Board rejects permit for lithium battery storage
Calpine Fore River Energy’s request for a special permit to construct a lithium-ion battery renewable energy storage system at its facility on Bridge Street was rejected by the Board of Zoning Appeals, Nov. 17.
Board member Jonathan Moriarty said the location for a lithium-ion renewable energy storage system, "was not appropriate" because of its proximity to residences.
“The neighborhood is in an area that has the potential to be impacted by a fire or if an explosion occurred,” he said after a public hearing.
Calpine plant engineer Charles Parnell said a risk assessment by Lummis Consulting Services determined a lithium storage system would not pose serious public safety risks.
"We are now at another energy crossroad, where steps need to be taken to reduce carbon emissions by establishing renewable energy and storage," he said during the hearing.
Parnell said the use of lithium batteries is growing as more communities seek renewable energy sources.
"In Massachusetts, three or four fossil fuel power plants shut down last year,” he said.
Safety concerns raised by residents
Several residents and town officials voiced concerns about noise pollution and hazards posed by a potential fire or explosion at the site.
Blueberry Street resident Alice Arena said many people are not opposed to the idea of a lithium-ion battery storage system.
"We are looking at its placement," said Arena, the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station leader.
Arena said iron flow batteries would be safer to use than lithium-ion batteries.
“They are cheaper and store more energy,” she said. “They last longer.”
Bluff Road resident Francis Burke said the Fore River Basin is congested with potential dangers from nearby industrial complexes, and a lithium-ion battery storage system would increase hazards.
“I’m concerned about noise and a lot of things,” said Burke, a former District 1 town councilor. “I’m mostly concerned about safety.”
Calpine attorney Richard Novak said the lithium storage facility would not need a gas transmission line.
“The site is adjacent to a control room and fire control facilities,” he said.
Deputy Fire Chief Justin Myers said fire officials believe the proposed facility poses risks that are “not great.”
"We feel the fire department can handle these risks," he said.
Myers said the fire department was “not for or against” Calpine’s proposal.
District 1 Councilor Pascale Burga said she was concerned about increased noise levels in the area from the proposed lithium facility.
“Residents that live on Monatiquot and Bluff roads have reached out to me about all sorts of noise from trucks,” she said. “They have heard noise from the compressor site. They are already burdened with noise.”
Calpine engineer Charlie Parnell said a buffer zone of trees would be created to reduce neighbors' sound and visual impact.
“We have a scientific-based report that says we won't have a noise impact," added Calpine attorney Richard Novak.
Benefits of lithium battery storage touted
Parnell said a lithium battery storage system would help Calpine continue its operation as a power source when renewable energy becomes the norm in the future.
"Calpine pays $4 million a year in (property) taxes," he said. "Calpine Fore River is an asset to New England because of its energy storage capabilities."
Councilor-at-large Rebecca Haugh said Weymouth wouldn't benefit from a lithium battery storage facility because of the potential risks it poses to neighbors.
“There is a compressor station across the street,” she said. “This is about North Weymouth. When is enough, enough?”
More: Weymouth compressor station goes offline for fourth time
Board rejects special permit request
After the discussion ended, board members unanimously agreed to reject Calpine's request for a special permit to construct the lithium battery storage facility.
Moriarty said the site was “not appropriate” to accommodate the storage system.
"It will be detrimental, and the existing site is detrimental," he said before the board voted.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Weymouth board rejects special permit for lithium battery storage
