On June 6, 2008, PSE&G announced a “Reliability Project” that would bring power to Roseland NJ from Pennsylvania along 1 of 3 possible routes (A,B, or C). They quickly held 3 sparsely-attended public meetings in the end of June, as the public was not well informed or aware of this project. Some towns, including Wantage and Byram/Lake Mohawk, asked PSE&G to host additional meetings so that the public could voice their opinions, and those meeting were quickly scheduled and held in mid- to late-July.

On August 5th, PSE&G announced that Route “B” was chosen. The proposal is now being referred to as the Susquehanna Roseland Project. The New Jersey portion will pass through Hardwick Twp, Stillwater Twp, Fredon Twp, Newton, Andover Twp, Byram Twp, Sparta Twp, Jefferson Twp, Rockaway Twp, Kinnelon Boro, Boonton Twp, Montville Twp, Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp, East Hanover Twp, and end in Roseland Boro.

Facts as we understand them
-The current ~85 foot high towers will be replaced with 180-195 foot high lattice structures towers or monopoles !!!
*They plan on using “dual conductor” and “quad conductor” lines, which will have 6 lines for the 230Kv, and 12 lines for the 500Kv. A total of 18 wires!

-PSE&G will add 500 kilovolt lines to the existing 230 kilovolt lines, a combination that does not currently exist anywhere within the PSE&G system as far as we know! Not enough is known of the health effects of EMF’s on people living close to lines carrying this much voltage.

-There is at least 1 school with ~350 children in attendance that is in close proximity to the lines in Fredon (Fredon Elementary), as well as several athletic fields, public open space, and recreation areas along the route. They would also run behind middle school and ballfields in Montville Township. And by Newton High and two in Andover.

-PSE&G has publicly stated that they will not compensate adjacent property owners for any decrease in property value that may be caused by this project.

-Our rural vistas and scenic surroundings are at risk, as is our “quality of life”.

-Environmental impact during drilling for monopoles is of concern. Will they have to do any blasting?

-It is believed that a vast majority of the proposed additional power transmitted through these lines will not be accessible to existing homes along the route, but instead may be sold to the greater New York area and other areas east of the proposed route. This potentially puts more profits in PSE&G’s pockets, and leaves the residents of the towns along the route to suffer the consequences of the eyesore created by the 180+ foot high towers, the health concerns of increased exposure to EMF’s, and decreased property values. ►Link to PSE&G presentation showing future possible routes to NYC (See pg 15 and 52)◄

-Many wonder, why can’t they run the lines straight along Route 80, or run the power in to NYC from the North or South? Or further promote conservation and eliminate the need for this additional power. The public would like to be more involved in the decision process. Even Mayor Bloomberg in NYC is trying to promote green energy in New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s thoughts
(Note: PSE&G states that they can’t bury 500KV AC lines, and that they can’t run the lines above ground along route 80)

- but, aren’t other companies burying lines?!!
Dailypage Article Fight to bury lines in FL Forcing Power Companies to Bury Lines Transmission & Distribution World article

According to this article, more transmission alone will not improve reliability !

Conservation. Alternative energies. Demand-side management. Alternate route. There MUST be a better way to improve the reliability of transmitting power to Roseland NJ and points east, without having the enormous impact these towers will have on the neighborhoods along PSE&G’s chosen route. Bringing in energy from PA and VA to Eastern NJ and points east is not a practical solution. This seems to be a project of Greed, not a project of need.

► Link to info on PSE&G Political Donations◄ ◄ click if you want an 18″ X 24″ sign

As population and the economy grow, it is essential that the highway system grow accordingly.