Neighborhood FAQ – 48 Schoosett St Battery Storage 

Last updated: 10/21/2025

1) What is being proposed?

A battery energy storage facility (BESS)—six large battery units with transformers in a fenced outdoor yard at 48 Schoosett St. The system is about 24 MWh (6 MW for 4 hours). No solar panels are included.

2) Is this a solar project?

No. This is not a solar farm. There are no panels—it’s an industrial battery storage yard.

3) Where is it, and what’s nearby?

In a residential neighborhood near wetlands connected to the North River. The site is behind/near existing buildings with homes within walking distance.

4) Why are neighbors concerned?

• Smoke & gases: Battery fires are rare but can produce irritant/toxic smoke (e.g., HF, CO).

• Blast risk: Trapped flammable gases inside containers can deflagrate (sudden pressure wave) if not vented.

• Runoff: Water used to cool nearby equipment can carry contaminants toward catch basins/wetlands if not contained.

• Location: This is right by homes and sensitive wetlands/North River.

5) Have similar-size sites had problems?

Yes. Recent U.S. events in the 8–40 MWh range (Warwick NY, East Hampton NY, Chaumont NY, Melba ID) caused shelter‑in‑place orders, road closures, and multi‑day monitoring. These are manageable but only with strong, pre‑planned safety measures.

6) What safety documents are still missing publicly?

• Exact make/model & chemistry of the batteries

• UL 9540 listing (system) and UL 9540A test reports (fire propagation, gas data)

• Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA) tying the test data to gas detection + automatic exhaust, electrical isolation, and entry protocols

• Deflagration (gas‑build‑up) and air‑toxics (HF/CO) plume modeling with standoff/evacuation triggers

• A signed Emergency Response Plan with Pembroke Fire

• Fire‑water/runoff containment design and a post‑incident sampling/cleanup plan

7) How do firefighters handle battery fires?

Tactics vary. Often it’s “control and contain”: keep people back, cool exposures, and allow a controlled burn of the involved cells rather than dumping water directly. That’s why we need a written plan, gas detection/venting, and runoff containment stated in advance.

8) What about noise, lighting, and traffic?

• Noise: Inverters/HVAC can hum; towns typically set nighttime limits and require field verification.

• Lighting: Should be dark‑sky and shielded; turn off or motion‑based at night.

• Traffic: Routine maintenance visits; emergency events can cause temporary road closures.

9) Who oversees approvals now?

• Planning Board: Granted site plan approval (with conditions/waivers).

• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA): Considering an appeal—whether the use is allowed here. November 17, 2025

• Fire Department: Must issue an Energy Storage permit; enforces NFPA 1/NFPA 855 safety requirements.

• Building/Electrical: Issue permits after code review (one‑line diagram, protection, monitoring, etc.).

10) What is the community asking for?

Primary ask: Do not build this here (residential + wetlands/North River).

If the town proceeds anyway, require before energization:

• Product/chemistry disclosure, UL 9540/9540A proofs

• HMA with gas detection linked to automatic exhaust/venting (deflagration prevention)

• HF/CO plume and deflagration analyses with public standoff/evac triggers

• Signed Emergency Response Plan with Pembroke Fire; annual drill

• Runoff/debris containment and post‑incident sampling plan

• Independent third‑party safety review paid by the developer

• Noise/lighting limits; vehicle impact protection; 24/7 remote monitoring

11) Are we against clean energy?

No. We support clean energy with smart siting and battery‑specific safety. This location—next to wetlands and homes—is the problem.

12) What do MW and MWh mean?

• MW (megawatt) = power (how fast it can deliver energy)

• MWh (megawatt‑hour) = energy (how much it can deliver in total)

• Example: 6 MW × 4 hours = 24 MWh (the Pembroke proposal)

13) What should abutters do right now?

• Join our updates list 

• Email the ZBA/Fire Chief asking to deny or require the full safety package first

• Attend the ZBA hearing 

14) Who pays for cleanup if something goes wrong?

The project should post financial assurance/bond and show insurance naming the Town—so taxpayers aren’t on the hook. This must be in writing as a condition.

15) Will there be air monitoring or alerts?

THIS SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED AT ALL.  However, we’re asking for: a public notification system (text/voice), at least one air sensor near the closest homes (first year), and clear shelter‑in‑place guidance posted by the Town.

Quick Glossary

• BESS: Battery Energy Storage System

• UL 9540 / UL 9540A: Safety certifications/testing for energy storage

• HMA: Hazard Mitigation Analysis (turns test data into real‑world safety settings)

• Deflagration: Rapid burning/gas ignition that creates a pressure wave

Contact

• Neighbors group: Susan Bollinger, 508-317-5729, susanbollingerforpembroke@gmail.com

• ZBA Clerk:Sglauben@townofpembrokemass.org