The activities associated with the Proposed Action are: (i) placement of new aerial fiber upon existing utility poles within existing transportation rights-of-way (ROW); (ii) placing approximately 24 large underground vaults (30"1 x 48"w x 36"h), 215 medium underground vaults (17"1 x 30"w x 24"h), and 180 handholes (16"1 x 20"w x 17"h) within existing transportation ROW; (iii) placing one new fiber distribution cabinet enclosure on top of one vault within existing transportation ROW; (iv) placing new multi-port service terminals aerially and in the medium underground vaults, and (v) placing new underground conduit and fiber within existing transportation ROW as well as on private property. Based on initial site reviews, it is anticipated that no new poles would be necessary; however, in the event of such activities, potential impacts are assessed in this Environmental Assessment. Where fiber is to be installed aerially, the project would result in a single additional cable added to the communication space on existing utility poles along existing transportation ROW. The cable that encloses the fiber is less than an inch in diameter (between 0.51 and 0.73 inches), and it is black so that it is similar in appearance to the utility lines and equipment that are already present on the existing utility poles. No repeater cabinets or similar equipment enclosures would be mounted to any pole or support structure. In underground installations, the aerial fiber runs down the pole and then routes inside underground conduit that is located next to the pole. Ground disturbance will be minimal and in the areas previously disturbed when sidewalks, roadway, and median were installed.
SEPA Review: The City anticipates issuing a DNS for this proposal and the optional DNS process as specified in WAC 197.11.355 is being utilized. Consequently, this may be the only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of this proposal. A copy of the subsequent SEPA threshold determination for the proposal may be obtained upon request.
Public Comment Period: This notice was published on March 2, 2022. Written comments must be submitted to the contact person listed below by 5:00 PM on March 16, 2022.
Emily Morgan, Senior Planner; Phone: (360) 298-4350 Email: emilym@cityofanacortes.org; City of Anacortes, P.O. Box 547, Anacortes, WA 98221