01-7875. Tentative Programmatic Agreement With Respect to Co-Locating Wireless Antennas on Existing Structures
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Start Preamble
AGENCY:
Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY:
In this public notice, we announce the issuance of a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement (Programmatic Agreement), attached as Appendix A, that streamlines procedures for review of collocations of antennas under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This Nationwide Programmatic Agreement has been executed by the Federal Communications Commission, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Start Further InfoFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joel Taubenblatt, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, at (202) 418-7240.
End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental InformationSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau previously sought public comment on a previous draft of this Programmatic Agreement by Public Notice released December 26, 2000. See Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on a Draft Programmatic Agreement with Respect to Co-Locating Wireless Antennas on Existing Structure, Public Notice, DA 00-2901 (rel. Dec. 26, 2000), 66 FR 795 (Jan. 4, 2001). The executing parties have considered all comments received in response to the Public Notice, and have made several changes to the draft agreement in response to these comments.
This is a summary of the Public Notice which includes the full text of the finalized and agreed upon version of the Programmatic Agreement. See Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Execution of Programmatic Agreement with Respect to Collocating Wireless Antennas on Existing Structures, Public Notice, DA 01-691 (rel. March 16, 2001). The Public Notice (including the Programmatic Agreement) is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington DC. The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231 20th Street, NW., Washington DC. 20036, (202) 857-3800. The document is also available via the internet at: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/siting.
Start SignatureFederal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
Appendix A to the Public Notice
Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Wireless Antennas
Executed by
The Federal Communications Commission, The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Whereas, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishes rules and procedures for the licensing of wireless Start Printed Page 17555communications facilities in the United States and its Possessions and Territories; and,
Whereas, the FCC has largely deregulated the review of applications for the construction of individual wireless communications facilities and, under this framework, applicants are required to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) in cases where the applicant determines that the proposed facility falls within one of certain environmental categories described in the FCC's rules (47 C.F.R. § 1.1307), including situations which may affect historical sites listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (“National Register”); and,
Whereas, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 470 et seq.) (“the Act”) requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Council) a reasonable opportunity to comment; and,
Whereas, Section 800.14(b) of the Council's regulations, “Protection of Historic Properties” (36 CFR § 800.14(b)), allows for programmatic agreements to streamline and tailor the Section 106 review process to particular federal programs; and,
Whereas, in August 2000, the Council established a Telecommunications Working Group to provide a forum for the FCC, Industry representatives, State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and the Council to discuss improved coordination of Section 106 compliance regarding wireless communications projects affecting historic properties; and,
Whereas, the FCC, the Council and the Working Group have developed this Collocation Programmatic Agreement in accordance with 36 CFR Section 800.14(b) to address the Section 106 review process as it applies to the collocation of antennas (collocation being defined in Stipulation I.A below); and,
Whereas, the FCC encourages collocation of antennas where technically and economically feasible, in order to reduce the need for new tower construction; and,
Whereas, the parties hereto agree that the effects on historic properties of collocations of antennas on towers, buildings and structures are likely to be minimal and not adverse, and that in the cases where an adverse effect might occur, the procedures provided and referred to herein are proper and sufficient, consistent with Section 106, to assure that the FCC will take such effects into account; and
Whereas, the execution of this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement will streamline the Section 106 review of collocation proposals and thereby reduce the need for the construction of new towers, thereby reducing potential effects on historic properties that would otherwise result from the construction of those unnecessary new towers; and,
Whereas, the FCC and the Council have agreed that these measures should be incorporated into a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement to better manage the Section 106 consultation process and streamline reviews for collocation of antennas; and,
Whereas, since collocations reduce both the need for new tower construction and the potential for adverse effects on historic properties, the parties hereto agree that the terms of this Agreement should be interpreted and implemented wherever possible in ways that encourage collocation; and
Whereas, the parties hereto agree that the procedures described in this Agreement are, with regard to collocations as defined herein, a proper substitute for the FCC's compliance with the Council's rules, in accordance and consistent with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations found at 36 CFR part 800; and
Whereas, the FCC has consulted with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) and requested the President of NCSHPO to sign this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement in accordance with 36 CFR Section 800.14(b)(2)(iii); and,
Whereas, the FCC sought comment from Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations regarding the terms of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement by letters of January 11, 2001 and February 8, 2001; and,
Whereas, the terms of this Programmatic Agreement do not apply on “tribal lands” as defined under Section 800.16(x) of the Council's regulations, 36 CFR § 800.16(x) (“Tribal lands means all lands within the exterior boundaries of any Indian reservation and all dependent Indian communities.”); and,
Whereas, the terms of this Programmatic Agreement do not preclude Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations from consulting directly with the FCC or its licensees, tower companies and applicants for antenna licenses when collocation activities off tribal lands may affect historic properties of religious and cultural significance to Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations; and,
Whereas, the execution and implementation of this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement will not preclude members of the public from filing complaints with the FCC or the Council regarding adverse effects on historic properties from any existing tower or any activity covered under the terms of this Programmatic Agreement.
