Gas leak at PSE&G plant prompts precautionary emergency call in Ridgefield
New Jersey state police and local first responders were prepared to close the eastern extension of the New Jersey Turnpike if there was an explosion risk.
Crews were out in Ridgefield containing a gas leak at a power plant before it became a health hazard.
The Ridgefield Fire Department says that a call came in just before noon on Friday from the PSE&G natural gas-generating station, located just off the New Jersey Turnpike. Nearby residents reported smelling gas, according to officials.
Officials say PSE&G discovered the leak during a routine inspection. Customer service was not impacted, but it took crews four hours to declare the area safe and vent out the gas, authorities said.
New Jersey state police and local first responders were prepared to close the eastern extension of the highway if there was an explosion risk.
“They had major concerns over an explosion and if that explosion had happened, it would have a severe impact on the New Jersey Turnpike,” said Deputy Chief Gary Bonacci, with the Ridgefield Fire Department. “I was told that this valve handled 800 cubic pounds of natural gas at any one time.”
Fire officials said residents may still smell gas for a few hours.
