About Our Fight
The “Oakham Battery Fight” refers to the strong local and widespread opposition in Oakham, Massachusetts to a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility at 358 Coldbrook Road, known as the Moraga Storage Project (EFSB Docket No. 25-07). The project, proposed by Rhyland Energy, would construct an industrial-scale lithium-ion battery facility near wetlands, vernal pools, and the Ware River Watershed, an area critical to regional drinking water supplies.
Key Concerns:
Public Safety Risks
- Potential for lithium-ion fires (thermal runaway), which are difficult to extinguish and can release toxic gases and contaminated runoff.
- Proximity to homes, forests, and Oakham Center School raises alarm about evacuation feasibility and fire containment.
Environmental Threats
- The proposed site borders wetlands, vernal pools, and protected watershed land.
- Opponents warn of groundwater and ecosystem contamination from fire suppression water, battery leakage, or stormwater runoff.
Local Governance & Bylaw Conflict
- Oakham’s Board of Health, Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Conservation Commission raised objections based on town bylaws protecting wetlands and limiting industrial activity.
- The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) is now considering whether to override Oakham’s local bylaws, triggering widespread outrage over loss of home-rule authority.
Transparency & Trust
- Residents and officials have criticized lack of clear communication from developers and state agencies.
- Concerns include missing vernal pool data, incomplete environmental filings, and insufficient community outreach.
Community & Political Response
- Oakham officials and boards (Board of Health, Selectmen, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Fire & Police Departments) have all publicly opposed the project.
- State legislators, including Senator Peter Durant and Representative Donnie Berthiaume, voiced strong support for Oakham residents at the October 16, 2025 EFSB public hearing.
- The nonprofit theACORNS.org (Advocates for Conservation of Oakham’s Rural Nature & Safety) has led the grassroots campaign, mobilizing public comment, petitions, and inter-town advocacy.
- Nearby towns, such as New Salem, Leyden, Blandford, and Warren, Millbury, Charlton and Rutland have submitted letters supporting Oakham’s position and warning of precedent-setting implications.
Current Status (as of October 2025)
- The public comment period for EFSB Docket 25-07 remains open through October 30, 2025.
- The EFSB will review testimony and written comments before issuing a tentative decision on whether to approve the facility and override local bylaws.
- Oakham’s residents and officials remain unified and vigilant, emphasizing science-based stewardship, watershed protection, and the defense of local self-governance.
You can watch the EFSB Hearing that took place in Oakham on October 16, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcUT-CX_E7A
Please send a letter to the Department of Public Utilities today.
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) is accepting written public comments on the proposed Rhynland Energy/Moraga Oakham BESS project through October 30, 2025. Comments should reference EFSB Docket No. 25-07 and may be submitted by email or mail as follows:
Email:
dpu.efiling@mass.gov; daniel.w.keleher@mass.gov; akaplan@pierceatwood.com
Include your name, address, and 'EFSB 25-07 Oakham BESS Project' in the subject line.