Washington - Sep 7, 2011 - The Federal Communicaitons Commission has released a 148 -page Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) of the Antenna Structure Registration Program. Comments on the assessment are due to the FCC by Oct. 3, 2011. The debate about the effects of towers on migratory birds is an ongoing issue, and this document is designed to find suitable methods to determine proper tower construction requirements.

Tower owners with towers in areas where migratory birds could be affected by a tower's presence will be required to submit an environmental assessment. The plan suggests several alternatives in this process. In some cases, some towers could be excluded from the environmental assessment. The lengthy document provides details on the circumstances.

The FCC will hold a meeting to discuss the PEA on Sept. 20, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. ET.