WGXC-90.7 FM

Public hearing for battery energy storage facility extended

Feb 29, 2024 12:53 am

Cassie Abel reports in HudsonValley360.com that representatives for Catskill Grid, the company proposing a battery energy storage facility on Route 9W, did not turn out for the public hearing with the Town of Catskill Planning Board Feb. 27. Instead, the hearing will continue next month. Catskill resident Barbara Naylor said, “I was here at the last meeting and, in a way, I’m kind of glad they’re (Catskill Grid) not here.... Greene County Fire Service Director John Farrell is the highest ranking fire personnel in the county and he made a comment that there is no plan or they’re still in the learning process of how to fight a possible fire, which is my major concern because I live right across the street from where the site is.” At a Feb. 7 Greene County Legislature meeting, Farrell said, “during those two years, we would continue emergency service to review and continue to update the emergency plan including management plan, evacuation plan, structure plans and hazardous materials.” The proposed facility would store lithium iron phosphate battery cells under 24-hour monitoring. Planning Board Chair Teresa Golden said the board is waiting for more information from Catskill Grid. Golden said, “Greene County also asked for 30 days to come back with their concerns and they haven’t come back yet.” Read more about this story in HudsonValley360.com.