Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Replacement of a Communications Tower Environmental Assessment

Date: May 2, 2014
Contact: General Park Information:, 305-242-7700
Contact: Media contacts only: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Verizon Application Project Manager: Michael Jester, 305-242-7771

HOMESTEAD, Florida - The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed replacement of an NPS owned radio tower at the Dr. Bill Robertson Research Center within Everglades National Park. Verizon Wireless Personal Communications, LP (Verizon Wireless) has applied for a Right-of-Way Permit to replace the existing 250 foot, guyed radio tower (currently supporting NPS radio repeaters) with a self-supporting wireless telecommunications tower of the same height, and to install a pre-fabricated equipment shed, fenced compound, and possible access drive. The NPS is required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and NPS Management Policies to consider applications for installation of wireless telecommunications facilities (WTF) on NPS lands. 

The NPS invites the public, agencies and other interested parties to identify issues, impact topics and potential alternatives to be considered in the EA.   The EA will evaluate potential impacts on the physical and human environment that could result from the proposed action and alternatives including a no action alternative which would not permit replacement of the communications tower. 

The public comment period endsJune 3, 2014. The public can view the Public Scoping Notice and submit comments directly on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) sitehttps://parkplanning.nps.gov/EVER. Select "Replacement of a Communications Tower in Everglades National Park" in the "Open for Comment" box. The Verizon Right-of-Way Application can be viewed by clicking on "Document List" in the Project Links column.

Written comments should be mailed byJune 3, 2014to: National Park Service, Attention: Brien Culhane, Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.

All comments submitted will be considered in preparing the EA. Once the EA is completed, it will be made available for public review for 30 days.

A copy of thePublic Scoping Notice is attached to this news release for your convenience. 

For more information or questions about the Replacement of a Communications Tower Project, contact Michael Jester, Project Manager at 305-242-7771 ore-mail us.

 

Download PDF - Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Replacement of a Communications Tower - Environmental Assessment

Download PDF - Public Scoping Notice_ Replace Communications Tower EA_2May2014 2014