Now therefore, the FCC, the Council, and NCSHPO agree that the FCC will meet its Section 106 compliance responsibilities for the collocation of antennas as follows.
Stipulations
The FCC, in coordination with licensees, tower companies and applicants for antenna licenses, will ensure that the following measures are carried out.
I. Definitions
For purposes of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, the following definitions apply.
A. “Collocation” means the mounting or installation of an antenna on an existing tower, building or structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
B. “Tower” is any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting FCC-licensed antennas and their associated facilities.
C. “Substantial increase in the size of the tower” means:
(1) The mounting of the proposed antenna on the tower would increase the existing height of the tower by more than 10%, or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty feet, whichever is greater, except that the mounting of the proposed antenna may exceed the size limits set forth in this paragraph if necessary to avoid interference with existing antennas; or
(2) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve the installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, not to exceed four, or more than one new equipment shelter; or
(3) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve adding an appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower more than twenty feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is greater, except that the mounting of the proposed antenna may exceed the size limits set forth in this paragraph if necessary to shelter the antenna from inclement weather or to connect the antenna to the tower via cable; or
(4) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve excavation outside the current tower site, defined as the current boundaries of the leased or owned property surrounding the tower and any access or utility easements currently related to the site.
I. Applicability
A. This Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement applies only to the collocation of antennas as defined in Stipulation I.A, above.
B. This Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement does not cover any Section 106 responsibilities that federal agencies other than the FCC may have with regard to the collocation of antennas.
III. Collocation of Antennas on Towers Constructed on or Before March 16, 2001
A. An antenna may be mounted on an existing tower constructed on or before March 16, 2001 without such collocation being reviewed under the consultation process set forth under Subpart B of 36 CFR Part 800, unless:
1. The mounting of the antenna will result in a substantial increase in the size of the tower as defined in Stipulation I.C, above; or
2. The tower has been determined by the FCC to have an effect on one or more historic properties, unless such effect has been found to be not adverse through a no adverse effect finding, or if found to be adverse or potentially adverse, has been resolved, such as through a conditional no adverse effect determination, a Memorandum of Agreement, a programmatic agreement, or Start Printed Page 17556otherwise in compliance with Section 106 and Subpart B of 36 CFR Part 800; or
3. The tower is the subject of a pending environmental review or related proceeding before the FCC involving compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; or
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the tower has received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National Register.
IV. Collocation of Antennas on Towers Constructed After March 16, 2001
A. An antenna may be mounted on an existing tower constructed after March 16, 2001 without such collocation being reviewed under the consultation process set forth under Subpart B of 36 CFR Part 800, unless:
1. The Section 106 review process for the tower set forth in 36 CFR Part 800 and any associated environmental reviews required by the FCC have not been completed; or
2. The mounting of the new antenna will result in a substantial increase in the size of the tower as defined in Stipulation I.C, above; or
3. The tower as built or proposed has been determined by the FCC to have an effect on one or more historic properties, unless such effect has been found to be not adverse through a no adverse effect finding, or if found to be adverse or potentially adverse, has been resolved, such as through a conditional no adverse effect determination, a Memorandum of Agreement, a programmatic agreement, or otherwise in compliance with Section 106 and Subpart B of 36 CFR Part 800; or
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the tower has received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National Register.
V. Collocation of Antennas on Buildings and Non-Tower Structures Outside of Historic Districts
A. An antenna may be mounted on a building or non-tower structure without such collocation being reviewed under the consultation process set forth under Subpart B of 36 CFR Part 800, unless:
1. The building or structure is over 45 years old; [1] or
2. The building or structure is inside the boundary of a historic district, or if the antenna is visible from the ground level of the historic district, the building or structure is within 250 feet of the boundary of the historic district; or
3. The building or non-tower structure is a designated National Historic Landmark, or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places based upon the review of the licensee, tower company or applicant for an antenna license; or
4. The collocation licensee or the owner of the tower has received written or electronic notification that the FCC is in receipt of a complaint from a member of the public, a SHPO or the Council, that the collocation has an adverse effect on one or more historic properties. Any such complaint must be in writing and supported by substantial evidence describing how the effect from the collocation is adverse to the attributes that qualify any affected historic property for eligibility or potential eligibility for the National Register.
