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The proposed battery storage facility associated with the North Star solar array, in the south end of North Branch, is inching along and is at the early stages of permit review. There will be a public meeting in person and an on-line meeting later this month. 

DE Shaw Renewable Investments LLC and North Star solar request to be allowed to install a battery storage site alongside the solar panels, and  probably won’t have an Environmental Assessment completed until October 2025.

The scoping hearings required by law are scheduled for May 28 at the old Lent Township Hall, at 6 p.m.  And, there is an on-line meeting May 29, according to Sam Weaver, at the Dept of Commerce. See the public notice in the legals section of this edition.

In comments that the commission collected during an earlier open responses period,  the only item identified in public comment by nearby property owners,  is location for the access.  

The plan has options spelled out for an access road into the 70-plus acre battery structure property,  but no final design. (See preliminary map.)  

There have also been data developed related to standards for noise.  

The documents on the PUC website attached to this permit file  or docket number (25 123 25-123)  have early results of tests done on 24 hour, seven days per week noise levels anticipated.  Tests were calculated without and with barriers,  and “night” noise limits (decibels) are recommended to be abated by the addition of acoustic fencing. 

The testing was done replicating a very conservative simulation scenario, according to North Star Storage.  A 10 decibel “handicap” was built in.  There are 25 residences within 3,200 feet of where the battery storage equipment would be operating, which are referred to as noise sensitive areas (NSAs) in field testing results.

More specific results and plans to address operational concerns will be discussed as part of public meetings not yet scheduled.

The project applicants also were given the authorization April 22 to schedule a historic  inspection of the site.  Native communities and their representatives received notice of the project.  Weaver said the exact date for the archaeological inspection is not finalized yet.  He added, an extensive state historic office-led analysis was performed when the solar fields were proposed and permitted.

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