請願書の宛先： Groveland Township boards, Rep David Martin, Congresswoman Elissa Stotkin, Senator Ruth Johnson, Representative Lisa McClain, MPSC

As members of Groveland Township, we are bringing H.O.P.E. to our community. We are deeply concerned about the proposed development by Vesper Energy, aka Woodson Energy Storage LLC, which seeks to build a massive 300MW battery energy storage system in our township. This project, if allowed to progress, would become the largest in our state, surpassing the 220MW site currently under construction by DTE in Trenton, Michigan. This project poses serious environmental, health, and safety risks to residents of Groveland Twp and surrounding areas. There have been 2 proposed sites, the latest is on top of the Marshall Formation Aquifer. Our purpose for this petition is to garner support to STOP the project completely. Our Community is reaching to all surrounding communities to SIGN this petition and put pressure on the Groveland Twp boards and the Township boards of the surrounding communities. Groveland Twp = 5,912 residents, Holly Twp = 12,148 residents, Springfield Twp = 14,703 residents, Brandon Twp = 15,362 residents, Rose Twp = 6,160 residents, Atlas Twp = 7,993 residents.

The story
This concern is no fairy tale. There is a true toxic risk. The project lacks transparency. Vesper's proposal appears to sidestep proper community consultation, thus bypassing the voice of those who call Groveland Twp home. This isn't just about land-use; it's about ensuring that decisions impacting our lives are made transparently and with accountability.

Why This Matters

• Groveland Twp plans to allow a BESS to be constructed on property that sits on top of the MARSHALL FORMATION AQUIFER, which provides a water source for 52 counties in Michigan and is a source for Holly Michigan. This should especially concern all residents who use well water.
• A battery leak or fire, causing thermal runaway, from such a massive installation could contaminate our air and water, threatening not only Groveland Twp but also neighboring communities and the Marshall Formation Aquifer.

Community Impact

• The proximity of this proposed facility to our homes is alarming. Some residences could be merely 50 feet away from the site, putting families and children's safety and well-being at potential risk from industrial encroachment.
• Legitimate concerns over health & safety, noise, and the significant impact it will have on our daily lives.
• Both sites are within 3.5 miles of 4 schools, putting students and staff at risk.
• If a fire occurred, it could require mass shelter-in-place or evacuation orders, affecting 6 townships (Groveland, Holly, Springfield, Brandon, Rose and Atlas) County parks, State recreation areas, Golf courses, Boating access points, and ski areas
• Mt Holly, ORV state park, Holly Rec, Georgia Carpet, Holly Campground, Holly Area Schools and more will ALL need plans set in place by the proper authorities, to shelter in place or evacuate if there is a fire.
• Such a fire cannot be extinguished with water, and our local fire department would require specialized hazmat training—training we would never need if the project were not built.

Lack of Transparency and Community Input

• Vesper’s proposal has lacked transparency and adequate community consultation. Decisions of this magnitude—affecting our health, safety, and quality of life—must be made openly and with full accountability to the public.
• Residents have raised legitimate concerns, in meetings and in writing, yet Groveland Township officials have failed to include much of this input in their decision making. Public records or meeting summaries may not hold all items from the community.
• The Groveland Twp website states, 'it's staff and people are committed to the following mission: to be fair and unbiased to all, to protect the goals and values of our community, to solicit public input to the continuous process of community management, to continuously improve service to the community." However the actions have not matched the words.
• Residents have been told by the township "it's being shoved down our throats".

Environmental and Safety Concerns
Groveland Township’s own website describes our area as “sits in the midst of natures best, is a quiet community where quality of life is important.” Introducing such a large-scale industrial structure (BESS) would irrevocably alter our landscape and way of life, a change that the community is predominately against.

• Vesper Energy initially targeted a private owned, undeveloped 62-acre wooded site off Tucker Rd & East Holly Rd, behind the River Church (Site A), Vesper continues to lease that property, despite public opposition.
• Now, the township has signed an option to lease a second site to Vesper Energy off Grange Hall Road, near Worden Rd, across from the Mines of Oakland County (Site B)— This is a wooded site just over 37 acres on top of the Marshall Formation Aquifer, which is sandstone. This lease was approved by a 3–2 vote of the Township Board on September 3, 2025, despite unresolved concerns raised by two board members.