A communications tower within Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was the subject of a recent settlement agreement

A settlement agreement was signed recently regarding a 205-foot communications tower that was built within Kenai National Wildlife Refuge without proper authorization.  The tower, located within the Swanson River Oil Field, is utilized by both the oil and gas industry and a communications company and serves as a significant repeater site for cell phone coverage in the local area.  The agreement requires payment to the United States of $24,020.22, which represents the estimated commercial rental rate for the tower during the past 6 years.  In addition to the payment, the agreement requires the completion of an environmental assessment.  If a finding of no significant impact results, the Fish and Wildlife Service will issue a right-of-way permit for the activity with stipulations necessary to protect birds and other wildlife.  One important condition of any permit would include the provision that the tower may remain only for so long as valid oil and gas operations are taking place and not solely to serve as a cellular repeater site.  The agreement came after several years of investigation and negotiation and with significant involvement of the U.S. Attorney's Office.