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Planning commission approves Hayfork monopine tower with conditions after residents raise health and microplastic worries
Summary
After lengthy public comment from Hayfork residents raising electromagnetic health, microplastic and erosion concerns, the planning commission approved a Verizon‑proposed monopine tower conditionally — removing a recommended top‑of‑tower light and requiring post‑installation electromagnetic emissions testing; the vote was 4‑1.
The Trinity County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a Verizon monopine wireless facility near Hayfork after a contentious public comment period in which residents urged delays and independent review.
Opponents warned that the tower’s faux‑pine needles (PVC) and fiberglass branches can degrade and shed microplastics, and they raised worries about siting the monopine above a planned water‑treatment area, limited access roads and wildfire exposure. ‘A 110‑foot monopine contains thousands of pounds of plastic materials…these plastic fragments are carried by winds and rainfall into adjacent waterways,’ warned Lina Hadas, a Hayfork resident and attorney client representative.
Applicant representatives and county staff said the site will undergo standard soils, engineering and erosion controls as part of the building‑permit process and offered to provide a post‑installation electromagnetic emissions (EME) report. The applicant’s representative also noted routine quarterly maintenance and lease obligations that require sites be kept free of debris.
Commissioner Carol McIntosh moved to find the project categorically exempt under CEQA guidelines and adopt the conditional‑use permit; commissioners debated whether to retain an Airport Land Use Commission recommendation for a top‑of‑tower light. After discussion the commission approved the project but excluded the top‑of‑tower light and required the applicant to provide post‑installation EME testing. The motion passed 4‑1 (Commissioners McIntosh, Harper, Fall and Flights in favor; Commissioner Barrett opposed).
Opponents said the vote fell short of their requests for an independent environmental/material‑shedding study and a full evaluation of alternate sites; proponents said the added tower will improve local communications reliability and that engineering and code reviews will address erosion and foundation concerns during the building‑permit review.
The building permit and required technical reports will follow; staff said it will record any Notice of Exemption or further CEQA documentation as required.
