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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA)

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An Environmental Assessment (EA) is required by the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) for proposed communication towers in order to comply with their environmental rules described in 47 C.F.R. Part 1, Subpart I, Subsections § 1.1307 through § 1.1319, which are procedures implementing the National Environmental Protection Action (NEPA) of 1969. The EA presents findings in a factual manner that explains the environmental consequences for proposed communication towers within the framework of these rules.

Viewpoint Technical Group prepares each EA following the rules described specifically in § 1.1307 and § 1.1311. The delivered EA report will present the required environmental information using available public and client provided sources, including maps, aerial photographs, reports and other documents, and correspondence with applicable agency specialists. It will include a description of the proposed communication tower, the site characteristics, the surrounding area characteristics, and site selection criteria. The EA will specifically include information on whether the proposed communication tower:

• Is a local source of controversy on an environmental basis;
• Is located in an officially designated wilderness area;
• Is located in an officially designated wildlife preserve
• May affected listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitats;
• May affect districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects, significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering or culture, that are listed or are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places;
• May affect Indian religious sites;
• Is located in a flood plain;
• Will involve significant change in surface features (e.g., wetland fill, deforestation or water diversion);
• Will have an environmental effect pertaining to the site zoning classification;
• Will have high intensity white lights that are to be located in residential neighborhoods as defined by applicable zoning law; and/or
• Will cause human exposure to levels of radiofrequency radiation in excess of rule limits.

The objective is for the Commission or Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) to determine whether the proposed communication tower will or will not have a significant effect on the environment. Additional information, agency comments, project amendments, or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may possibly be requested by the Commission or Bureau based on their determinations. The EA should accompany FCC Form 601 or 854, as applicable, when filed.

Viewpoint Technical Group provides responsive, high quality EA deliverables, covering your needs for environmental compliance with FCC rules and regulations. Contact us today for more information or for a fast, straightforward quote for your next project.