Fire hazard at marijuana factory eyed by selectmen

Growing marijuana can be energy intensive with extensive ventilation, lighting and temperature systems required to maximize production as shown in this photo of a typical medical marijuana growhosue. (Courtesy photo)

COPYRIGHT2017© LEBANON - Overloaded and subcode electrical wiring found at a Lebanon marijuana growing facility earlier this month is raising concerns from the town's code enforcement officer and selectmen.

CEO Mike Beaulieu apprised selectmen of the situation at their Thursday meeting, saying he had first gotten involved after Lebanon Fire and Rescue had been called to the facility for a burning smell.

There was no fire, Beaulieu said, but the fire chief told him that the electrical set-up was questionable.

"Because of the fire potential we went over and found all kinds of electrical violations," Beaulieu told selectmen, including "extension cords all over the place" and electrical work that wasn't boxed.

Beaulieu's next move was to have the manager of the facility call an electrician who came over and terminated all the bad wiring.

When all the wiring is brought up to code, Beaulieu said the facility, which is a medical grow facility, will be able to continue operation.

The incident underscores the growing realization among regulators that pot, while beloved by its users for its organic and natural origins, is an energy eating behemoth with a potentially huge carbon footprint.

A recent study by scientists with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that legalized indoor marijuana-growing operations account for 1 percent of total electricity use in the United States, The Guardian newspapers reported. The nationwide cost of the energy is put at some $6 billion.

Annually, such consumption produces 15 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), equal to that of three million average cars.

But more than that, there are no apparent regulations specifically mandating safe practices for growing marijuana, which can include heating and cooling system, special lighting and ventilation for maximum production.

Selectmen Chairman Chip Harlow questioned whether the town even had the authority to shut down a growing facility like Beaulieu did.

Homeowners have had extension cords all over the place if they're growing regular flowering plants, he reasoned, adding. "There is an electrical wiring code that covers this."

"This is a brand new frontier and presents a danger to the public," Beaulieu replied.

State Police came down and inspected the facility and found all paperwork in order, he noted.