FAQ – Property Owners

There are many factors that determine how much a property is worth on today’s real estate market. Since the line will be constructed on a transmission line that has existed since the 1920s, we do not believe that this line will affect the value of nearby properties and have no plans to provide compensation for perceived loss of value. PSE&G will, however, reasonably compensate property owners for additional property rights to the extent they are impacted during the construction phase.

PSE&G will look at each property adjacent to the right of way on a case-by-case basis if an owner approaches PSE&G with the intent of selling. If PSE&G has a need to use the property for the project, it may consider purchasing the house and property at fair market value as established by a third-party appraisal.

Yes. PSE&G is required to repair property damaged by construction-related activities.

If additional property rights are required for the project, PSE&G will follow the process set forth under New Jersey law. An independent third-party appraisal of the required property rights will be obtained and an offer of purchase will be made by PSE&G in line with the appraisal. If PSE&G and the land owner can agree on a price, PSE&G will pay the agreed upon amount and the land owner will grant the rights. If an agreement cannot be reached, PSE&G may petition the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and seek the powers of eminent domain to acquire the necessary property rights. In that event, the price will be established by the condemnation court based on appraisals and possibly additional evidence.

To ensure PSE&G has continuous rights to operate and maintain the line, the easements will be recorded in the chain of title.

PSE&G has retained Commonwealth Associates Incorporated (CAI), an engineering and right-of-way acquisition company with experience in transmission lines, to obtain the necessary property rights for the project. CAI employees will conduct individual negotiations with each affected property owner.

PSE&G may request prior access to conduct preliminary work such as a survey, delineate wetlands and/or conduct an appraisal to determine the amount of land needed and the value of an easement. In that case, the land owner will be asked to sign a right of entry document allowing PSE&G onto the property for only these limited purposes.

The right of way will be maintained in accordance with all current state and federal regulations.

There may be very limited tree removals necessary for the construction of this project. Most of the vegetation maintenance is necessary to comply with the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regulations.

The overwhelming body of scientific study shows no definitive link between EMF and human health issues. Since 1977, concerns over magnetic fields and possible health effects have been the subject of numerous scientific and regulatory review panels, and extensive research and studies continue to be funded in this field of study. After nearly 30 years of worldwide research, there are no direct or causal links between electric and magnetic fields and adverse health effects. New Jersey has standards regarding maximum permissible electric fields at the edge of transmission line rights of way. However, there are no state standards with regards to magnetic field levels nor are there any federal rules, regulations or standards for either electric or magnetic field levels. Magnetic fields from appliances like hair dryers, microwave ovens, and motorized appliances are often stronger than the fields directly beneath power lines. PSE&G will design and install this line according to appropriate state and federal guidelines related to safety and environmental impact.

In March 2009, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services issued a letter addressing Rockaway Township’s concerns about the potential cancer risk from exposure to EMF. Based on current research findings, the Department of Health and Senior Services believes that the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line does not pose any long-term health risks.

• PSE&G EMF brochure

Yes. PSE&G will be using industry best practices to minimize, and in many cases, reduce the magnetic fields that result from the new circuit. The use of cancellation techniques is a low or no cost option, and PSE&G anticipates using this technique.

PSE&G and its contractors are committed to ensuring the safety of the public, as well as their respective employees. All appropriate worksite safety practices and procedures will be enforced throughout the project.

Depending upon atmospheric conditions, the existing and new lines can sometimes produce some audible noise associated with the phenomena known as “corona”. The line is being designed to conform to New Jersey statutes regulating audible noise at the edge of the right-of-way.

Similar to audible noise, the line can sometimes emit localized radio frequency or RF noise. The line is being designed to conform to allowable RF noise emission levels. Generally, FM radio signals are immune to RF noise, while AM radio signals can be affected by many noise sources including things as common as vehicle ignition systems, household appliances and local power distribution facilities.