True to its environmental leadership position in the State of New Jersey, Montclair Township in recent months has been adding scores of projects geared to sustainable energy use. This month Montclair became the first municipal government in the region to implement wind turbine technology for its operations.

“We’re doing so many things that meet conservation objectives, that it’s hard to keep track of them all,” said Gary Obszarny, Director of Utilities for the Township. Obszarny has been assigned by Township Manager Joseph Hartnett to keep Montclair on the cutting edge of energy efficiency in its facility operations.

Utilities department workers installed the 2kW vertical axis wind turbines at township water utility facilities on top of First Mountain. The turbine will produce electricity for use in township operations. The helio-coil design is such that the turbine does not pose a hazard to raptors and other birds.

“This is a pilot program,” said Obszarny. “We will install 2kW solar panels by the end of the summer to measure the output of wind vs. solar energy which will help us determine the more cost-effective means of generating power for the Township at the water tanks location where wind potential is at its highest.

Montclair has applied for a rebate from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to help fund the wind/solar energy pilot program.

Additional energy conservation achievements in recent months at township buildings, fire stations and in operations include:

• Infrared light switches
• High-efficiency motors and pumps
• Computerization of HVAC systems for automatic setback and fuel conservation
• Thermal doors and windows
• T-8 high efficiency lighting
• Refurbishing old boilers and air conditioners with high-efficiency parts
• Installation of automatic sequencers in chillers to conserve fuel
• Converting from diesel fuel to biodiesel fuel
• High-efficiency variable speed motors at water pumping stations to conserve energy

“These are not necessarily highly visible items,” said Hartnett, “but they demonstrate Montclair’s leadership in the field of sustainability and how our commitment to the environment permeates everything we do in our municipal operations.”