“Let’s not make Angelica or Allegany County a sacrifice zone”
A OPINION By Emily Zimmer, Angelica NY
The recent article in the Wellsville Sun of the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on Hess Road fails to capture the true gravity of what is at stake for Angelica. This is not a public utility designed to benefit local residents. It is a private, third-party commercial operation designed to store and trade energy based on market supply and demand. The risks of this project fall entirely on our community, while the profits go elsewhere. Yes, Bess is a battery facility that can store power but not power that would benefit Angelica. These are not public utilities they are not readily available on demand. They require charging and only last a few hours. The benefits do not outweigh the hazards and concerns.
Did you know that Allegany County is a remarkable hydrographic hub. It is the only county in New York where the headwaters of three primary national watersheds intersect, sending local water flowing to the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We need to make decision that protect the waters in our county but also for so many others. Many residents utilize well water in the area and there is no guarantee that thermal runaway, hazardous metal fallout could not leach or potentially leech into our water and land. It is not worth the risk. Have you heard about MOSS landing and the fire and environmental impact. Studies show 55,000 pounds of heavy metals deposited across the land several miles downwind. (specifically, nickel, cobalt, and manganese) They have to monitor the air daily and clean up can take a year or more.
There needs to be a point where we all reflect and figure out what is more important. I will always choose my family’s safety, and the safety of others, that’s why I am speaking out! There is not enough known about the BESS facilities and code, and regulations keep changing as incidents occur. There have been over 25 BESS fires in the USA and at least 8 have been at BESS facilities in NYS alone. History shows us that rushing into new technologies before we understand them is dangerous. Think back to when cigarettes were widely marketed as safe and harmless. Without the passage of time, rigorous research, and independent testing, the toxic truth never would have come out. We cannot treat our community, our children, our land and our private water supply as a laboratory experiment for a private developer. We shouldn’t put ourselves at risk and be a testing sacrifice zone.
The BESS facilities place an unfair, dangerous and overwhelming burden on our emergency infrastructure. These fires are 24/7 and CANNOT be extinguished. As they burn toxic smoke is blanketing the area. Our volunteer firefighters are highly trained and incredibly dedicated, but our local stations face a severe shortage of manpower. Overpowering these fires demands thousands of gallons of continuous water and extensive, round-the-clock staffing because these fires can even reignite themselves 30 days later. Community people have stated that volunteer numbers at fire stations have decreased and the manpower would be a large concern. Expecting our local firefighters to handle a toxic, multi-day chemical crisis places their lives and safety in direct jeopardy. The petition isn’t about doubting our firefighters’ skills; it’s about protecting their lives so they can return home safely to their families unharmed.
The proposed BESS on HESS rd. is a standalone project not government run. When I spoke to the office of ORES and Allegany Board they both stated it is not their jurisdiction and falls under home rule. I called various Government official who stated the same thing. Towns across NYS are banning BESS and other new industrial green energy projects (DATA Centers, Solar Farms). Angelicas’ town board can’t fear that ORES “might” come in and take over. They need to utilize their Home Rule Right and stand strong for their community and our environment. The community will back them up and if ORES, down the road tried to come we would stand alongside the board and fight. Just as many people in the community stood together to “Bump the Dump”.
The board has stressed their opposition to BESS; we are fighting the same fight and need to work together! We are asking the Board to keep Allegany the Western NY Wilds, and this can only occur if towns stand strong with their communities and fight together against ORES. Many towns across the state are in lawsuits with ORES and the rapid act, and those are for state run projects, unlike ours. They are willing to stand and fight. Yes, we are a small town but just as the Colonist were outnumbered and outgunned and fought the British they had resilience, determination and courage. 250 Years later, that grassroots rebellion has led to us all being able to celebrate 250 years of freedom and democracy. We need to stand and fight for our rights as a town to have a voice and government. That is what my ancestor Gideon Warren, went into battle to fight for. I honor his legacy by speaking out to protect our families, our volunteer firefighters, and the Western NY Wilds. Keep Gods land the beauty it is.
Let’s not make Angelica or Allegany County a sacrifice zone.
In the 250th year of our country and the celebration of our freedoms I ask community members to raise their voices and be heard. Attend town board meetings, ask questions, voice concerns and stand strong. I ask you to share this information with five or more people. Make others aware of what may be coming to their backyard. As a community stand strong and don’t put this on the back burner. This is a decision that will shape what communities will look like today and years from now. This decisions will set precedents for what’s to come. Please stay informed, spread the word, do research and utilize your freedom of choice and use your voice!
Together we can STOP BESS ON HESS, LETS KEEP ALLEGANY THE WESTERN NY WILDS!!!
Read our original reporting on the “Bess on Hess” below
