PSEG: Still Looking Into Montclair Manhole Explosions

It’s been three weeks since manholes began exploding all over Montclair, but PSE&G workers are still baffled as to the root cause of the detonations.

On March 10, seven manholes exploded on Bloomfield Avenue, creating traffic backups that stretched into neighboring towns. On March 13, another manhole launched into the air near Grove Street. Then on March 23, yet another manhole explosion stunned Montclair and caused traffic jams near Bloomfield Avenue. [See related Patch article]

There were no injuries as a result of the explosions, township safety officials reported. But each incident caused massive traffic jams, one explosion created a large sinkhole on Bloomfield Avenue, and another briefly knocked out power to 850 homes in the area.

PSE&G: STILL INVESTIGATING

Brooke Fisher, a spokeswoman for PSE&G, told Patch that the utility provider considers the safety of their customers and employees a top priority.

“Clearly, these incidents are dangerous and we take them very seriously,” stated Fisher in an email.

Fisher told Patch that manholes can lift in any town or city, but urban areas are more susceptible because they have a higher concentration of underground infrastructure.

“Salt is often the culprit, especially in winter months,” added Fisher, who explained that road salt can melt with ice and drain into manholes, where it can corrode electrical equipment.

Explosions can also be caused by the presence of sewer gas, naturally occurring methane, natural gas, or burning cable insulation, stated Fisher.

But what is causing the explosions in Montclair?

“In two cases, the cause was found to be an electric fault, possibly caused by salt, but we don’t know for sure,” stated Fisher. “The other cause of the other incident remains undetermined. In that instance, there was no damage to our electric equipment. However, we did detect sewer gas in some of the manholes, so that may be the cause, but we do not know that with certainty. After multiple inspections, in all cases, no natural gas readings were found in or near any of the manholes. “

Fisher told Patch that PSE&G has stepped-up electric equipment inspections in the area, and has fully surveyed the area for any signs of natural gas leaks.

Photo caption: PSE&G workers perform roadwork on Bloomfield Avenue in 2014.

Send Montclair news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com