Local Officials Question Cell Tower Project Approval Amid Health and Safety Concerns

Concerns over a new cell tower project in Plumas County have sparked significant debate among residents and local officials during the recent Board of Supervisors meeting. The project, which is set to be located near residential areas, has raised alarms due to its potential health risks and property value impacts, as well as the lack of public outreach during the planning process.

Residents voiced their frustrations, highlighting that the county planning department allowed the project to proceed without soliciting public comment. Critics argue that this lack of engagement is particularly troubling given the health risks associated with living near cell towers, especially for those within a quarter mile of the proposed site. Studies suggest that property values could decrease by up to 10% for homes within sight of the tower, raising concerns about the financial implications for affected homeowners.

The planning director, Tracy Ferguson, provided details about the project, including its location and the companies involved. The cell tower, which is set to be 200 feet tall, is being constructed on a parcel zoned for timberland production, which, according to current regulations, is exempt from typical public notice and comment requirements. This exemption has led to accusations of the county sidestepping its responsibility to inform and involve the community.

During the meeting, supervisors discussed the need for transparency and accountability in the planning process. Some officials expressed a desire to investigate whether federal regulations, specifically those from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), were adequately followed, particularly regarding environmental assessments and tribal consultations. There are concerns that local codes may not sufficiently protect residents, and calls were made for a review of the regulations governing such projects.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the urgency of addressing these concerns and committed to exploring the possibility of obtaining further documentation from the tower's developers. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for how similar projects are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in local governance.