Residents question PSE&G representatives about lines

Newton - Sussex County residents had the opportunity to speak with PSE&G representatives one-on-one about their concerns with the new and upgraded power lines that will pass through Andover, Byram, Fredon, Newton, Sparta and Stillwater Townships. These municipalities will be part of a 45 mile length of power line which passes through Sussex, Morris, Warren and Essex Counties. This segment is part of the Susquehanna-Roseland Project, which is a 500,000-volt transmission line to run between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This transmission line is recommended by PJM Interconnection LLC, which is responsible for planning the regional power grid, to meet reliability criteria, prevent overloaded lines and maintain the reliability of the electric service from Illinois to North Carolina. Representatives from various departments within PSE&G including their environmental and legal department were present. Members of PJM were on hand to explain the purpose of the grid, the reliability project and providing for future power needs. Experts answered questions regarding EMF’s (electromagnetic fields). There were specialists also available to provide assistance with the real estate impacts from the project, and zoom in on computerized maps to show residents where the easements are on their properties and where their land and home are located in proximity to the right-of-way for the power lines. George D. Sous, Regional Public Affairs Manager for PSE&G, considered this one-on-one approach with residents helpful for answers to their specific questions. Sous and Project Manager John Ribardo said they are working with municipalities to minimize impact. Sous and Ribardo said municipalities can point them in the best direction when it comes to the layout of the terrain in the townships. Ribardo said that crews were approached by residents amenable to providing property for work staging areas. People from Stop the Lines, a citizens group opposed to the Susquehanna-Roseland project attended the workshop. According to member David Slaperud, they are working with local senators, members of congress, Executive Director of Environment New Jersey Dena Mottola, and environmental groups including the Sierra Club. There is an online petition on Stop the Line’s Web site, which has currently exceeded 600 signatures. According to Tamara Linde, Vice President of PSE&G’s Regulatory Department, the next step is to file a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which includes legal and engineering aspects of the project, in addition to expert testimony. Linde said the Board of Public Utilities will be holding local meetings.