it is located in a Business/Industrial zoning district rather than a residential zone as is the case with Site A. However, the Council felt that better coverage was attainable from Site A and this site would have a lower profile on the landscape. For these reasons, the Council decided that Site A would be the preferable site even though it is located in a residential zone.

Electromagnetic radio frequency power density levels are a concern of the Council. However, the radio frequency power density levels at the base of the proposed towers would be well below federal and State standards for the frequencies used by wireless companies. If federal or state standards change, the Council will require that the tower be brought into compliance with such standards. The Council will require that the power densities be remodeled in the event other carriers add antennas to this tower.

Based on the record in this proceeding, we find that Site A provides somewhat better coverage in the Bolton Notch and along Route 44, that Site A would have a lesser visual impact on the landscape in the general vicinity of the proposed facility and on the Hop River State Park Trail and that the effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the telecommunications facility at the proposed site, including effects on the natural environment; ecological integrity and balance; public health and safety; scenic, historic, and recreational values; forests and parks; air and water purity; and fish and wildlife are not disproportionate either alone or cumulatively with other effects when compared to need, are not in conflict with policies of the State concerning such effects, and are not sufficient reason to deny this application. Therefore, we will issue a Certificate for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a telecommunications facility at the proposed Site A site located at 49 South Road, Bolton, Connecticut.

The Council will order that utilities be installed underground, and that if any antenna ceases to provide wireless service, the Certificate Holder shall dismantle and remove the antenna and its associated equipment within 60 days or reapply for any continued or new use by the Council.

Our decision will be conditioned upon the Certificate Holder submitting a Development and Management Plan for approval by the Council prior to commencement of any construction at the facility site.