B. Subsequent to the collocation of an antenna, should the SHPO/THPO or Council determine that the collocation of the antenna or its associated equipment installed under the terms of Stipulation V has resulted in an adverse effect on historic properties, the SHPO/THPO or Council may notify the FCC accordingly. The FCC shall comply with the requirements of Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800 for this particular collocation.
VI. Reservation of Rights
Neither execution of this Agreement, nor implementation of or compliance with any term herein shall operate in any way as a waiver by any party hereto, or by any person or entity complying herewith or affected hereby, of a right to assert in any court of law any claim, argument or defense regarding the validity or interpretation of any provision of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 470 et seq.) or its implementing regulations contained in 36 CFR Part 800.
VII. Monitoring
A. FCC licensees shall retain records of the placement of all licensed antennas, including collocations subject to this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, consistent with FCC rules and procedures.
B. The Council will forward to the FCC and the relevant SHPO any written objections it receives from members of the public regarding a collocation activity or general compliance with the provisions of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement within thirty (30) days following receipt of the written objection. The FCC will forward a copy of the written objection to the appropriate licensee or tower owner.
VIII. Amendments
If any signatory to this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement believes that this Agreement should be amended, that signatory may at any time propose amendments, whereupon the signatories will consult to consider the amendments. This agreement may be amended only upon the written concurrence of the signatories.
IX. Terminataion
A. If the FCC determines that it cannot implement the terms of this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement, or if the FCC, NCSHPO or the Council determines that the Programmatic Agreement is not being properly implemented by the parties to this Programmatic Agreement, the FCC, NCSHPO or the Council may propose to the other signatories that the Programmatic Agreement be terminated.
B. The party proposing to terminate the Programmatic Agreement shall notify the other signatories in writing, explaining the reasons for the proposed termination and the particulars of the asserted improper implementation. Such party also shall afford the other signatories a reasonable period of time of no less than thirty (30) days to consult and remedy the problems resulting in improper implementation. Upon receipt of such notice, the parties shall consult with each other and notify and consult with other entities that are either involved in such implementation or that would be substantially affected by termination of this Agreement, and seek alternatives to termination. Should the consultation fail to produce within the original remedy period or any extension, a reasonable alternative to termination, a resolution of the stated problems, or convincing evidence of substantial implementation of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, this Programmatic Agreement shall be terminated thirty days after notice of termination is served on all parties and published in the Federal Register.
C. In the event that the Programmatic Agreement is terminated, the FCC shall advise its licensees and tower construction companies of the termination and of the need to comply with any applicable Section 106 requirements on a case-by-case basis for collocation activities.
X. Annual Meeting of the Signatories
The signatories to this Nationwide Collocation Programmatic Agreement will meet on or about September 10, 2001, and on or about September 10 in each subsequent year, to discuss the effectiveness of this Agreement, including any issues related to improper implementation, and to discuss any potential amendments that would improve the effectiveness of this Agreement.
XI. Duration of the Programmatic Agreement
This Programmatic Agreement for collocation shall remain in force unless the Programmatic Agreement is terminated or superseded by a comprehensive Programmatic Agreement for wireless communications antennas.
Execution of this Nationwide Programmatic Agreement by the FCC, NCSHPO and the Council, and implementation of its terms, evidence that the FCC has afforded the Council an opportunity to comment on the collocation as described herein of antennas covered under the FCC's rules, and that the FCC has taken Start Printed Page 17557into account the effects of these collocations on historic properties in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations, 36 CFR part 800.
Federal Communications Commission.
Date:
Advisory Council of Historic Preservation.
Date:
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers.
Date:
End Supplemental InformationFootnotes
1. Suitable methods for determining the age of a building include, but are not limited to: (1) obtaining the opinion of a consultant who meets the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) or (2) consulting public records.
Back to Citation[FR Doc. 01-7875 Filed 3-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
Document Information
- Published:
- 04/02/2001
- Department:
- Federal Communications Commission
- Entry Type:
- Notice
- Action:
- Notice.
- Document Number:
- 01-7875
- Pages:
- 17554-17557 (4 pages)
- PDF File:
- 01-7875.pdf