December 9, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Vegetation management along power distribution lines in Robbinsville Township will be performed by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) tree contractors beginning this week to help enhance electric service reliability ahead of the 2021-22 winter storm season.
The bulk of the work includes removing approximately 93 trees – the majority of which are Ash trees damaged by the Emerald Ash Borer (beetle) – along four JCP&L circuits throughout the Township. These areas include potentially high incident parcels where storm impacts could cause damage to electrical infrastructure resulting in possible outages, road closures and other public safety concerns. Residential areas within the project scope include, but are not limited to, Hankins Road, Tindall Road, Woodside Road, Perrineville Road and Main Street. Work is expected between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with a targeted completion date by month’s end.
Other trees of some concern not marked for removal will be trimmed or pruned. Although it is not possible to predict all tree-related problems, JCP&L’s vegetation management program is designed to maintain proper clearances around electrical equipment and to help protect against outages caused by ice and heavy, wet snow on tree branches.
“We have been in consistent contact with JCP&L over the past year, and this effort is a priority that we expect will enhance electric service to their customers and our residents,” Mayor Dave Fried said. “We are very pleased with the increased communication with the current JCP&L team assigned to address our needs, and each is committed to doing whatever is necessary to mitigate power disruptions not only this winter, but years into the future.”
When appropriate, the Township will begin replacing the removed trees with plantings in less vulnerable areas using JCP&L’s “Right Tree, Right Place” guidelines. Named a “Tree City USA” community for the 10th time in 2021, Robbinsville has planted close to 13,000 trees since 2013.JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in Central and Northern New Jersey, including approximately half of Robbinsville’s 5,259 homes and numerous commercial properties.
