North Elba continues discussion on enacting temporary moratorium

LAKE PLACID | Town of North Elba officials are continuing the discussion on whether or not to impose a temporary moratorium on major solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This discussion began earlier this year when Essex County reached out to all the towns within its jurisdiction, asking them to consider a temporary moratorium. Since then, two companies have expressed interest in developing solar farms and BESS facilities within Ray Brook, said Town of North Elba Supervisor Richard Preston. "One was near the new water holding tank, and we definitely don't want to put a development there because we need to keep that a secure place. The other [Clear Path Energy] is seeking 50 acres of pasture land off of Pendergast Road. That is privately-owned land, so unless we have a moratorium in place, then we won't have any real jurisdiction over that project." The supervisor anticipates that a final decision will be made at the next town board meeting on Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m. "A few of the board members have expressed concerns about implementing a moratorium on solar instead of our situation with the state looking at renewable energy," he said. "That's why we really need a solid reason for putting a moratorium in place." Before the meeting, the board is taking its time to do all its research beforehand, as well as referring to the joint Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code with the Village of Lake Placid, to see how well these projects align with the updated goals and priorities. "Currently, I'm in favor of solar farms versus BESS systems," Preston said. "But the main concerns for me personally are fire safety standards and the environmental impact." The primary dangers of BESS stem from the risks of fire, explosion, and toxic gas associated with malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries, while concerns surrounding solar farm development primarily center on the loss of agricultural land, environmental disruptions to rural habitats, and local aesthetic changes. But the flat, open fields in Upstate New York are ideal for companies seeking development sites. Several towns throughout the Adirondack Park have already passed moratoriums on major solar and/or BESS, including the towns of Ticonderoga, Essex, and St. Armand. "Like with the proposed project in Ray Brook, some projects involve both solar and BESS. That's why a majority of towns will pass a moratorium on both," Preston said. "But we just need to do more research first before making a final decision." For more information or updates, visit northelba.villageoflakeplacid.ny.gov.

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North Elba continues discussion on enacting temporary moratorium

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