On August 3, 2005, Nextel Communications, Inc. (Nextel) submitted a petition to the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) for a declaratory ruling that no Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) is required for the modifications to an existing wireless telecommunications tower. The existing lattice tower is owned by Optasite Inc. On August 17, 2005, Council member Philip T. Ashton and Christina Lepage of the Council staff met with Nextel representative Thomas F. Flynn III.

The existing telecommunications facility was approved by the Council in Docket # 47.

The proposed project includes the installation of 12 antennas at the 120-foot centerline of an existing 150-foot lattice tower. Nextel would expand the existing compound and install a 12 foot by 20 foot equipment building and a pad for an emergency generator and future carriers. The existing compound would be expanded by approximately 2,000 square feet, of which Nextel would lease 450 square feet. Access to the tower would be via an existing driveway from Route 80.

The compound is located on a forested parcel that is used for commercial purposes, and zoned residential. The area surrounding the property is residential and rural.

The proposed project would provide increased coverage and added capacity in Guilford along Route 80, 79 and 77, as well as residential areas and surrounding state roads.

The proposed cumulative radio frequency electromagnetic radiation is below the ANSI/IEEE standard.

Nextel asserts that the proposed project would not require a Certificate because proposed modifications would not result in a substantial environmental effect and the proposed project will prevent the construction of a new tower in the area.