Commission continues review of proposed battery storage at 13 Veil Street after buffer-zone concerns

Palmer Capital presented a proposal for a battery energy storage system (BESS) at 13 Veil Street that would place battery modules on concrete slabs within an existing gravel area surrounded by wetlands. Justine Fox, a wetland scientist with Surrogels LLC, described the project footprint (about 1,030 square feet of new impervious surface), infiltration trenches to manage stormwater around the pad, and a plan for underground electrical to surface to four new utility poles near the entrance driveway.

Commissioners raised concerns that portions of the proposed underground electrical and two or more utility poles would fall inside the 25-foot no‑disturb zone. Staff noted a seldom-used exception that can apply when much of a site lies in the buffer and agreed to confirm whether the project can use that exception or whether a formal variance is required. Applicants offered to move one pole to reduce direct impact inside the 25-foot zone.

Questions about geotechnical conditions, potential ground improvement, dewatering for pad construction and the high water table were raised; applicants agreed to do geotechnical investigation and to return if more ground disturbance than anticipated is needed. A green ash near the driveway appeared to be affected by emerald ash borer; the applicants agreed to replace it with native species away from overhead lines if removal is necessary. The matter was continued to March 17 to allow plan revisions, variance checks and geotechnical work.

Commissioners emphasized minimizing direct disturbance to wetland vegetation, documenting mitigation and confirming whether public-utility exceptions to the 25-foot rule apply before issuing any permit or variance.