BELLEVILLE, NJ — When Belleville residents learned that PSE&G was building a new power substation in their neighborhood, they had serious questions for the utility company and local officials.
Now, some serious answers are available, township officials say.
Belleville residents living near the ongoing construction recently got a letter about the project, which is taking place on the company’s right-of-way between Carmer Avenue to the north and Bremond Street, Beech Street, Floyd Street and White Oak Terrace to the south.
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“The project will redistribute loads from nearby stations and will initially supply power to approximately 12,000 customers. This project is one example of how PSE&G is upgrading its electric infrastructure to meet the evolving energy needs of our customers.”
The project received local zoning board approval in December 2021, she noted.
Construction is expected to be “substantially complete” by the end of the summer, according to PSE&G. Residents with questions or comments can contact the company at 1-800-901-5035.
TOWN HALL MEETING
On Feb. 12, Belleville town officials held a public meeting with PSE&G representatives to give local residents a chance to ask questions about the project.
Miss the meeting? Here’s your chance to catch up, officials say:
“As promised to the residents who attended the Town Hall-style meeting with PSE&G representatives, the township would make the requested documents available for viewing and downloading. To that end, we have created a special page on the township website for such documents. While we begin with two documents, we encourage residents to check back regularly for updates.”
As of Tuesday, the webpage includes links to the site plans, an evaluation of future site sound emissions, and information about electric magnetic fields and EMF radiation power lines.
According to the sound emissions study – which was conducted by Ostergaard Acoustical Associates – equipment that will be installed at the new 230/13kV substation includes power transformers, station light and power transformers, a control house, a switchgear enclosure and other ancillary items.
“Analyses show that sound emissions from the proposed future substation equipment will meet all sound limits required by the state of New Jersey noise control regulation,” the study stated.
Researchers added:
“Once equipment is in service, analyses show that typical substation operation from on-site transformers will meet all applicable code limits by appropriate margins as well as be similar in level to existing background sound in the area. When cyclical HVAC equipment is operating, site sound emissions will continue to meet code limits and be similar to median sound levels in the area. Site sound is expected to blend into sound in the area. In the event that a contingency plan mobile transformer is required on site, the sound emissions from mobile transformer will meet the 50 dB(A) nighttime residential code limit with the inclusion of a noise control barrier. Overall, the proposed substation will not have a negative acoustical impact to the area.”
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The links on the township’s webpage also include responses to some of the questions that were raised during last month’s town hall forum.
They include:
Question: Residents asked why they have noticed increased flooding in their backyards since construction began?
Answer: PSE&G is actively managing any concerns related to drainage. Residents are asked to call the Hotline number if any new flooding is noticed.
Question: When will the drainage system be fully completed?
Answer: The permanent drainage system installation is still underway, and final grading is expected to be completed by the end of summer. Until then, PSE&G will continue to actively manage drainage concerns.
Question: Are there potential health risks associated with living near an electrical substation?
Answer: When planning any electrical substation construction, PSE&G conducts a thorough Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) study to assess electrical effects in the area and to ensure that EMF levels are in compliance with applicable safety standards. The results of this study were reviewed and discussed at the zoning board meeting.
Question: How are lightning strikes addressed in the design of the electrical equipment?
Answer: Lightning protection is a critical aspect of our facility's design. Our electrical equipment and grounding systems are specifically designed to withstand lightning strikes.
Question: Why was there elevated noise levels during the construction period, and what measures have been taken to address this?
Answer: Construction activities, particularly during oil processing, can generate elevated noise levels temporarily. However, this phase has been completed. To address noise levels during normal operation of the substation, PSE&G conducted a comprehensive noise study that confirms the substation will be in compliance with noise level regulations. The results of this study were shared at the zoning board meeting. Residents are encouraged to report any specific noise complaints to our hotline for immediate attention.
Question: What was the cause of the oil-like smell reported by residents, and has it been addressed?
Answer: The oil-like smell was likely related to transformer oil processing, which has since been completed. Should residents notice any lingering smells or other odors, we urge them to report it promptly to our hotline for investigation.
Question: What are the plans for nighttime lighting in the vicinity?
Answer: Our current plan includes the installation of permanent lights that are designed to provide adequate illumination for safety purposes while minimizing light pollution concerns. PSE&G will monitor the nighttime lighting upon completion of the new installation.
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