Showing posts with label transformer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transformer. Show all posts

Friday, December 28, 2018

UPDATE - No Alien Invasion Of Roosevelt Island Last Night - Astoria Con Edison Power Plant Substation Transformer Explosion Caused Creepy Nighttime Blue Sky Seen All Over NYC

An update on last night's creepy blue glow that lit up the sky over Roosevelt Island, Astoria and the East River waterfront seen from much of NYC.



No, it was not the beginning of an Alien Invasion of Roosevelt Island as some thought.

According to Con Edison:
Last night at 9:12 p.m., an electrical fault on a section of 138,000-volt equipment in one of our Astoria substations caused a transmission disturbance and a sustained electrical arc flash, creating the blue light people witnessed. The equipment that malfunctioned is associated with voltage monitoring within the substation. There were no serious injuries, although one employee at the substation reported eye irritation associated with the arc flash.

The transmission disturbance caused lights to flicker throughout much of our service area, and several facilities, including LaGuardia Airport, Rikers Island, and some area hospitals, reported that their electrical systems switched to backup generation during the event. They were back on Con Edison power late last night. Service on the subway system’s 7 line in Queens was also impacted for about 30 minutes while track equipment was reset. Some other customer electrical equipment also shut off and had to be reset.

We apologize for the disruption to customers and will continue to investigate the root cause of the incident.
Reports from Channel 7 ABC News



and NBC's Today Show.



The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this Advisory last evening:
A TRANSFORMER EXPLOSION AT THE CON EDISON PLANT AT 23RD STREET AND 21ST AVENUE HAS CAUSED A FIRE AND TEMPORARY POWER OUTAGE IN ASTORIA QUEENS. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL HAS THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL. DEPUTY INSPECTOR NUNEZ, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 114TH PRECINCT OF THE NYPD ON SCENE. THIS INCIDENT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE HAD ANY EFFECT ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND.

Here's more info and video from post yesterday.

UPDATE 5:15 PM:

Governor Cuomo spoke at the Astoria Con Edison power plant this afternoon.



Press release from Governor Cuomo:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called for the New York State Public Service Commission to investigate the cause behind a major electrical failure at a Con Edison substation in Astoria, Queens shortly after 9 p.m. yesterday. While the incident did not cause any significant injuries or apparently result in damage to personal property, it did raise questions about the safety of the substation and Con Edison equipment while also disrupting operations at LaGuardia Airport, the No. 7 subway line of the MTA and the city's prison system at Rikers Island, which had to switch to back-up generators.

"The electrical failure in Queens was more dramatic than destructive but it understandably raised community concerns about the safety of the substation and Con Edison's equipment," Governor Cuomo said. "That's why I am asking the Public Service Commission to work together with Con Ed to investigate the electrical failure and identify the root cause to help ensure an incident like this never happens again.

The state also deployed Department of Environmental Conservation spill response staff to the scene and confirmed that the small amount of material spilled was contained onsite and no impacts to the environment were observed. Con Edison has reported that the spill has been cleaned up.

According to Con Edison, last night at approximately 9:12 p.m. an electrical fault occurred at the Astoria East Substation located at 20th Avenue and 32nd Street in Astoria Queens. The electrical fault on the 138,000-volt equipment caused a sustained electrical arc flash that was visible across a wide area. Con Edison crews responded with FDNY. The affected equipment was isolated to a single section within the substation.

Con Edison has reported that Thursday's malfunction involved voltage-monitoring equipment at the substation, where high-voltage power is narrowed down to lower voltage for distribution. Normally when there is an electrical fault, a device similar to a circuit-breaker intervenes and quickly cuts off power to the affected equipment. In this incident, the device did not intervene and the electricity kept cycling through, causing the electrical flash. The affected equipment was isolated to a single section within the substation.

"Ensuring public safety is job number one for Con Edison and all utilities operating in New York State," PSC Chair John B. Rhodes said. "Our team of safety experts will commence an immediate investigation of what happened at the substation to help ensure that a repeat does not occur. If the company failed to adhere to our safety standards or otherwise adequately perform its obligations, we will commence a proceeding to determine whether further action is warranted."

Con Edison has restored all major transmission lines associated with this event and is in the process of investigating the cause of the failure. While portions of LaGuardia Airport were temporarily closed due to power outages, full power has been fully restored and the airport quickly resumed normal operations. Additionally, power issues on the No. 7 subway route were resolved and the line is running local service. There were no other significant reported power outages.

