Greater Napanee Town Council has approved a noise bylaw exemption for Hydrostor, a Canadian energy company planning a 24/7 bore drilling operation near the Lennox Generating Station. The drilling is part of Hydrostor’s Quinte Energy Storage project, which will last from May until July 2025.
Hydrostor, known for its compressed air energy storage systems in California and Australia, said the continuous drilling is needed to study underground rock conditions. Company representative Shaheer Aziz told council that starting and stopping the drill each day would add several months to the project.
Aziz also said two studies—on noise and groundwater—showed minimal impact to nearby residents. He added that sound-reducing equipment will be used during the drilling.
One nearby resident has signed a “good neighbour agreement” with the company. However, some councillors, including Dave Pinnell, raised concerns about the lack of transparency around that deal.
Town staff acknowledged public concerns but said the studies supported the exemption. Council approved the request with a condition: if noise levels go above 45 decibels, the exemption can be revoked.
The bore drilling will help determine if the site is suitable for Hydrostor’s long-term energy storage project.
Written by Emily Chatwood
