The Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council met on November 8, 2023 at Redwood Valley’s Grange Hall. Key moments from the meeting included a presentation from Form Energy about the new battery storage project on East Road, a Q&A session with the CalTrans manager about the Russian River bridge replacement on Highway 20, and comments from a California Highway Patrol Sergeant on traffic issues.
There is a new battery storage project at 7475 East Rd. at the PG&E substation. Some people have expressed concerns and questions about this on the Redwood Valley Community Facebook Page.
Reena Birch Fram, Senior Account Manager of Business Development at Form Energy‘s Oakland office, spoke at the meeting. A peek at Form Energy’s website shows that the company is backed by legitimate investors, and has an experienced management team.
From the website:
“Form Energy is an American energy storage technology and manufacturing company that is developing and commercializing a pioneering iron-air battery capable of storing electricity for 100 hours at system costs competitive with legacy power plants. Form’s multi-day battery will reform the global electricity system to reliably run on 100% low-cost renewable energy, every day of the year.”
Fram told us that iron air batteries have been researched by NASA, and can cost-effectively store many more hours than lithium. The batteries have iron, air, and water inside. The State of California has allocated funding for long-duration energy storage with a focus of the program to support non-lithium-ion energy storage technologies.
The Redwood Valley project is still in the early stage of development. Chair Dolly Riley asked if they could set this back from the road and provide landscaping. The batteries are enclosed in what looks like white shipping containers.
Residents asked questions about aesthetics, noise, and fire danger. After discussion, it seems like landscaping might increase the fire risk, and it was suggested that murals be painted on the containers to improve the look of the project. Fram said she would investigate whether murals are possible.
She described meeting with the Fire Marshall in Redwood Valley, and there will be more public meetings scheduled.
Construction will probably begin in 2025. The project is under review by the California Energy Commission and the design is preliminary.
Alternate MAC Member Marybeth Kelly wanted to know if there would be hazardous waste on-site. Each iron-air battery is filled with a water-based, non-flammable electrolyte like those used in AA batteries. The battery pack around the electrolytes is the first containment case, and the large white boxes are the second containment. Form is building in safety measures to reduce hazardous waste.
Kelly wanted to know if this project will tie in with the PG&E grid and asked how the community will benefit. Fram explained that the facility is a test project and, if successful, will lead to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It is only 5MW and it will not create a microgrid. She estimated the project would require two to three people to handle operation and maintenance.
We spoke at length with Fram about the project after the meeting and she addressed several of our questions.
Regarding fire danger, Fram said one of the key reasons Form selected iron-air electrochemistry is that it is inherently safe. Form follows leading safety standards and obtains all applicable certifications required for batteries, including NFPA 855 (National Fire Protection Association).
She told us that lithium-ion is vulnerable to overcharging, high temperatures, or impact creating uncontrolled chain reactions at the cell that lead to fire risk. This mechanism is not possible for Form’s battery. In addition, the active components are submerged in a water-based, non-flammable electrolyte.
Form will develop an Emergency Response and Emergency Action Plan in coordination with the County Environmental Health Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA). Further, Form will engage the local fire department for feedback and to ensure appropriate training for crews. In addition to other details, the plan will designate a local agency with the authority to order the project to shut down due to events such as wildfires.
Form selected Redwood Valley for this project because of site suitability and because PG&E had already conducted the necessary studies to connect a battery project to the grid at that location.
When Form reached out to County officials in our early engagement, we were encouraged by the pro-business and pro-environment landscape in Mendocino County and Redwood Valley, making it an ideal community to host our first California project. PG&E is leasing the land to Form and a subcontractor to Form for portions of the construction.
To ensure the project does not have a negative impact on the community, Form and the California Energy Commission (CEC) have conducted ambient noise monitoring to determine the existing noise levels at the project site in summer 2023.
