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Residents urge caution on proposed battery storage project, citing fire safety and planning gaps
Summary
Public commenters and some board members told the Goshen Town Board they are concerned about the safety and planning status of a proposed New Leaf Energy battery energy storage project; speakers said industry fire-suppression claims are inadequate and planning review is incomplete.
Several residents told the Goshen Town Board on Sept. 11 they are concerned about safety, evacuation risk and the planning status of a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) application from New Leaf Energy.
"A battery fire is not like burning paper or wood. A battery fire is an exothermic chemical reaction that makes its own oxygen. Foam doesn't work. Water doesn't work," resident Chris Haley said during public comment, citing guidance from the National Fire Protection Association and firefighter experience.
Haley said the board and fire officials should…
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