GPU Energy - ALTA Surveys

Location: Multiple Sites, NJ

CLIENT/OWNER: Reliant Energy (GPU)

The surveying department of Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. (BIA), which has offices in Norristown, the Lehigh Valley, and Hazleton, PA was selected by GPU Energy to support the energy company in its divestiture of a portion of its power generation assets. In October 1997, GPU announced its strategic decision to focus its business on energy transmission and distribution, resulting in the sale of all power-generating facilities. BIA conducted ALTA surveys and reviewed title reports on six New Jersey power plants and sub-stations that were under purchase agreement with Sithe Energies, a privately-held company based in New York.

BIA, used Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology to conduct the extensive surveys. GPS is a worldwide radio-navigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations developed by the defense department but now available for civilian use. GPS technology gives surveyors the tools for an even higher degree of accuracy on large projects compared to traditional methods while reducing the amount of time and number of personnel required to produce a quality product. Advanced forms of GPS can insure accuracy to within a few millimeters.

Survey teams from BIA’s Norristown and Trexlertown offices performed ALTA surveys and title reviews on the following GPU New Jersey properties:

Gilbert Generating Station – 231-acre complex along the Delaware River south of Phillipsburg, in Holland Township, Hunterdon County

East Fleming Substation – 54 acres in Raritan Township, Hunterdon County

Pequest River Substation – 24 acres in Belvidere, Warren County

Pohatcong Mountain Substation – 97 acres straddling Mansfield and Independence Townships in Warren County

Glen Gardner Substation – 14 acres in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County

HC Theurck Site – 194 acres in Hopewell Township, Mercer County