Today's actions build on New York's continued work to protect public safety and to create a power supply that is cleaner and greener for the future. Two years ago, Governor Cuomo announced plans to accelerate the closing of Indian Point's nuclear reactors because of their location in a densely populated region of the state and their record on safety at the site. This year, New York will be the most progressive state in the nation with the launch of the green new deal that will make the state's electricity 100 percent carbon neutral by 2040.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 3:00:00 PM 0 comments

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Thursday, December 27, 2018

Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Long Island City & East River Sky Lit Up Tonight With Creepy Bluish Glow - Not An Alien Invasion, But Transformer Explosion At Astoria Con Ed Power Plant

The sky over Roosevelt Island, Astoria, Long Island City and the East River lit up this evening after 9 PM with a very creepy bluish glow. What was going on?



Some speculated an alien invasion.



NYPD reported that it is investigating a transformer fire at Astoria Con Ed Power Plant.



UPDATE 10:05 PM:




UPDATE 11 PM:

UPDATE 12/28:





More here.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 9:55:00 PM 0 comments

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Update On Last Week's Transformer Fire In Front Of Island House

Image From Frank Farance

An update to last week's transformer fire in front of Island House. According to RIOC:
On February 10, 2010 at about 10:10 a.m., one of Con Edison's transformers in Vault #2 under the sidewalk in the vicinity of 559 Main Street (Orphan International), caught on fire. Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officers were immediately on scene and placed emergency calls to both FDNY, who responded promptly, and Con Edison whose Emergency Unit responded about 40 minutes after the call was made.

The area from the Trellis Restaurant to the Dry Cleaners was corded off, interrupting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic along Main Street. Upon the arrival of Con Edison's emergency personnel, Mr. Ferraro made a visual inspection of the immediate area and shut off power to the transformer. Vehicular traffic on Main Street and the east sidewalk were restored shortly thereafter. Access to the Newspaper stand was also restored.

It was reported by Con Edison's representative that salting during the winter season infiltrated the grating cover and lodged on the insulation of the cables, eroding them over time, causing conducting activities and subsequently the fire. Upon inspection by the RIOC Engineering Staff, power had been lost to five street lamps along Main Street between Good Shepherd Community Center and 559 Main Street, and along the Westside Channel Road between the Meditation steps to Good Shepherd.

Temporary power was restored to Main Street on that evening, however, a special cable is required for the restoration of power to the west side. Power on the west side should be restored early next week.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 8:30:00 AM 0 comments

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Roosevelt Island Fire With Flames And Smoke Rising From Below Sidewalk In Front Of Island House- But Was It Really Fire?

Image From Frank Farance

There was a fire yesterday afternoon in front of Island House with smoke and

Image From Frank Farance

flames rising from the sidewalk. (Click on images to enlarge for better view).

Image From Frank Farance

I asked Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra what happened and he replied:
There was a fire earlier today across the street from Public Safety Headquarters. We do not know exactly what caused it, although one of the FDNY Firefighters on the scene stated that it could have been salt that had fallen through the grates onto the wires below. Con-Ed has been working to repair the damage as well as to provide temporary power to support the five light poles that are out between 543-563 Main Street. The Public Safety Department has an officer posted at the location. There were no injuries or traffic issues.
Image From Frank Farance

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Frank Farance was on the scene and states that what appears to be flames is not so but is instead:
On several of the pictures, you might think you are seeing *fire* coming out of the grate, but that is not what is actually happening. If it were fire, it would be melting the snow/ice around the grate and that is not happening. What you are seeing is smoke, particles, and sparks that are being *illuminated* by the very bright arcing below.

For example, in picture 1/6 (1303) it looks like fire is breathing out of the grate, but if it were a really big fire, then there would be a lot of convection above it -- in fact, the smoke puffs are rising slowly. So the apparent strong streams of smoke are really just sharp rays of light from the arcing. When you see the video, this will make more sense. ( The picture below is what Mr. Farance is referring to -a video is forthcoming).

