Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
143 <br />using a trunked two -way VHFcommunicotionssystem. The system would include <br />microwave-technology 1) to interconnect the three (3) facilities; as well as to 2) <br />provide the backbone of a system to control major functions of the electrical <br />distribution system through the use of telemetric technology; and 3) enable the <br />rapid restoration of service in the event of a disaster. <br />Specifically, the Applicant is seeking to finish the last of a 3- component (i.e. <br />tower) project to enable a trunked two -way VHF communications system, the <br />other two components of which have already been approved by neighboring <br />Person and Caswell Counties, this proposed facility being the single remaining <br />component needed for the system to be complete and function as needed and to <br />bring Piedmont Electric Cooperative into compliance with the Homeland Security <br />Guidelines.. <br />SITING vis -a -vis ALTERNATIVES TO ERECTING A (Replacement) TOWER <br />The Applicant investigated four (4) possible alternatives to erecting the <br />Proposed replacement tower (i.e. existing towers). However, these have been <br />found and shown not to meet the needs of a secure and reliable communications <br />system as needed, for the reasons previously stated, including: <br />1) not providing the best coverage to assure the efficient and reliable <br />provision of electrical service, as well as assuring the most expeditious <br />restoration of service in the event of an emergency; and <br />2) not providing the best security, especially when dealing with something as <br />critical as the electrical distribution network; <br />The facility would be erected nearby to the existing 220' tower, it is intended <br />to replace and is sited so as to be in the middle of a large tract of woods to help <br />mitigate the visual impact of the base and the related on- tower- mounted <br />facilities. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />For the foregoing reasons, it is recommended that the County approve the <br />request for a Special Use permit for this facility in the most expeditious time <br />frame reasonably possible with the following conditions: <br />RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS <br />1) Removal Bond. The provision of a $75;000 Performance and Removal Bond <br />prior to the issuance of the Building Permit. <br />2) Height: The lattice tower shall be limited to 350' above pre - disturbance or <br />pre- construction ground level, i.e. no berm shall be permitted. <br />