On January 6, 2004, AT&T Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a AT&T Wireless applied to the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a wireless telecommunications facility at one of two locations at 25 Klocek Road (Site A and Site B) or at 280 Ross Road (Site C) in Killingly, Connecticut. The purpose of the proposed facility is to provide wireless telecommunications service to existing gaps along Interstate 695 (I-695) and adjacent areas.

Proposed Site A is located within an approximately 30 acre parcel owned by Robert V. Olson, which is within a Rural Development zone (RD). Proposed Site A would consist of a 150-foot monopole. AT&T Wireless antennas would be mounted at the 150-foot centerline with antennas not to exceed 153 feet above ground level (agl). No trees with six inches or greater diameter at breast height (dbh) would have to be removed for the construction of the proposed Site A compound and access road. There are two residences within a 1,000-foot radius of proposed Site A. The nearest residence that is not owned by the lessor is located approximately 900 feet to the north of proposed Site A. The nearest hiking trail to proposed Site A is the Ross Cliff hiking trail, which is approximately 1,800 feet from the proposed site.

Proposed Site B is located within the same parcel as proposed Site A. Proposed Site B would consist of a 150-foot monopole. AT&T Wireless antennas would be mounted at the 150-foot centerline with antennas not to exceed 153 feet agl. No trees with six inches or greater dbh would have to be removed for the construction of the proposed Site B compound and access road. There are three residences within a 1,000-foot radius of proposed Site B. The nearest residence that is not owned by the lessor is located approximately 1,100 feet to the north. The nearest hiking trail to proposed Site B is the Ross Cliff hiking trail, which is approximately 1,970 feet from proposed Site B.

Proposed Site C is located within an approximately 27 acre parcel owned by The Snake Meadow Club, which is within an RD zone. Proposed Site C would consist of a 120-foot monopole. AT&T Wireless antennas would be mounted at the 120-foot centerline with antennas not to exceed 123 feet agl. Clearing of approximately 160 trees that are six inches or greater dbh would be required for the construction of the proposed compound and access road. There is one home within a 1,000-foot radius of proposed Site C, which is located approximately 700 feet to the north. The nearest trail to proposed Site C is a private trail that is on the Snake Meadow Club property, which is approximately 200 feet away.

The nearest boundary of Ross Pond State Park is located approximately 520 feet from proposed Site A, approximately 1,090 feet from proposed Site B, and approximately 635 feet from proposed Site C. Proposed Site A, Site B, and Site C would be visible from Ross Cliff, which is within Ross Pond State Park; however, a tower at proposed Site C would have the least visual impact. This reduced visual impact is attributed to a combination of lower tower height, lower ground elevation, greater distance from Ross Cliff and its juxtaposition.

The proposed Site A tower would be visible, year round, from approximately 63 acres, and an additional 32 acres would have seasonal visibility. The proposed Site B tower would be visible, year round, from approximately 63 acres, and an additional 15 acres would have seasonal visibility. The proposed Site C tower would be visible, year round, from approximately 42 acres, and an additional 46 acres would have seasonal visibility. A 150-foot tower at proposed Site A and Site B would be visible from approximately six residences while 120-foot tower at proposed Site C would be visible from approximately five residences.

Access to proposed Site A would be via a new gravel drive extending from Klocek Road for approximately 300 feet. Utilities would be installed underground along the access road to the proposed Site A compound. Access to proposed Site B would be via an existing driveway for a distance of approximately 600 feet, then along a new gravel access road for a distance of approximately 80 feet. Utilities would be installed underground along the access road to the proposed Site B compound. Access to the proposed Site C compound would be via a new gravel access road extending from Ross Road for approximately 1,000 feet. Utilities would be installed underground along the access road to the proposed Site C compound.

AT&T Wireless would provide reasonable space on the proposed tower for any municipal public safety communications antennas at no cost to the Town.

Development of proposed Site A, Site B or Site C would not affect Connecticut’s archaeological heritage.

After considering the three proposed sites, the Council finds Site C preferable. The Town of Killingly Planning and Zoning Commission and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection indicated a preference for proposed Site C because it would have the least visual impact on the view from Ross Cliff. The Council will require that the Town of Killingly have the opportunity to review the Development and Management (D&M) Plan to comment on the construction of a monopole versus a stealth tower at the site.

Radio frequency power density levels at the base of the proposed tower 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 facility be brought into compliance with such standards. The Council will require that the power densities be remodeled in the event other carriers locate at this facility.

Based on the record in this proceeding, the Council finds that the effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the telecommunications facility at proposed Site C, 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, the Council will issue a Certificate for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 120-foot monopole at Site C, with antennas not to exceed 123 feet above ground level, located at 280 Ross Road in Killingly, Connecticut and deny certification of Site A and Site B.