Image From Frank Farance
Con Ed was working on the site later in the afternoon and will advise as to whether the problem was caused by transformers or something else.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 10:30:00 AM 21 comments

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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports For December 12 Thru 22 - Con Ed Transformer Explosion, Food Delivery Robbery & Red Bus Service Delays

Soho Transformer Explosion after snowstorm last winter from Gothamist

RIOC has started to post the most current Daily and Monthly Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports on their web site. Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for December 12 - December 22 2008. Incidents included:
  • Loud explosion and smoke from undergound Con Ed transformers - no injury or damage reported (12/22)
  • Food delivery man robbed (12/12)
  • Gristedes shopolifting (12/13)
  • Reckless driving (12/13)
  • Investigation of missing wedding dress (12/16)
  • Computer and Ipod stolen from apartment (12/16) and
  • Investigation of delay in Red Bus Service (12/18, 19)
12/12/08 0700hrs - 12/13/08 0700hrs

Robbery- Delivery man reports he was robbed and injured by three males in Eastwood. A search was made with negative results. NYPD on scene, EMS transported to hospital.

Aided- Female not feeling well, was transported to Lenox Hill Hospital.

Investigation- Tenant entered PSD to reports a male tried to enter her apartment, PSD check and advised with negative results.

Aided- Female fell on bus, suffered a broken wrist, transported to New York Presbyterian.

12/13/08-7:00 AM to 12/14/08-7:00 AM

Disorderly Conduct- Subject arrested by PSD.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Found Property- Brown bag with a cell phone in it. It was secured in PSD.

Vehicle Accident- In the Motorgate garage a vehicle struck the railing. No injuries. EMS refused. NYPD notified.

Shoplifting- Subject took a 6 pack of beer and juice and fled the Grestides Supermarket. PSD responded and conducted a search for the subject with negative results. NYPD refused.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Verbal Dispute- Over the cost of dry cleaning rugs. Customer left store. The rugs remain in the premises. NYPD refused.

Property Damage-Damage to rear bumper of vehicle parked in the Motorgate Garage. Another vehicle had a trail of antifreeze that lead from one vehicle to the other. NYPD notified.

Lost property- a cell phone in an apt. NYPD refused.

Reckless Driving/Unlicensed Operator- Subject disregarded 2 stop signs and pulled over by PSD. Motorist had an expired drivers license and vehicle was un registered and uninsured. Summonses issued. Ownership documentation produced. Vehicle was towed.

Unlawful Possession of Marihuana- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

12/14/08 0700hrs - 12/15/08 0700hrs

Investigation/Possible Fire Hazard-In apt a meter box was warm and tenant was concerned it could be a hazard. PSD and UA Super responded and Super made arrangements for an electrician to check it 12/15/08.

Aided-A male fell and sustained small laceration on shin. He refused EMS.

Domestic Dispute- Between Husband and Wife over a lost key. No injuries. NYPD refused. They will seek counseling with their pastor.

12/15/08-7:00 AM to 12/16/08-7:00 AM

Verbal Dispute- Between a R.I. resident and a porter over work being done in an adjacent apt. Porter was working in bathroom for a water leak which was effecting various tenants. NYPD refused. UA Super responded.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Vehicle accident- No injuries. A moving truck backed into a parked vehicle. NYPD refused. Parties involved will handle the matter on their own.

Aided- Male fell and sustained pain to left arm. EMS responded and transport was refused. He will see his own private doctor.

12/16/08-7:00 AM to 12/17/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Found Property- An IPOD Shuffle. It was secured in PSD.

Unsecured Premise - Circuit panel not working and door was open. PSD and RIOC personnel responded and corrected condition.

Aided- Youth left apt after refusing to go to school. Hours later he returned.

Unattended Property- Female left 2 grocery bags unattended. A male picked up the bags and she told him the bags were hers. He did not keep the bags. He stated he thought that belonged to a friend.

Past Burglary- In a storage room. NYPD responded and PSD.

Investigation- R.I. Resident complained that a RIOC Bus did not lower the ramp with a puddle near by and that the driver stopped and let a passenger off at a non designated area. Bus garage notified.

Grand larceny- Computer and IPOD was taken from a room in an apt. PSD responded and no signs of forced entry. NYPD notified.

Investigation- Female left a black plastic bag with a wedding dress in it. Another woman described the dress and stated it belonged to a friend and took the dress. Search for the subject yielded negative results.

Aided- A female fell in apt sustained a laceration to her arm. EMS transported her to the Hospital.

Trespass/Alcohol/Open Container- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

Open Container Alcohol- Subject arrested by PSD.

12/18/08-7:00 AM to 12/19/08-7:00 AM

Dispute - Between pedestrian and cab driver. PSD responded and spoke to both parties. Both parties left without further incident.

