Info On USCG Tower

An open letter from Tahoma resident Ed Miller
December 5, 2008

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I had a long conversation with Bruce Eisner (California Tahoe Conservancy -CTC) yesterday, and with John Singlaub of the TRPA today. Here's the latest on the proposed USCG tower location. I have also attached a PDF file of the CTC's agenda for their next meeting. The first page contains the names of all of the Board members for your letter writing use.

The tower is part of a nationwide upgrade of the USCG's radio systems. It is called “Rescue 21”. The system is designed (by General Dynamics) to use triangulation to locate even faint marine radio distress calls, so the location/elevation of the tower is crucial. It also requires electrical power, and will have a back-up generator. It will be 150' feet tall, will be painted to match the surrounding forest, and will not be illuminated or have a red light on top. It will use UHF/FM frequencies, as opposed to microwave. Access to the site will not require a paved road as a snowmobile can carry the propane needed to re-fuel the back-up generator.

The TRPA has suggested some other locations including one atop Homewood Mountain Resort, and one at Crystal Bay (USFS land), above the fire tower. “Our” location is on the “short list”, but no final decision has been made

As far as the “process” goes, the USCG has not yet filed an application with TRPA. Once they do, there will be a series of public hearings, and all the other hurdles which will have to be satisfied, including compliance with CTC regs. John assures me that there will be no “surprises”, and we will not wake up one morning and find the tower erected.

I would strongly suggest writing to the TRPA Board, as well as the CTC Board, our County Supervisor (Norma Santiago), and even Senator Feinstein, who now owns a house in our fire district.

I asked John Singlaub to please give the USCG my name as a neighborhood contact, and I will keep you all informed. John also expressed that everyone is for public safety, but not in “my back yard”. He was not being sarcastic, but there is a ring of truth to that statement. I explained that we neighbors are concerned about our property values, our health (if there is harmful “radiation”), and of the aesthetic factor of having a big “erector set” tower in our back yard.

I think the TRPA and the CTC can be our allies in this situation as they have very strong regulatory powers. Again, as in my message about our resident deputy sheriffs, I would suggest rational communiques based on fact, not misinformation.

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season,

Ed Miller

Wild West Communications Group
Lake Tahoe
PO Box 346
Homewood, CA 96141
530-525-5201 Office
530-525-6033 Residence
530-525-4559 Fax

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