NJN's Radio Tower Proposal Tonight Expected to Raise Local Concerns

Tonight's Township Committee meeting could become more contentious than usual with New Jersey Network's (NJN) information presentation to the Township Committee about constructing a new public radio station facility on the campus of the VA Hospital in Lyons.

The proposal is for NJN to build a transmit antenna on top of the NJ American Water Facility's Knollcraft water tank. According to plans submitted by NJN, the new antenna would be mounted on a poll 20 feet higher than the current water tower and three and a half inch pole, and a separate receiving antenna would also be attached to the side of the water tower.

"Currently the Bernards Township area is underserved by noncommercial FM radio services," NJN Engineering Assistant Director Rick Williams said in a letter to the Township Committee. "With this new station, NJN will be able to provide community award-winning National Public Radio programs like All Things Considered and Morning Edition, as well as NJN News and public affairs programs about New Jersey, and emergency broadcasting communications provided to NJN by the NJ State Police."

According to Environmental Commission member Jennifer Viola, several residents have raised concern about the potential negative health risks associated with being in the broadcasting range of a radio tower. At last night's Environmental Commission meeting Viola urged members to go to the Township Committee meeting tonight at 8 p.m. in Town Hall to express opposition to the plan.

Viola distributed materials that cited two studies, one from the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety and the other from the Alaska Science Forum, that recommend limiting radio radiation exposure due to a variety of potential health risks.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says on their website: "Public access to broadcast antennas is normally restricted, either through fencing, placement on a communications tower or installation in rugged terrain. However, there are some instances where overexposures of the general public may occur. In some cases, simple measures can be taken to prevent these overexposures, such as the installation of fencing or the posting of warning signs."

The informational presentation is scheduled for tonight before the Township Committee, starting at 8 p.m. in Town Hall at 1 Collyer Ln. All Residents are welcome to attend to express their comments, views and concerns.