Blandford Select Board approves $1,350 repair, hears battery storage alarm

BLANDFORD — April 7, 2025 — Blandford Select Board approves $1,350 plumbing fix and confronts two massive battery storage projects near Cobble Mountain Reservoir. The board voted unanimously Monday to approve a quote from contractor Bill Clark for interior plumbing work at the Old Town Hall, contingent on confirmation of insurance, after debate over whether the account had sufficient funds. The meeting's central discussion involved a proposed 200-megawatt battery storage facility from Mission Clean Energy and a 50-megawatt facility tied to Eversource Blandford Storage LLC, both on North Blanchard Road within 2.4 miles of Springfield's Cobble Mountain Reservoir and within wetland resource areas; Conservation Commission member Dick warned the commission had already denied a preliminary Eversource application for wetland crossing, saying "they were basically looking for us to approve them to violate the Wetlands Protection Act." A fire department representative cautioned that lithium-ion battery fires cannot be suppressed with water and that a volunteer department's realistic role is perimeter containment. Finance Committee member Jackie disclosed the Water Department carries more than $4.2 million in outstanding debt with the oldest loan not paid off for 17 more years, and called for tighter board oversight of enterprise department spending. The board also received a resignation letter from a third member, identified as Mr. Allen, effective April 7, leaving the board at two members until the annual town election fewer than 100 days away.