CANTON – The Town of Canton is seeking additional intervenor funds for work associated with the application process of EDF Renewables’ 240-megawatt solar project on the Rich Road.

At Wednesday night’s monthly meeting, town leaders agreed to seek more intervenor funds disbursed by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). The town and village each received $90,000 in intervenor funds in June.

The town’s solar attorney, William Buchan, encouraged the board to apply for the intervenor money.

“There is flexibility  in how the funds are allocated and there’s still additional funds available,” said Buchan. “I would certainly support a request for additional funds, either now or in the future. From my standpoint, it’s a good idea.”

He said that once ORES approves the complete EDF Renewables application and a draft permit is published, a 60-day municipal compliance time clock starts.

The 60-day window will give the town and Buchan time to draft a statement to determine items in the proposed permitting would be allowed under the existing town regulations.

“There is a fair amount of work to be done,” said Buchan, alluding mainly to the solar project’s battery storage facility. “We as a community have much different views on the risks of battery storage than the state’s viewpoint. The governor has already said in public they are safe.”

“We have to look at the state’s position before we advocate. I am doing my best to produce documents in my quarterly reports,” said Buchan, reiterating the intervenor funds. “I think we can shake loose some of the funds ORES has promised.” 

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley said the original $90,000 in intervenor funds is being used to pay Buchan, town attorney Eric Gustafson, and the town’s consulting firm Barton and Loguidice.

EDF Renewables recently received word that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) has issued a notice of completion to EDF Renewables’ Rich Road project application. With that, according to the town’s solar attorney William M. Buchan, changes to the proposed zoning law will not apply to EDF.

The zoning law, that still needs to be passed by the town board, includes wording to regulate battery storage facilities, which is part of EDF’s Rich Road project.

“We intend to fully participate in the ORES permitting process as it moves forward. As the permit application is considered by ORES, we will continue to advocate the interests of the Canton community and to contribute to the creation of a complete record before the permitting authority,” said Buchan.

Addressing the town board earlier this month, Buchan voiced his displeasure with the state’s stance of battery storage safety.

Buchan also noted that the village has focused efforts on issues of responding to a potential battery storage fire, including input from area fire departments and first responders.

“The group had a meeting and circulated a letter to determine what are our concerns about battery storage. I would sum that up as: I hope that doesn't burn. If it does, there is nothing that can be done about it,” said Buchan. “What about the smoke? What about the water? What about the waste that comes off the fire?”

“The state has apparently determined that the fire and the fumes and the smoke are not an issue. That the batteries are safe and unlikely to burn in the first place. That our fire departments are perfectly adequate to respond. I've already drafted a letter point by point saying that we disagree with all of those determinations, and we would like to study the issues ourselves. What happens to the water when pouring it on the fire? And isn't there better battery technology out there than something that's going to burn uncontrollably for days.”

“My own personal belief and hope is that the transportation sector will generate better battery technology and before this is said and done, there will be a permit condition that says you have to use the best available technology to store your energy, whatever that may be. That's essentially what I believe we should be advocating. Whether or not we'll be successful at that.”

“The hill just got a lot steeper when the State has come out and pronounced it safe. So, it's disappointing that that would happen, but I can't say that I am surprised,” Buchan  remarked.