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Planning board approves T‑Mobile antenna replacements at 13 Environmental Drive with engineering review condition
Summary
The Planning Board approved replacement of antennas and ground equipment at the 13 Environmental Drive telecommunications tower (town‑owned site), subject to engineering review to determine whether a Conservation Commission determination is required and to restore disturbed areas within the compound.
The Millis Planning Board on Sept. 9 approved T‑Mobile’s request to replace six antennas and associated ground equipment at the town‑owned telecommunications tower at 13 Environmental Drive, with conditions that the project be reviewed by the town engineer to determine whether a Conservation Commission determination is required and that the site be restored after work.
Dominica Tatasori of Crown Castle USA, representing T‑Mobile Northeast LLC, told the board that the proposal is an "even swap" of three antennas at the 145‑foot centerline and three at the 135‑foot centerline, with no increase in tower height or compound size and with the concealment shroud remaining unchanged. Tatasori said structural analysis showed ample capacity (report cited 27.4% reserve) and that cumulative radio‑frequency emissions are well below FCC limits (quoted at 0.33% of the general population exposure limit).
Board members and staff discussed whether the work, although limited to equipment replacement within the compound, requires filing for a Conservation Commission determination of applicability because the compound is adjacent to wetland areas and the work may disturb ground or require erosion controls. Planning staff and members recommended asking the town’s consulting engineer to confirm whether ConCom jurisdiction applies; the board included that review as a condition of approval.
The board’s motion also reiterated the town’s request that any gravel or surface disturbed during the work be restored to at least the pre‑existing condition. The applicant noted there would be no excavation associated with the equipment swap and that erosion control measures such as straw waddles were proposed within the compound.
The Planning Board also discussed local communications needs after a town official noted a dead‑zone in public‑safety radio coverage near the tower. The board asked staff to coordinate with Crown Castle and the town’s real‑estate/lease manager about exploring additional carrier or equipment options when the lease comes up for renewal in 2029; Crown Castle agreed to follow up with the town.
The board voted to approve the modification with the stated engineering/conservation review and site‑restoration conditions; staff will draft the written decision incorporating those conditions.
