As the 16.3 Mega-Watt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developed by North Glengarry BESS Inc., an affiliate of Wahgoshig Solar FIT5 LP, nears connection to the local electrical grid, the final stages for safety are being implemented.
The BESS facility will meet all safety requirements and must comply with regulations of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks, as well as the Township of North Glengarry. North Glengarry’s Fire Department will undergo specific training for dealing with fire hazards, and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) in partnership with the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CREA), have developed the Solar Electricity and Battery Storage Systems Safety Handbook for Firefighters.
Each BESS site in Ontario is assessed to determine the appropriate water supply requirements. Due to the location of the North Glengarry BESS, on-site storage systems have been established. With freezing temperatures now upon the area, a fire well has been installed. A fire well provides a large water supply for firefighters, increasing the fire protection capabilities for North Glengarry.
According to the North Glengarry Fire Department, “there had been a temporary water storage system for the summer, which was inspected weekly by the fire department, but would not be a suitable option for the winter months due to freezing.” A fire well has been installed and filled near Dunvegan, offering greater service to residents of the village. Should the need arise, the North Glengarry Fire Department can provide water tanker shuttle service for an incident response. This rotating system of tanker trucks will fill temporary pools from the designated fill site, in this case the fire well, since there are no hydrants in proximity. This is similar to the previous underground reservoir installed in Glen Sandfield, in 2017, to broaden the fire fighting abilities of the North Glengarry Fire Department and fulfills safety requirements for the BESS facility installation.