Warming up to the idea of a solar-powered pump station

Oct, 28-2009 3:19 pm

By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer

EGG HARBOR CITY – Officials are considering the use of solar energy to power a sewer system pump station at Buffalo Avenue and possibly other locations.

The matter was brought to the attention of the governing body by Mayor Joseph Kuehner Jr. during the latter part of the Thursday, Oct. 22 City Council meeting.

Kuehner said he recently had a telephone conversation with Atlantic County Utilities Authority President Richard Dovey about the prospect of using solar energy for the pump station. Kuehner said excess solar power could be used to run other amenities or be sold back to Atlantic City Electric as credit.

“I think it’s a great idea, personally,” said Kuehner. “The step now that we need to take is saying we like the idea and to look into the details.”

Although no specifics were discussed, he told Dovey he would bring their discussion to the attention of City Council. Council showed that it’s receptive to the idea by authorizing a resolution in support solar power being used to run the city-owned pump station near Buffalo Avenue.

Kuehner said there is a tract of city-owned land nearby where a solar collection farm could be constructed.

He told The Current Tuesday, Oct. 27, that the city is looking at three options.

The first would involve a private company constructing a solar farm at a piece of property near Buffalo Avenue. The city would lease the property to the private company.

The second option would be a joint venture between Egg Harbor and the ACUA, with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority financing the construction of the solar farm. The city would lease the property to the ACUA.

The third option would be for the city to construct the solar collection station itself.

Kuehner said he prefers the first two options.

“The third option is the least attractive option and that is my personal opinion,” he added.

Planning Board Chairman Richard Colby also seems receptive to the idea.

Colby, who was present at the meeting, said using solar power has been discussed among Planning Board members for a number of years. He also said the city should look into grants to fund the green initiative.

The city does not currently use solar energy to power any of its facilities, Kuehner said.

Egg Harbor has and owns seven pump stations.

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