What is the project?
The project is to remediate and restore the site bordered by Littleton Avenue, 11th Avenue, and 7th Avenue in the West Ward of Newark. This site will be the location of the Fairmount Heights Switching Station project which will improve electric reliability in the City of Newark.
Why is the remediation project needed?
Prior to PSE&G’s purchase of the property there were several petroleum (fuel oil) underground storage tanks (USTs) on the property that were associated with the former industrial operations. One or more of these USTs leaked, causing a discharge of fuel beneath the property impacting the soil and groundwater.
How long will this project take to complete?
Remediation activities are expected to commence in May 2015 and scheduled to be completed by January 2016.
What are the hours/days that workers will be working on site?
Workers will be onsite Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday work may be needed.
Is there any potential for people to be exposed to soil contamination from the site?
No. All of the excavated materials are shipped by covered trucks off site for treatment and disposal, so there is no health risk.
Are local public water supplies affected?
No. Groundwater is not used as a source of drinking water in the City of Newark. The City of Newark drinking water supply comes from reservoirs located in the Pequannock and Wanaque watersheds of Morris, Sussex and Passaic Counties and is not affected by the site. Drinking water is conveyed by pipelines from these reservoirs and is tested regularly by United Water in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) safe drinking water quality requirements.
What is PSE&G doing to control dust?
Air monitoring equipment will be installed along the perimeter of the work area. Standard dust and vapor control measures (such as water mist, foam spray, and plastic sheeting) will be used to control potential dust and odor emissions during excavation activities.
What measures will PSE&G take to reduce any odors from the site?
There may be odors associated with excavation of the contaminated soils. Because odors can be detected by people at levels below what can be detected by an air monitoring instrument, and well below what would be considered a health concern, some detection of odors throughout the soil removal phase of this project may occur.
The project is following a Perimeter Air Monitoring Plan (PAMP). Air samples are collected from around the perimeter of the work site and air samples are analyzed by an independent New Jersey laboratory.
If I smell a natural gas odor is it related to the project?
The contaminated soils do NOT have an odor similar to that associated with natural gas. If you detect natural gas, you should call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or 9-1-1.
Why are workers on the site wearing protective gear?
In keeping with standard federal health and safety procedures, workers performing certain activities on site will wear personal protective equipment including Tyvek coveralls, which are one-piece garments (usually white) commonly worn by mechanics, painters, and laboratory workers where a disposable, one-time use coverall is needed. These garments are worn for a variety of reasons and their usage does not mean there is a hazard to the public. The work performed on-site is often messy and workers can choose to wear these garments to keep their clothes clean. Other protective gear may include gloves, boots and respirators.
How much truck traffic will there be during soil excavation?
We anticipate one truck to be entering or leaving the property approximately every 15 minutes, throughout the day. This frequency of trucks entering and exiting the site will not alter or impact traffic patterns in this area.
What is the truck route during excavation?
The Remediation Contractor will submit a proposed truck route designed to minimize truck traffic on residential roadways to the greatest extent feasible. A copy of the truck route will be provided to the City of Newark.
Where will trucks be staged during the excavation activities?
Trucks will be staged on the site, not on roadways surrounding the site.
When will the station construction phase begin?
Station construction will commence in the Winter of 2016, once the remediation activity is completed. Wall construction activities will begin in the Summer of 2016.
When will the station be in-service?
The station is expected to fully operational by the Summer of 2018.
Where do I go for more information?
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Fairmount Heights Project hotline at 1-800-931-7030.
