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Hawthorne updates residents on PFAS treatment, roadwork and guardrail plans
Summary
The borough engineer reported progress on road and utility projects and on a PFAS resin replacement program; councilors pressed for clarifications about guardrail work near a gas line and whether PFAS testing will evaluate removed media.
The borough engineer told the council that the 2024–25 road program and remaining sidewalk restorations are nearly complete and that coordination is ongoing with PSE&G on guide-rail installation near the intersection of North Watchung Drive and the Ray Avenue extension because of a nearby gas service line.
Engineer Joseph Byrne said approximately 60% of galvanized service-line replacements are finished and restoration on Westervelt has begun. He reported that PFAS resin-replacement work and exchange for South stations is planned for May–June, with tank recoating scheduled for the fall when demand is lower.
Council members asked whether the removed PFAS media would be tested to assess how much PFAS it had captured; the engineer said he would confirm with staff whether testing of the removed media is planned and described monitoring points downstream of units that indicate when resin performance is degrading.
Members also questioned guardrail placement because an existing gas line runs very close to a guardrail post; the engineer explained driving posts within certain horizontal offsets is not advisable and that some hand digging will be required to install posts where necessary.
Why it matters: PFAS treatment is tied to water-quality and regulatory compliance; road and guardrail work affect public safety and the timing of traffic-control measures. Councilors sought clarity on testing and installation methods that could affect project costs and schedules.
What’s next: The engineer will follow up with staff about PFAS-media testing and coordinate with the contractor on hand-digging requirements for guardrail posts near the gas line. The borough will notify the public as necessary for road work and traffic impacts.