Within 15 days of the start of project operations, Form will conduct an additional noise survey by measuring noise levels to ensure they are within the permitted levels. The noise generated by the project will be from the cooling fans moving air through the enclosures. Fan use depends on various factors, including ambient temperature.
There will be a telephone number posted to report emergencies or excessive noise.
Energy storage projects are typically remotely operated and monitored; however, staff would be on-call to respond to any alerts generated by the monitoring system. Form Energy plans to grow its service team according to needs across all projects, and the additional needs from this project would be considered in the hiring plan, with employees most likely to be based in the region. The project will provide short-term jobs for a small workforce of about 5 – 10 construction workers.
This demonstration has the potential to validate the technology, allowing for larger projects that could open the door to more renewable energy and economic impact in the area.
The batteries won’t directly charge from solar panels, they will charge from the electric grid. Because the project will have a large 100-hour storage capacity, it would be able to charge and discharge energy for extended periods.
Caltrans Project Manager Robert King apologized for the extended closure of the Road 144 turnoff from Highway 20.
By the time you read this, the eastbound lane on Highway 20 should be routed onto the new bridge. The Road 144 exit will not be finished and fully open until June 2024.
The only way to keep Road 144 open would be to put a stop light at the intersection with Highway 20, which the engineers calculated would cause traffic backup on Highway 20. It would have had a bigger environmental impact and would increase costs by 50%. $25 million has already been spent on the new bridge. The engineers determined that a roundabout would not work in this location.
King said he would look into why the Potter Valley intersection with Highway 20 has lights and Redwood Valley does not.
King said the traffic engineers calculated that the road closure creates an extra 2 to 3 minutes of driving. King said that Caltrans has a claim process for businesses that have been economically harmed by the road closure. King did not have details on hand regarding the claim process.
King’s email address is Robert.King@dot.ca.gov, for those who want more information about filing a claim.
Sergeant Adam Garcia from the CHP spoke about efforts to stop speeding drivers on East Road and West Road. The CHP will try to deploy a radar trailer more often. Unfortunately, staffing levels are low.
Garcia did take a look at the congestion at Eagle Peak Middle School and he agrees it is an issue to be resolved. He suggested the school reach out to the County Transportation Department to mitigate the traffic problems. He noted that there was no crossing guard when he visited. Garcia will provide extra enforcement as staffing allows.
Board Chair Dolly Riley requested more radar trailers along East and West Roads, especially along the north end of the valley.
Garcia said the radar trailers are usually deployed for 8 to 10 hours. They don’t leave them overnight because of possible vandalism. About a third of his squad of CHP officers live in Redwood Valley.
County Supervisor Glenn McGourty was unable to attend, but sent his notes on County finances and water, read by Vice Chair Jini Reynolds and Board Member Adam Gaska.
When it comes to finances, “A perfect storm is brewing as we try to develop the 23-24 budget. . . .” Sales tax, transient occupancy tax, and property taxes are down, and costs of all sorts are up due to inflation. There are cost overruns with the new jail construction. The agreement was made in 2016, to include a new wing for inmates with mental health problems. Inflation has driven up costs at the rate of approximately $1 million per year (the State Fire Marshall took two years to review the new jail plans). Measure B funds will be borrowed to build the jail. The BOS is seeking help with funding from State Senator McGuire and Assemblyman Wood. The employees need a raise, but there is no money for wage increases, and open positions in some departments will not be filled. The county is prioritizing public safety employees, such as the Sheriff’s department, and departments that bring in revenue. Some services will be curtailed. County vehicle, overhead, and utility costs will increase.
The County has very limited staff to work on water issues, unlike Ukiah, Willits, and Fort Bragg, which employ professional water personnel. The County is responsible for everything from the new state laws requiring monitoring and reporting on groundwater and wells, to stormwater runoff and quagga mussels.
Amir Mani, PhD, EKI Environment and Water Consulting, prepared a report suggesting that the County form a matrix of expertise from across existing departments, rather than fund a department of water.
