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Rotterdam board introduces six-month moratorium on battery energy storage systems after local safety concerns
Summary
The Rotterdam Town Board introduced a local law to impose a six-month moratorium on new battery energy storage installations and scheduled a public hearing; the resolution passed by a 4–1 roll-call vote after residents raised safety and firefighting concerns near the substation.
The Rotterdam Town Board voted to introduce a local law establishing a six-month moratorium on the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) within the town and to schedule a public hearing on the measure. The motion to introduce the law and set a hearing passed on a roll call, 4–1.
Public commenters at the meeting voiced safety concerns about siting battery systems near the Rotterdam substation and aquifer. Andrea Capola of 625 River Road said the conservation group she represents is preparing a letter urging the board not to allow battery energy storage near the substation because of groundwater and firefighting constraints in rural areas without hydrants. "We don't have fire hydrants up there... it's going to be a tough thing if anything starts to burn and the pollutants from such a fire could impact the aquifer," Capola said. She urged siting such facilities in heavy industrial areas where fire departments have hydrants.
Board members discussed the introduction and the public hearing scheduling. The clerk read the introductory language for the local law; the vote on the introduction and hearing call was recorded with Mr. Dodson, Mr. Mastriani, Mrs. Galuchcci and Mrs. Collins voting yes and Mr. Schlag voting no.
Why it matters: the moratorium pauses new BESS permits and applications while the town holds a public hearing and develops potential local standards or conditions. Residents and the board cited concerns about emergency response capacity, groundwater risk and the appropriate zoning for such installations.
Next steps: the town will hold a public hearing on the proposed local law (date to be scheduled in the public notice). Residents with concerns were advised to use the project and town contact information and to participate in the hearing and any review process.
