How to Obtain the Air Quality Forecast in New Jersey

Purpose:

Identify the Air Quality Forecast to determine if Emergency Generator can or can not be used for normal testing/maintenance on a specific day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: EMERGENCY GENERATORS CAN BE USED WHENEVER NEEDED FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES, REGARDLESS OF THE AIR QUALITY. The procedures below apply only to normal testing and maintenance usage. They do not apply to emergency usage. In order for an event to be classified as an actual emergency (see definition of “emergency generator” at N.J.A.C. 7:27-19.1), there must be a voltage reduction issued by PJM and posted on the PJM internet website (www.pjm.com) under the “emergency procedures” menu.

Background:

Emergency Generators might not be allowed to operate for normal testing/maintenance on a certain day, depending on New Jersey’s Air Quality for that day, in accordance with the Department’s rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-19.2(d).

New Jersey’s Air Quality is based on the National Air Quality Index System, which looks at 5 major pollutant levels currently in the air, compares those pollutant levels to established health standards, and then gives the air a current rating (or grade), such as “good” or “unhealthy.” The prohibition from testing/maintaining Emergency Generators on certain days is designed to:

  • ensure that NJ’s air quality does not get worse on those days with unhealthful air, and
  • help protect the public health from the harmful effects of unhealthy air.
Procedure:

Check the air quality forecast the day before the tentative Emergency Generator normal testing/maintenance date using the following procedure:

  • After 4:00 pm on the day before the emergency generator will be used for normal testing/maintenance, go to:
Air Quality Conditions and Forecasts
  • Read the “Forecast” column for tomorrow’s date.
  • If this column lists the air quality anywhere  in NJ as Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups , Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, or Hazardous, then you CAN NOT do the testing/maintenance tomorrow.
  • Reschedule your testing/maintenance for another day.
  • Remember to re-check the Air Quality Forecast after 4:00 pm on the day before the
    day that the Emergency Generator has been rescheduled to be operated for normal
    testing/maintenance.
Summary:
Can perform routine testing & maintenance of Emergency Generator
Good Air Quality
Moderate Air Quality
Can't perform routine testing & maintenance of Emergency Generator
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Air Quality
Unhealthy Air Quality
Very Unhealthy Air Quality
Hazardous Air Quality
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