North Fork Residents Protest Proposed Lithium Battery Storage Facility

NORTH FORK, NY — Angry residents are mobilizing to protest a proposed lithium battery energy storage facility that would be sited on bucolic Oregon Road in Cutchogue.

A zoning board of appeals meeting is set for Thursday at 1 p.m., where the ZBA is set to discuss the proposal to construct a new battery energy storage facility at 10750 Oregon Road, and determine whether the facility is a use permitted by special exception.

Some North Fork residents protested the facility on social media.

"I’m not one to ask for help but in this case, we need to stand up for what’s right for our town," one person wrote.

Alix O'Mara added: "Key Capture Energy proposes to build an approximately 60 megawatt lithium-ion battery energy storage system on a 27 acre parcel that is smack in the middle of farmland, vineyards and homes. The facility will include: 30-foot high lights at 400 watts each, burning all night, creating a significant lighting nuisance for neighbors and wildlife; enormous above ground wires — whereas new residential construction is required to bury all lines — and a minimal green screen."

O'Mara said that to date, more than 20 households on or close to Oregon Road have formed a group and retained legal counsel to oppose any zoning variances and required approvals — more are joining the coalition to preserve Oregon Road daily.

"We support renewable energy efforts in our town, but the 'green belt' of Oregon Road, which is enjoyed by so many people besides just those who live nearby is a terrible idea," she said.

The ZBA variance must be denied, she believes.

A Southold Town planning board hearing is also slated for December 5 at 6 p.m.

A Change.org petition, Stop Oregon Road Battery Storage facility, was also created by Kevin O'Mara.

"Our volunteer firefighters would not be prepared for a runaway thermal event that could burn for days, unleash toxic fumes and contaminate groundwater," the petition said. "Moreover, this huge facility would at best provide just hours of energy and not even specifically for our area. The loss of vistas, lights burning all night from huge poles and overhead wires will be a blight."

The ZBA meeting will not be held at Town Hall but instead, at the Peconic Recreation Center, located at 970 Peconic Lane. The meeting is also accessible by Zoom;click here and follow the link to join the meeting. Or to join by telephone, dial 1-646-558-8656; enter webinar ID: 864 1045 0792, and passcode: 254731."

A representative for Key Capture Energy could not immediately be reached to discuss the plans.