Project Links
Issue Permit for Installation of Public Telecommunications Equipment (2009)
North Cascades National Park Service Complex » Issue Permit for Installation of Public Telecommunications Equipment (2009) » Document List
In 2009, the National Park Service completed the enclosed Environmental Assessment to Issue a Permit for the Installation of Public Telecommunications Equipment in order to evaluate a revised request from a public telecommunications carrier, Westgate Communications, LLC (WeavTel), to install and operate telecommunications equipment in the Lower Stehekin Valley in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The proposed telecommunications system would provide public phone service in accordance with the Universal Service Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
In 2001, a resident of the Stehekin Valley petitioned the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for public phone service in Stehekin. In response, the WUTC issued a request to the telecommunications industry for proposals to provide phone service. WeavTel responded and was granted eligibility to provide phone service. Their proposal required a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service (NPS) to occupy federal lands in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
In response, in 2005, the NPS completed an environmental assessment (EA) of WeavTel's proposal and determined the proposal would not have a significant impact on the human environment. The NPS agreed to issue WeavTel a permit for the proposed phone service provided WeavTel could (a) acquire easements from private landowners whose property crosses the lower Stehekin Valley Road and Company Creek Road—or demonstrate that easements were not required and (b) secure all necessary permits and approvals from Chelan County (please see archived project: Issue Permit for a Phone System in the Stehekin Valley). WeavTel then revised their proposal, and those revisions required preparation of this revised environmental assessment.
The Environmental Assessment for this revised proposal evaluated two alternatives: (A) No Action; and (B) Issue Permit for Installation and Operation of a Telecommunication Infrastructure in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
On May 27, 2009, the National Park Service (NPS) concluded the environmental impact analysis process and determined in accordance with a U.S. District Court order that it would issue WeavTel a Special Use Permit to install public telecommunications equipment and infrastructure on NPS land within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (implementation of Alternative B).
The details of this decision, including a summary of the proposed action and its anticipated impacts to the human environment, are provided in the decision document entitled "Finding of No Significant Impact". This decision document, the Environmental Assessment, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions are available for downloading by clicking the link to the left entitled "Document List."
360-854-7328
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
http://wutc.wa.gov/home
In 2001, a resident of the Stehekin Valley petitioned the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for public phone service in Stehekin. In response, the WUTC issued a request to the telecommunications industry for proposals to provide phone service. WeavTel responded and was granted eligibility to provide phone service. Their proposal required a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service (NPS) to occupy federal lands in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
In response, in 2005, the NPS completed an environmental assessment (EA) of WeavTel's proposal and determined the proposal would not have a significant impact on the human environment. The NPS agreed to issue WeavTel a permit for the proposed phone service provided WeavTel could (a) acquire easements from private landowners whose property crosses the lower Stehekin Valley Road and Company Creek Road—or demonstrate that easements were not required and (b) secure all necessary permits and approvals from Chelan County (please see archived project: Issue Permit for a Phone System in the Stehekin Valley). WeavTel then revised their proposal, and those revisions required preparation of this revised environmental assessment.
The Environmental Assessment for this revised proposal evaluated two alternatives: (A) No Action; and (B) Issue Permit for Installation and Operation of a Telecommunication Infrastructure in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
On May 27, 2009, the National Park Service (NPS) concluded the environmental impact analysis process and determined in accordance with a U.S. District Court order that it would issue WeavTel a Special Use Permit to install public telecommunications equipment and infrastructure on NPS land within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (implementation of Alternative B).
The details of this decision, including a summary of the proposed action and its anticipated impacts to the human environment, are provided in the decision document entitled "Finding of No Significant Impact". This decision document, the Environmental Assessment, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions are available for downloading by clicking the link to the left entitled "Document List."
Contact Information
Elly Boerke, Environmental Protection Specialist360-854-7328
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
http://wutc.wa.gov/home