At the Nov. 13, 2025 Trinity County Planning Commission meeting in Hayfork, a string of public commenters asked commissioners to block a proposed cell tower sited adjacent to the town’s water department and reservoir, saying the location threatens local water, wildlife and children.

In public comment, Tiffany Thurman said the tower “is one of the worst places it could possibly be put,” repeatedly likening the facility to a “giant microwave” next to Hayfork’s water supply and saying the installation would “blast our water supply.” Thurman warned of alleged health effects she attributed to microwave and Wi‑Fi radiation, including inflammation and disruption of cellular energy processes, and said those risks fall most heavily on children. “Nobody else can stop it except you guys,” she told the commission.

Sarah Sandoval, who said she has lived in Hayfork since 2017, told commissioners she moved there for its natural character and asked the commission to be “the no vote” for residents. Sandoval urged the commission to require the applicant to consider alternatives, suggesting restored landlines as one option and mentioning Verizon as the carrier referenced in public remarks.

Other speakers made related claims about frequency and water, and emphasized community ties and potential environmental impacts on migratory birds, otters and other wildlife that use the reservoir. Commenters signaled they may submit more extensive materials at a later meeting.

The transcript records these statements as public comment; the commission did not take action on the proposed tower during the Nov. 13 meeting and no staff or commission technical rebuttal to the scientific claims was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: the project’s proposed location next to the water treatment/reservoir was the focus of concern because residents tied potential environmental and health impacts to proximity. Commissioners heard the concerns but did not act on the proposal at this meeting; any formal application review or staff recommendation would appear on a future agenda if submitted.

What to watch for: whether the applicant or county staff place a formal permit or zoning item on a future agenda for review, and whether staff provide technical assessments (environmental, health, or engineering) that address the community’s questions.