UC Cooperative Extension Hydrology and Climate Change Advisor Dr. Laura Garza will be starting in January to work with our community on water issues.
McGourty serves on the Mendocino County Inland Power and Water Commission, part of the group negotiating with PG&E on the Potter Valley diversion facility. “I especially acknowledge Janet Pauli for extraordinary leadership and time dedicated to finding a solution to keep the Upper Russian River Watershed with a dependable water source.”
Gaska added more information on water issues from his perspective as Board President of the Redwood Valley County Water District. The District attempted to drill a well at the Masonite property owned by Millview County Water District, using grant funding.
Despite hydrologic reports that this might be a favorable spot to find water, the well drillers did not find sufficient water. LACO consultants still have grant funds available, and they will look at other ways to secure water.
The road to the pump house at Lake Mendocino that had been washed out during last year’s storms has been repaired. After two years of coming close to bankruptcy, it looks like the District will end this year with about $500,000 in the bank.
There were no report from Sheriff Matt Kendall this month.
On the subject of cannabis, Board Member Christine Boyd announced that she and her husband, Tom Schoeneman (Board Member of the Redwood Valley County Water District), wrote a letter to the editor of the Ukiah Daily Journal, expressing dismay with the Board of Supervisors’ decision on two recent applications for cannabis exclusion zones. They asked that the ordinance be amended to include buffer zones between cannabis grows and residential property.
Community member Cathy Monroe added that Sonoma County is working on revising its cannabis ordinance.
Supervisorial candidate Carrie Shattuck pointed out that the application by Willits residents for an exclusion zone was situated in an area where cannabis grows are already prohibited, so there was no need for an exclusion zone.
The Board discussed the minor use permit application renewal for a Chevron gas station off Highway 101, at 9621 North State St., near the Thai Tasty restaurant. A minor use permit can be decided by the Planning Commission, and does not go before the BOS.
The Planning Commission already denied the 65-foot-high sign request, instead approving a 25-foot-high sign with a maximum area of 525 square feet.
Caltrans will have to add a barrier to the freeway median, as it is currently possible to drive directly across the freeway from the shopping center. A barrier will prevent southbound drivers on 101 from making a left turn across the freeway to enter the gas station. It will be easy for northbound drivers to exit into the gas station, but southbound drivers will have to drive to the West Road exit and take a longer route to reach the station.
On January 12, 2022, the RV MAC Board previously submitted a comment to the Planning Commission, asking that the application be denied for traffic safety reasons and the fact that there are enough gas stations already in the area. The preference would be for electric vehicle charging stations or another type of business that would be a better fit with community needs.
The Board voted to resubmit the previous comment to the Planning Commission. Alternative Member Kelly said the Grassroots Institute on the coast had previously addressed a letter to the BOS saying that there is no need for any new gas stations in the county. The Board Members discussed whether it would be possible under the Brown Act for the RV MAC to issue a letter in support of the Grassroots Institute’s position.
Community member Sonia Campbell is concerned with light pollution from the sign.
Reynolds reported that the Grange Halloween Trunk or Treat had over 300 participants. The 4H Haunted House at the Grange had a good turnout. The Fire Department helped with the event and also helped replace some roof tiles on the Grange building.
On October 25 the Ukiah Unified School District conducted a tour of the Redwood Valley School for potential buyers. Bids will be announced at the January school board meeting.
There was very little to report on the Great Redwood Trail. There may be some trail-related projects coming to Hopland.
Regarding the Community Action Plan, Riley met with the County Supervisors and Julia Krog, Head of Planning and Building, and subsequently followed up with an email to Krog, and will follow up again.
In January, the MAC will vote for new officers. Board Member Patricia Ris Yarbrough has already taken over the duties of Treasurer from Katrina Frey. There is one opening on the MAC Board and an opening for a secretary for 4 hours per month.
Reynolds said that the Zoom account has the ability to convert talk to text and she will see if that works to make preparation of the minutes easier. Reynolds described the Vice Chair’s duties as working with the Board President to comply with the Brown Act.
