Recognizing the need for specific measures to safeguard community health, board members discussed possible amendments to local zoning bylaws that would be presented at the 2026 town meeting. The conversation revealed a potential regulatory gap, as existing documents do not adequately cover crucial aspects such as hydrogeological studies or sentinel wells, which are vital for comprehensive groundwater protection. To address these issues, the Health Board expressed interest in collaborating with the Planning Board to draft regulations that would ensure the protection of local water resources.

Board members highlighted the importance of regulating the cooling systems used in data centers, with particular attention to preventing the use of toxic or hazardous cooling liquids. There was a consensus on the significance of requiring closed-loop cooling systems for both data centers and battery storage, acknowledging that both share similar cooling needs. The discussion also included the potential for excluding certain areas from consideration for these facilities, such as the Lake Wyola zoning district and the town center zoning district, due to population density concerns.

The board also considered imposing specific operational requirements regarding the types of batteries used in data centers. They explored conversations with town hall staff about alternative batteries that are less flammable than conventional ones, such as lithium iron phosphate batteries, which contain an inert iron element that reduces flammability. This discussion pointed to the necessity for regulations that would mandate the use of less hazardous battery types to mitigate potential risks.

The Health Board’s involvement with groundwater protection was another focal point, as some Planning Board members seemed unclear about the Health Board’s scope of responsibilities. This prompted the Health Board to emphasize the intrinsic link between groundwater protection and public health. The Health Board proposed developing specific groundwater protection regulations to address modern concerns related to data centers and BESS, with a focus on nuisance factors such as noise and lighting, which could affect community health and quality of life.

The dialogue also touched on the potential challenges in enforcing these regulations, as evidenced by the failure of similar regulations in Orange. Board members expressed interest in attending a public hearing on groundwater protection scheduled for the 18th to observe potential issues that might arise. There was a suggestion to utilize Zoom for accessibility, allowing members to report back during their next meeting.

The board acknowledged the need to draw from state templates for local regulations and referenced documents from other municipalities that address BESS and groundwater protection, considering them relevant. Anecdotes were shared about the growing prevalence of data centers and their impact on communities, with participants noting the paradox of desiring advanced technologies while grappling with their physical manifestations in local environments.

In addition to regulatory discussions, the meeting briefly addressed other matters. Ongoing issues with beaver management were noted, with frustrations expressed over the lack of communication and resolution. There was also mention of the departure of a participant from Montague, recognized for their contributions to collaborative efforts within Franklin County. Administrative topics included requests for more information regarding Orange’s public hearing and the installation of a septic system at the new library.