West Orange_Additional Environmental Info_82924

Environmental Impact Memorandum August 29, 2024 Township of West Orange Page 1 1.0 Project Description Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is applying for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan Approval in connection with upgrades to our West Orange Switching Station located at the above-referenced address. The improvements will bolster the existing 26kV system to increase reliability of service to customers within the Township of West Orange and surrounding municipalities in Essex County. The Switching Station directly connects to PSE&G facilities in Caldwell, Irvington, East Orange, and South Orange and is part of a larger electric grid. This upgrade is being referred to as the 26kV Lifecycle Project, where the intent is to remove and replace outdated 26kV equipment. 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 1-story 26kV switchgear, feeder reactors, 26kV bus supports, shallow slab and spread footing foundations to support the equipment, and new drive paths in the southeast corner. Additionally, PSE&G proposes six (6) 70-foot-tall lightning masts to protect the new equipment from lightning strikes. 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 Avenues. PSE&G also proposes to remove the antiquated perimeter wrought iron fence and replace it with a modern eight-foot (8’) decorative Ameristar-brand fence along Mount Pleasant and Prospect Avenues, and a portion of the western Mount Pleasant Avenue access driveway. 2.0 Site Description and Inventory 2.1 Types of Soils The 26 kV yard is located in a previously disturbed area. Soil inventory information can be found in the Stormwater Management Report; in Section 1.4, Soils, and in Appendix E, Subsurface Investigation.