Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Project

The Proposed Project would authorize construction, operation, and maintenance of a new Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Facility located near the existing tower on Leviathan Peak in Alpine County. The Project site, during and after construction, will be agency use only (federal, state, and local). The existing facility (to be removed) includes a 63-foot tower, generator, three 500-gallon propane tanks, and associated 10- by 19-foot concrete pad and existing solar array (including the associated 100- by 5-foot concrete pad) and lookout building. The Proposed Project would require a disturbed graded area limited to 58,310 square feet (shown on grading plan, Figure 2. Site Plan). Upon completion of construction, the new Leviathan Peak Telecommunication Facility would span approximately 43,400 square feet. New additions would consist of a 30- by 24-foot radio vault, a 15- by 12-foot generator vault, a 148-foot telecommunication tower with eight-foot lightning rod, a 50- by 50-foot concrete foundation and pedestals, two 12,000-gallon liquid propane tanks placed on a single 13- by 20-foot concrete pad, two 240-square foot photovoltaic solar arrays, and a new 12-foot-wide gravel access service road (approximately 690 feet in length). The radio vault would be 13 to 14 feet tall, (maximum of 16 feet tall), to accommodate venting and snorkels with sloped roofs due to accommodate snow depth. As shown on Figure 2, staging areas would be located on the existing loop road. Additional staging areas, if needed, would be within already graded/disturbed areas. The Project site would be fenced to protect the tower and photovoltaic array equipment. The following improvements would be removed after construction of the new facility, including restoration activities: ? Existing structures to be removed: • 63-foot tower (500 square feet) • Radio vault and fire lookout (700 square feet) • Three propane tanks and a concrete pad (600 square feet) • Solar array (900 square feet) • 25-square-foot portable radio shelter, 10-foot tall tower, 2- by 4-foot solar panel ? Revegetation (estimated 6,000 square feet). Revegetation includes the area occupied by and surrounding the former facility.