Board to review energy-storage guidance as DOER readies state rules

Board members discussed whether the Southborough Board of Health should pursue local bylaw or regulation language for energy storage systems as the town updates industrial zoning.

Taylor told the board the town is updating industrial zoning and that the Board of Health had previously sent a memo to the planning board. Taylor said staff will research how other towns handle energy-storage systems and return recommendations so the board can decide if local conditions are appropriate. Participants noted the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will release related regulations in April and that there are existing public-health guidance documents that could form a foundation for local conditions.

Board members observed that the local board of health has authority to adopt such measures outside of town meeting, but emphasized that any local action should include public hearings. Staff will gather examples and guidance for the board’s future consideration.