Aided - Not feeling well called EMS. PSD responded with EMS to apt. Aided refused transport and stated he will go to his doctor on his own.

Petit Larceny - Owner reported to PSD gas credit card missing from his vehicle. No forced entry or damages to vehicle. PSD made search with negative results. Owner will go to 114 pct. on his own.

Criminal Mischief - Owner reported to PSD that unknown subject went through glove compartment, but did not take anything. No forced entry or damages to vehicle. Subject broke two CD's. PSD made search with negative results. Owner refused NYPD report.

Harassment - Resident reported to PSD officer that she was being harassed by youth who lives in her building. Reporter stated this is chronic occurrence. Reporter was also referred to management.

Missing Property - Owner reported to PSD that his car was possibly broken into. Owner reported several items were missing from car. No forced entry or damages to car. Owner will go to 114 pct. on his own. Owner not sure if he locked door.

Criminal Mischief - PSD officer observed a wall broken inside stairwell. Search was made with negative results. Housing management notified.

Fire Alarm - Fire alarm going off in AVAC and sprinkler went off. Super turned off water and cleaned up flood. No damages to property or injuries.

Investigation - Delay in service was reported by residents. Matter was referred to bus garage.

Unsecured Premises - RIOC bus garage gate opened and stuck. Officer responded to monitor area until personnel showed up.

Lost Property - Resident brought property into PSD. Property was returned to owner.

0700 12/19/08- 0700 12/20/08

Criminal Mischief- PSD officer observed damage to wall, super notified. Search made with negative results.

Fire Alarm- PSD officer responded to 7th floor AVAC for sprinkler alarm went off on PSD panel. No Damage to property super turned off water and vacuum floor area.

Unsecured Premises- PSD officer observed gate at bus garage open ad stuck. Garage supervisor notified. PSD monitoring area.

Lost Property- Resident brought check into PSD, PSD officer returned property back to owner

Aided- Home attendant stop PSD officer because tenant has not answer door. Super and Porter notified on scene, drilled locks. Tenant arrived locks replaced.

Trespass- PSD officer observed two male subjects in unauthorized location. Summons issued and released for trespass and appearance in public under the influence.

Trespass- PSD officers responded to 540 rear lobby observed one male subject remained while other have left area. Summons issued and released.

Investigation/ No bus service- Tram manager notify PSD officer that he received complaints by five individuals waiting for the RIOC red bus. PSD Lt. reports bus #4 inside garage lot. Bus supervisor notified

12/20/08-7:00 AM to 12/21/08-7:00 AM

Domestic Dispute- Between Husband and Wife. No injuries and NYPD refused. Husband was escorted out of the apt.

Aided- Male fell and refused EMS. No injuries.

Criminal Mischief- Broken light bulb. Juvenile Subject escorted to PSD and father retrieved son. Juvenile report filed.

Aided- Male stuck in the elevator. Central Parking personnel responded with master key and opened elevator. EMS refused and no injuries.

Investigation- Anonymous caller stated that there was a fire in a building. PSD responded and conducted a search of the building. No fire or smoke condition. All in order.

12/21/08-7:00 AM to 12/22/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Investigation- PSD responded for unknown condition. PSD responded and it was a faulty alarm. UA notified.

Trespass- Subject in building 19th floor was arrested by PSD.

Lost Property- A bicycle. It was secured it in PSD.

Disorderly Conduct- PSD responded to a building for dispute between 2 females. One became irate and was yelling. Subject was arrested by PSD.

12/22/08-7:AM TO 12/23/08- 7:00 AM

SMOKE CONDITION- PSD responded to a loud explosion and smoke caused by transformers under ground in front of 599 main st. FDNY responded and CON EDISON and RIOC personnel notified. No injuries or property damage reported.

AIDED- AN ill person walked into PSD and stated she was feeling dizzy. Transported to hospital by EMS.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF- TENANT reports unknown person burned decorations on front door.
PSD and FDNY responded no injuries reported.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF- TENANT reports unknown persons entered her yard. PSD responded made a search with negative results NYPD refused.

AIDED- PERSON fell on ice causing injury to both legs taken to the hospital by EMS.

PROPERTY DAMAGE- ACCESS a RIDE bus driver hit a sign on main st. no injuries reported.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 11:14:00 AM 2 comments

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