Re Possible Tower Location By the View Royal Fire Hall - Dunster & Associates

Re Possible Tower Location By the View Royal Fire Hall

Following our site meeting on May 10th 2018 I have reviewed the options available for siting the planned radio tower mast on the bench area close by the View Royal firehall. I have laid out three possible options in the aerial view shown in Figure 1.

I have also shown the potential siting options in Figure 2, which is a panorama of the bench area. The setback from the edge of the cliff on the north side to the established trees seen in the background of Figure 2 is nine metres to the dripline of these trees, so that will define the available footprint there, unless these other trees (a hazel and a plum) are removed, which does not seem necessary. There is not a lot of soil on the bench, with what looks to be quite competent bedrock right at the surface.

Figure 1. Aerial view showing location options.

I understand that option 1 is the most desirable location as it would not require tree removal , is close to the building and would thus involve less disturbance and would cost less to install the cables required. The footprint of Option 1 would probably need to expand a little to accommodate the service shed but I am confidant we can work out a footprint to avoid the nearby pine tree (47 cm in diameter).

Option 2 shown here involves moving the mast over and removing the pine tree and probably one of the newly planted dogwood trees. The cable distance is longer and more expensive.

Option 3 would see the mast installed at the west end of the bench. Two newly planted dogwood trees would have to be moved (there are three but one is already dead), the pine tree could be retained, the cable cost would be higher yet due to the distance required for installation.

In options 2 and 3, retention of the pine tree is conditional on having the cable location situated beyond the dripline of the pine tree, regardless as to whether the cables required are trenched or cased in an overground concrete structure.

All of this is predicated on the assumption that the mast is a single tall column mounted on a concrete pad pinned to the bedrock. A minimum clearance of 2.0 to 2.5 metres of clearance between the mast and adjacent vegetation is assumed for climbing access.

Yours truly, On Behalf of Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd.

Dr. Julian A. Dunster, R.P.F., R.P.P., ISA Certified Arborist ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist # 378 ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Honourary Life Member ISA + PNWISA

Figure 2. View of the site and potential siting options.