RAY BROOK — The Adirondack Park Agency is currently accepting public comment on a proposed new general permit to expedite the review for co-location, removal, or replacement of transmission equipment, or eligible facilities requests, on existing wireless facilities or base stations inside the Adirondack Park that meet certain eligibility criteria.

Eligible facilities requests are defined under Section 6409 of the Spectrum Act of 2012 and implementing regulations 47 CFR 1.6100. They are considered any request for modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station.

The APA will accept public comment on proposed general permit 2023-G1 until Sept. 29.

The Adirondack Park Agency is proposing to issue a new general permit/order that will:

1. Be available for use throughout the Adirondack Park;

2. Be effective from the date of issuance unless otherwise modified or revoked by the APA;

3. Authorize jurisdictional activities for structures in excess of 40 feet in height and major public utility uses, and/or as new land use or development pursuant to 809, 810, and 814 of the Executive Law (the Adirondack Park Agency Act) and Executive Order 150; and/or for activities within designated river areas pursuant to Article 15, Title 27, of the Environmental Conservation Law (the Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers System Act) and 9 NYCRR Part 577; and/or for activities involving wetlands pursuant to Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation Law (the Freshwater Wetlands Act), Executive Law 809(2)(a) and 810(1), and 9 NYCRR 578.2(a).

4. Allow for certain modifications of existing wireless towers or base stations that do not substantially change the physical dimensions of such towers or base stations and involves co-location, removal, or replacement of transmission equipment. These modifications may only occur on any existing wireless towers or base stations and are frequently undertaken by telecommunications and tower companies;

5. Include relevant mitigating conditions and conclusions of law, as specified in the general permit. The certification for the general permit/order will include standard conditions related to compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the submitted project plans; color; lighting; invasive species spread prevention; documentation of construction; and discontinuance of use, as well as optional conditions related to vegetative cutting; additional screening; machinery restriction at high elevation; and wetland protection, as applicable; and

6. Include procedures for the issuance of a certificate pursuant to the general permit, as specified in the general permit. The APA will issue a signed certification approving the project, pursuant to federal law, within 60 calendar days of receipt of a complete application for a proposal that meets the eligibility criteria.

This general permit will support the APA’s dual goal to help expedite improved cellular coverage within the park while maintaining the unparalleled scenic character of the Adirondacks, according to the APA.

For more information, visit the APA’s website at www.apa.ny.gov.

Public comments can be sent via mail to Ariel Lynch, New York State Adirondack Park Agency, P.O. Box 99, 1133 state Route 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977; via email at rpcomments@apa.ny.gov; or via phone at 518-891-4050.

Working in partnership with telecommunication providers, to date the APA has issued 559 permits for telecommunication projects insider the Adirondack Park including 157 new tower permits. For detailed information and maps visit www.apa.ny.gov/_assets/Towers/ParkTowers.html.