Borough explores potential for hydroelectric dam

SUSSEX — Sussex Borough could be getting into the power business — for itself. Borough officials are trying to determine whether they can install a low-flow hydroelectric dam at Clove Acres Lake that would generate renewable energy to power its water utility. Jeff Card, supervisor of the borough’s Department of Public Works, said he’s not sure whether a hydroelectric plant is viable since industry officials have informed him that such dams typically have to be close to the buildings or facilities they would support. In addition, the potential site of a dam at Clove Acres Lake is a few miles away from the borough’s water facility off Route 23 in Colesville. Card said he’s arranging a meeting with Renergeia LLC, of Westfield, a system integrator for renewable energy projects. He plans to meet with representative from that firm later this month to visit the lake and discuss possible options for building a hydroelectric dam.