Community members raise safety concerns over proposed battery storage facility in Churchill County

The Churchill County Planning Commission held a special meeting on March 24, 2025, to address community concerns regarding a proposed battery storage facility. The meeting featured public comments that highlighted significant safety and environmental worries from local residents.

Chris Burn, a resident of Pinch Road, expressed his concerns about the facility's location at the headwaters of the valley. He pointed out that the current notification radius of 3,000 feet was insufficient, as many affected residents were unaware of the meeting. Burn emphasized the historical issues related to battery storage, citing past catastrophic incidents, including a fire involving railroad ties that had severe consequences for the area. He criticized the lack of independent monitoring of safety measures, suggesting that relying on the facility's self-regulation was inadequate.

Matthew Kent, another local resident, echoed Burn's concerns, particularly regarding fire safety. He noted that the proposed 300-gallon fire suppression system would be ineffective against lithium fires, referencing his conversations with technicians from Tesla's research and development facility. Kent also raised issues about emergency response times, stating that it takes the fire department 18 minutes to reach the area during a major incident. He expressed frustration over unresolved drainage issues affecting his property and highlighted the potential risk to his livestock and property insurance.

Both speakers underscored the increased traffic that the facility would bring to the area, raising concerns about safety and congestion on local roads. Kent pointed out that many residents did not receive notification about the meeting, which could lead to further community unrest as the facility's impact becomes more apparent.

The meeting concluded with a clear indication that residents are deeply concerned about the implications of the proposed facility, emphasizing the need for thorough safety assessments and better communication from local authorities. The Planning Commission is expected to consider these public comments as they move forward with the planning process.