West Orange Compiled ZBA Application 5 15 24

Diana Chandler-Zimmermann, Zoning Board Secretary Township of West Orange May 15, 2024 Page 2 The entire property falls within a total of three (3) zones: the O-R Office Research District encompasses the station yard and a portion of the transmission ROW, whereas further to the northwest, the linear portion of the transmission line continues off-site through the adjoining Planned Unit Residential Development (PURD) Zone and R-5 Single Family Residential Zone. The Station consists of several buildings: a multi-story brick building, a one-story control house, and two (2) additional smaller-footprint single-story buildings. The station yards are surfaced with three-quarter inch (¾”) crushed stone and comprises of various spread concrete pad foundations which support outdoor electrical process equipment. The 230kV electrical equipment is secured by an internal eight foot (8’) high chain-link fence. A six foot (6’) high brick and mortar pillar and wrought iron fence secures the remaining property along Mount Pleasant and Prospect Avenues. The site frontage along each roadway includes a considerable amount of landscaping. There are two (2) access driveways which exist along Mount Pleasant Avenue and one (1) access driveway along Prospect Avenue. The Station is bound by office and retail businesses to the north, Mount Pleasant Avenue and a golf course to the south, Prospect Avenue and commercial businesses to the east and office and medical facilities to the west. Detailed Project Scope Use and Physical Changes The Station has been owned and operated by PSE&G as a public utility use at this location for almost 100 years and will remain a public utility use following the completion of the proposed site improvements. The station will continue to be unmanned, with visits by approximately one (1) to two (2) maintenance vehicles biweekly. The existing station yard will remain relatively flat to accommodate the installation of the proposed 2-story 26kV switchgear and additional pieces of electrical process equipment in the southeast corner. These improvements are similar in physical appearance to those which presently exist within the station. A linear stormwater bioretention basin system is proposed to be installed east of the 26kV yard and parallel with Prospect Avenue. Any trees cleared will be replaced with a suitable buffer along Mount Pleasant and Prospect

oretention basin system is proposed to be installed east of the 26kV yard and parallel with Prospect Avenue. Any trees cleared will be replaced with a suitable buffer along Mount Pleasant and Prospect Avenues. Additionally, PSE&G proposes to remove the antiquated perimeter wrought iron fence and replace it with a modern eight-foot (8’) decorative Ameristar fence along Mount Pleasant and Prospect Avenues, and a portion of the western Mount Pleasant Avenue access driveway. Electrical Upgrades in Detail Proposed electrical upgrades to the Station include the addition of a 26kV switchgear and feeder reactors. Cross-sectional views of these structures have been provided on the 26kV Outdoor Substation Sections Sheets 1 and 2. The maximum height of the proposed structures, including 26kV bus supports and lightning finials, are 28 feet and 45 feet, respectively. Additionally, PSE&G proposes six (6) 70-foot-tall lightning masts to protect the new equipment from lightning strikes. The new equipment will be outfitted with external security lighting. Lastly, underground duct work and several manholes are proposed within the front yard, all to remain at or below-grade. Civil Upgrades in Detail (Including Tree Removal) Proposed civil upgrades include the installation of shallow slab and spread footing foundations to accommodate the 26kV switchgear and feeder reactors. The new 26kV switchgear enclosure and new drive paths will be located in the southeast corner of the station yard. A series of small-scale bioretention basins with underdrains will be installed to the east of the 26kV equipment to collect any new runoff and treat it for water quantity and quality. The site grading within the yard will remain consistent with pre-construction conditions. A tree removal and replacement plan is provided to maintain a substantial buffer once the