Goshen officials press New Leaf Energy for more safety details after battery storage briefing

Town of Goshen officials and volunteer fire chiefs said they need more technical information and formal commitments from New Leaf Energy before the planning board moves forward with a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) planned for Hartley Road.

The Environmental Review Board convened fire chiefs, department officers and residents to review safety concerns raised by the system's design and by prior incidents in other communities. Chief Chuck Gambhutti, Second Assistant Chief, described the department’s limited equipment and training for large battery fires and said the town would likely need new gear and repeated training if the project proceeds.

The concerns centered on thermal runaway — a chemical reaction that can make lithium‑ion fires difficult to extinguish — and on the potential for long‑duration blazes and reignition. John Cassidy, who presented at a regional training session, told the group that reignition can occur long after an initial fire: “Thirty‑one days is record right now for reignition,” he said, referring to a case discussed at the training.

Speakers urged the planning board to require New Leaf Energy to provide detailed safety plans, manufacturer materials and site‑specific procedures. “We need the distribution,” said Chris Haley, an Environmental Review Board member, describing the board’s role in forwarding technical questions to the…