Residents of Yucca Valley and MorongoThursday night’s public scoping meeting was attended by many people who weighed in on a proposed communicationtower near Highway 62. Many of the attendees expressed concern about how the project might impact desert views, the surrounding environment, and property values.
Kimberly Keilbach, one the more than 80 residents that tuned in, stated that the tower would detractfrom the natural beauty and ruggedness of the landscape.
She stated, “This is absolutely going be dominant the view there.” “And that’s something I believe needs to be really, thoroughly considered.”
The BLM is currently reviewing a land-use amendment to the California desert Conservation Area plan for the proposed site. The agency stated that the project would improve broadband connectivity and telecommunications in the surrounding communities if approved.
InterConnect Towers LLC applied for a right of way to develop the site. This would include an access road and supporting facilities on approximately 2 acres of public land in Morongo Valleynear Canyon House Road. The toweras currently being proposed would be 196ft tall and have a triangular base that measures 23ft wide.
This site would not be the first InterConnect cell tower in the California desert. Another is positionedIn a rural area near Interstate 40. The tower was still in use by customers of AT&T and Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and T-Mobile as they drove past it on I-40. They could make phone calls, read emails, or stream videos. The company also hoped that it would build dozens of towers similar to it in California and Arizona. This would extend high-speed wireless internet service to areas with poor coverage and bring cell coverage to previously untapped areas like the stretch along Highway 62.
According to the BLM, potential environmental analysis areas for this project could include biological resources and environmental justice, geology & soils, paleontology, recreation and public accessibility, among many others.
Jessica von Der Ahe, another attendee at the meeting, wondered about the impact of the tower on the many bird species that call the Morongo Valley home.
She said, “If there are sound waves coming from this tower or any other, we have a quiet little basin and they will literally travel through.” Are the birds still coming to our basin, if they hear the sound and migrate out here? That is my number one concern.”
Representatives of the BLM stated that this type of information would be included in the final environmental assessment document.
“We have listened to you and we understand that you would like a bio survey report that includes birds and other wildlife relevant to the area as well as additional environmental health investigations. [about what]could have an adverse impact on the residents of the community,” stated Matt Toedtli who is a project manager with California Desert District (BLM).
Angie Langley, a resident, made one of the few comments of the evening supporting the project. She said that she recognized the need for reliable access for everyone but would like to see a coverage plan for the area.
She said that she has felt the economic and social impact of not having reliable internet, cell or phone service from her home. “… I know that my neighbors have many concerns. I for one am happy to see the progress in Morongo Valley.”
Many were concerned about the same thing: Will residents’ voices be heard? Joshua Wong wanted answers: “How seriously will BLM consider all of our comments?” Many of us worry that this is a done deal.
Toedtli assured him that public scoping meetings were “happening for reasons.”
“We need the public’s input,” he said. “And so that’s exactly what we’re currently doing.”
Thursday’s meeting was part of a 30-day public comments period that will end by March 21. According to the BLM, all “substantive” comments received by that date will be used to prepare an analytical. You can submit comments on anePlanning website, via email at [email protected] in writing.
The BLM will release an environmental assessment later. This will be followed by a 30-day public comment period.
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Amanda Ulrich is a Report for America corps member. Follow @AmandaCUlrich on Twitter.