Riley described the Chair (President) position as “the buck stops here.” Riley would prefer to remain President because she wants to follow through on shepherding the Community Action Plan to approval.
Reynolds reported that microphones and other electronic equipment were damaged from water leaking into the storage cabinet, damage estimated at around $600. Reynolds will see if repairs are possible. Reynolds has been using her own two personal computers for the Zoom meetings.
The MAC is in need of technical assistance, as the assistant resigned. It takes at least an hour to set up in advance of the meetings, and Reynolds has physical limitations preventing her from moving furniture and equipment.
The Grange rental is $80 per meeting. The Board discussed possibly moving to the County Behavioral Health Center. The rental cost is only $48 per meeting, but it is doubtful that the MAC equipment could be stored there. No decision about moving was made for the time being.
The next meeting will be January 10, 2024. There will be no meeting in December.
Redwood Valley Meetings we salute you! Thank you!
Incredible that PG and E would choose Redwood Valley for a first of its kind experimental energy storage test site. The nerve! Choose a town you haven’t burned down yet!
Pizza Etc and all the East Rd business who are suffering now during this ramp closure more than they did thru covid lock downs or fires, need our community support!
YES! Eagle Peak needs a crossing gaurd!! The traffic is so bad that parents are now picking their kids up at the Tamale stand, which means they walk across school way where theres a little merge to west road. I saw a car slam on its breaks for a kid the other day. It’s blind.
I live just past the Monastery on Tomki. It’s been 6 years since Redwood Valley’s fire and yet there are still dead, burned and crumbling trees constantly falling into the road all the way to West Rd Y. During the snows last years the trees were snapping across the road all over. All the property owners that I know share the same safety concerns regarding these trees. I do hope that this topic can recieve some light!! Our community lifeline- Tomki Rd- needs to be passable!
Best ever news report I have ever read of these Redwood Valley Community Meetings. Sorry I missed that meeting. Thank you for the detailed coverage. Also: IMhO: That local Battery Project taking shape on PG&E property in Redwood Valley sounds awesome ? … Hope we see innovations in battery storage bringing economical greener options for all.
You would feel differently if you lived next to or across the road from this. That heavy equipment operation that went up in there is bad enough. Talk about noise: ground-shaking BOOMS sometimes starting at 2:30 and 3am when they are moving stuff around. Nobody said anything to property owners and residents over here when it was going in. And whatever happened to environmental review process for these projects?
Please come to the Redwood Valley MAC meeting January 10 at 5:30 PM at the Grange. The battery people at Form Energy will be back and you can register your concerns.
Here is the prelminary environmental impact report.
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/GetDocument.aspx?tn=252787-2&DocumentContentId=87878
William, the construction lot and new battery project are literally in my yard. Loud crashes, booms, beeps, yelling, light pollution are the norm now…7 days a week. We are not happy. I cannot attend meetings as I care for my wife 24 hours a day. I truly hope that east road and valley view drive neighbors stand up and voice all our concerns. They’ve essentially stolen our country quality of life.
California has 1000 times the storage of this battery project currently on the grid and will likely double that amount by this time next year. They work great and save money.
It’s not good that we have to drive around to go to Pizza Etc, but we figure it and make the long trip around. My bigger problem is why doesn’t Pizza Etc accept card or Apple Pay. Apple Pay from my understanding doesn’t charge the seller a fee. That is a larger inconvience than driving an extra 4 miles. They would probably sell a lot more cookies, pizza, etc. I usually end up giving the liquor a fee or spending $10 to just get cash back.
Pizza Etc you’re doing yourself more harm being cash only, then the off ramp being an inconvience.
They take cards and EBT.I think you are mistaken.
What?!! That has to be a newer policy that I didn’t pay attention to. I retract that. I will be buying double now. Best pizza ever hands down.
Glad to help, Rhonda and staff definitely make a darn good pizza.