The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is expected to announce shortly that the Office of Management and Budget has approved the FCC’s new environmental notification process for antenna structure registrations.  The Bureau recently released a Public Notice covering the new process, and will host a webinar demonstration of the changes May 21, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Under the new procedures, the process for submitting an Antenna Structure Registration (“ASR”) application subject to the environmental notification involves two parts (applicants must continue to obtain FAA clearance as well).  The environmental notification process will apply to new tower registrations and most applications requesting a change in height, location, structure, or lighting.

Part One:  Applicants must submit a partially completed Form 854 through the online ASR system.  Information required includes tower lighting information and the date the applicant requests the FCC to post the proposed registration on its website for comment.  After submitting the partially completed Form 854, the applicant must provide local notice of the proposed tower registration by publication in a local newspaper or by other means.  Local notice must be completed on or before the date selected for the FCC to publish the proposed registration. 

Once the FCC posts the proposed registration on its website, the public will have a 30-day window to post comments and file a request for further environmental review.  After approximately 40 days, if no further environmental review is required, applicants may complete part two.

Part Two:  Applicants must amend Form 854 to provide the FAA study number and issue date, provide the local notice date, and certify that the tower will have no significant environmental impact.  At this point, if the application is complete, the FCC will process it.

In general, FCC regulations require tower owners to notify the FAA and obtain a determination of no hazard to air navigation before registering towers greater than 200 feet in height.  If you have any questions regarding antenna structure or the process for registering them with the FCC, please contact Scott Friedman at (312) 372-3930 or sfriedman@cm-chi.com.