Dozens protest proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility in Mahopac

They said the proposed 116-megawatt storage system would be built in a wooded area in Carmel, near the border in Somers.

Jade Nash

May 18, 2024, 3:25 PM

Updated 203 days ago

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Dozens of people marched through Mahopac on Saturday to protest a proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility that could be built in Putnam County.
They said the proposed 116-megawatt storage system would be built in a wooded area in Carmel, near the border in Somers.
Roland Ciofrone, a resident who lives near the proposed site, said protesters have concerns that the facility could have a negative impact on their lives.
"They're dangerous. The fires, the contaminated water once you fight the fire. You're going to let it burn. We're going to breathe the fumes. It's just out of place. It does not belong here," Ciofrone said.
East Point Energy is the green energy supplier behind the proposal.
They issued a statement to News 12 saying in part they are "aware of the concerns raised by local residents related to Union Energy Center."
They say the company recently conducted a public webinar to share more information about the project and has also "already engaged with local fire and emergency services."