Verizon Cell Tower Proposed for 5541 Steamboat Island Rd NW

Tallest surrounding trees are about 118 feet high. The proposed tower is 150 feet tall.

Local residents have received notice of a proposal to install a 150-foot tall monopole with six panel antennas “and associated equipment cabinets” on the property of Robert Skillman at 5541 Steamboat Island Rd. NW.

The notice implies that an initial balloon test has already been conducted. In this test, a balloon is hoisted to a height equivalent to that of the proposed tower to assist planners and local residents in assessing the visual impact of the tower with respect to the surrounding landscape. A second balloon test is scheduled for “8 consecutive daylight hours between 7am – 7 pm on January 8, 2016 (primary) or January 22, 2016 (secondary) if weather does not permit the January 8th balloon flight.”

The application is now in its 20-day public comment period. The period expires 4PM on January 6, 2016. During this period, interested parties can ask to be added to a mailing list to receive the findings from the Hearing Examiner, when the Examiner’s decision is made.

We note the second balloon test is scheduled to be run after the public comment period has ended.

During this public comment period, residents may make comments by mail or email to the County’s Resource Stewardship Department. For additional information or to make a comment, contact Scott McCormick, MES, Associate Planner by calling (360) 754-3355, ext. 6372 or email mccorms@co.thurston.wa.us. Refer to Project Number “2015107101”. The Resource Stewardship Department is at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502 and online at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting

End of Public Comment Period: 4 PM January 6
Balloon Test: January 8 or January 22 (weather depending) for eight hours after 7 AM.

Additionally , there will be another 14-day public comment period when the environmental determination is issued. It appears the environmental determination has not yet been made.

Click here to view a copy of the Notice of Application issued by the County.

Click here to view a copy of Verizon’s plan for the installation.

Other items related to this project can be found on this page of the County’s web site. Click here and enter a search for Project Number 2015107101.

As of today, there are no third party reviews of wireless facilities listed on the County’s web page.

Local residents considering opposing this project are encouraged to contact Amy Ramsey at amy.foresthealth@gmail.com or (360) 878-2755.