Community raises safety concerns over proposed lithium battery storage near Bangor Road

The Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on April 16, 2025, in Churchill County, Nevada, to discuss a proposed project involving the storage of lithium batteries. The meeting featured significant public concern regarding the safety implications of the project, particularly due to the highly combustible nature of lithium batteries.

The discussion began with a detailed presentation from a concerned resident who highlighted the dangers associated with storing large quantities of lithium batteries outdoors. The resident pointed out that lithium batteries are prone to combustion, especially when exposed to heat, which is a significant risk given the region's hot summer temperatures. The speaker referenced multiple incidents of lithium battery fires, including recent events in Moss Landing, California, and Fredericktown, Missouri, emphasizing that these fires can be exacerbated by the batteries' ability to generate their own oxygen, complicating firefighting efforts.

Concerns were raised about the proximity of the proposed storage site to residential areas and water resources. The resident noted that the application for the project did not adequately address potential hazards, including the risk of fire spreading due to nearby natural gas pipelines and an oil recycling plant. The speaker criticized the applicants for failing to provide thorough answers to safety-related questions and for underestimating the water needs for firefighting, stating that lithium battery fires cannot be extinguished with water alone.

The resident urged the commissioners to require comprehensive studies and expert evaluations before proceeding with the project, citing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that mandate proper storage conditions for lithium batteries. The speaker concluded by calling for a more cautious approach to ensure community safety, particularly in light of the potential for catastrophic incidents.

The meeting underscored the community's apprehension regarding the proposed lithium battery storage project, with calls for further investigation and expert input before any decisions are made. The commissioners are expected to consider these concerns as they deliberate on the next steps for the project.