Dan Allie: Westfield opposes placing lithium storage battery facility over aquifer

The Westfield City Council passed a resolution opposing the Mass. Department of Public Utilities exempting a proposed lithium battery storage facility from the city’s Water Protection District zoning ordinance, and placing 219 stand-alone containers over the city’s drinking water supply and recharge area for Westfield and Southampton.

A failure in a unit poses a significant threat to the environment, first responders and residents, since a fire cannot be extinguished, must be allowed to burn itself out, taking over 48 hours, and requiring possibly millions of gallons of water sprayed to keep surrounding containers cool. A fire releases toxic pollution and smoke, including PFAS, into the air and combines with the water seeping into the ground.

Some councilors were also concerned that the notification for a public comment hearing on Dec. 5 made it nearly impossible for residents to be aware of or attend it. The application by Jupiter Power of Texas was hand-delivered to the city on Nov. 19. Notices were posted in City Hall basement and library, and councilors were notified two days before Thanksgiving. The hearing was scheduled on a night when the City Council normally meets. Meetings had to be rescheduled so council members could attend the hearing. The timing of the notice and period for public comment call into serious question the transparency of the process. The deadline for public comment ended on Dec. 20.

There is no benefit to Westfield residents since we own our electric utility, and no amount of money is worth risking our city’s drinking water.

Dan Allie

City councilor, Westfield