[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",7315028,"mediaKeyId","3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33","parentId",3410421,"title","Faulkner County staff brief committee on proposed lithium‑ion battery storage site near Mayflower","audioSeconds",805,"startMs",102000,"endMs",907000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33&start=102&end=907","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33/thumbnail_102000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7315028/Faulkner-County/Arkansas/Faulkner-County-staff-brief-committee-on-proposed-lithiumion-battery-storage-site-near-Mayflower","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7315028-95003790550edcc209efdba7f035c7cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218539&Signature=dGqzi0PVlHwmgACi~f68Pg-4je8oUV85SXVYa7~FhgE~XYdMaLWzNZJ9piGMIgF~5ycuyjsxnroLMdnHB~RpiLVe93pPh7iwkJllRfVOAdZ88qUXjC-VQpECDRnX4~WrMng~Xy1N9w~oK4e3yYC04a7ij5ZONAvCU~eBbugNJaAyQVT3ZoRbOfsCOonkHvzsu6r2qB93yp~ImJG1WmcONnqRO4dAjPJQF38HOeEiucg-~k-ivEhfNBZmNXgJjCqPetaxSnspd4IhOfmIDtR4ILhLNyD231ougDUD91B236rdik4GIJOyUEXUw2k6S5xnrTlCLRzMlhs-c2UHienbhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Faulkner County","date","2025-05-21T11:03:59Z","article","Faulkner County Infrastructure Committee members were briefed on May 9 about a possible stand‑alone lithium‑ion battery energy storage facility proposed for land adjacent to a substation off White City Road, south of Mayflower.

County staff said the company identifying the site — described in county materials as Black Mountain Energy Storage and referenced in follow‑up communications as an Entergy Storage arrangement — is considering a footprint of roughly 2 to 3 acres that would tie directly into the nearby substation to charge and discharge electricity to the grid.

County staff emphasized the item was informational: \"This is something that will be looked at in our county,\" a staff member said, noting the company had recently contacted the county and that no final site plan or purchase was yet complete.

Committee members and county staff flagged several issues that will drive next steps. The facility would use lithium‑ion battery modules enclosed in climate‑controlled metal containers, county materials said. The developer told staff the containers include multiple layers of redundant sensors and automatic shutdown measures intended to detect overheating and prevent fire propagation. The company also said units are tested to UL standards and that industry and state environmental regulations would be followed.

Fire safety topped committee concerns. Chief Hillman is researching firefighting protocols for large lithium‑ion installations, county staff said. \"They are responsible for fire suppression on‑site,\" the staff member said, adding that the company has said it would work with the local fire department on an emergency response plan, provide on‑site training and coordinate response protocols. Committee discussion referenced mutual‑aid help from nearby full‑time departments, including Conway and Maumelle, if needed.

Other practical issues noted by the committee included water access, drainage and flood‑plain considerations, and whether hydrants or other suppression infrastructure would be required by code. Staff cited state building codes and the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 72 as applicable regulatory references and said the state fire marshal would also be involved as the proposal advances.

On community impacts, county staff said normal operation noise would come primarily from auxiliary HVAC and power‑conditioning equipment and described noise levels as comparable to residential HVAC units. Staff reported an informal site visit to other, existing facilities found no “undue noise.” The company also told staff the site would be unmanned during normal operations and would require only periodic maintenance visits.

County members asked about local benefits. The staff member said direct long‑term employment would likely be minimal beyond the construction phase, but that the facility would generate property‑type tax revenue: \"They would pay personal property tax,\" the staff member said.

Next steps identified by staff included continuing communications with the company, reviewing any submitted site plan if the company decides to purchase the land, and coordinating further technical review with the county fire department and state authorities. No formal county action or zoning decision was taken at the meeting.

Committee members asked staff to continue compiling technical and regulatory details for a future agenda item if the project advances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 20, 2025 Infrastructure & Roads Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","County staff told the Infrastructure Committee that a company has identified land near a substation off White City Road, south of Mayflower, for a 2–3 acre unmanned battery energy storage facility. Officials flagged fire‑safety, water and zoning questions and said the company would work with the local fire department on emergency planning.","taxTitle","Faulkner County, Arkansas","taxId",9533,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},7315024,"Faulkner County museum board presents $712,000 renovation plan; committee asked to consider $250,000 county match",414,1425000,1839000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33&start=1425&end=1839","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","/articles/7315024/Faulkner-County/Arkansas/Faulkner-County-museum-board-presents-712000-renovation-plan-committee-asked-to-consider-250000-county-match","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7315024-8d5ffe182ee16f02ecf858dafa38de00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218539&Signature=KwGBg0AGZmf3HVsXInliLQdenhSXAljPc3Njaw5E68eZeOBRoJpQtPVWIZ0uCSp1wVjvZ1HLLixs2AcEC1cVVE8l-Sec1NuM8SfycY3Ea9XwUAe-Tu90rlrFkyFD4Vdg1TI3H4GguGoN7U866RPron5-XlC~iIfVM1dGBkewcdyzBsMxHefsPZN~ulo~uerCAimHEDAlYaa~nQBRrO8pyHCfLjlJmWKACq4Z76FwcKrQGckDIDlGIjNjzhQ7SFS5kTEzC44-B~GB9NdfyNKQSghPrKDbUF5q8rtVKVd-7Iz~pA3kGw4lvYACn5aMLbPS8O6-7KymE-33-kYKC8Pzog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Faulkner County Museum Board presented a renovation and fundraising plan to the Infrastructure Committee, describing a two‑year project estimated at $712,000 and requesting the committee consider a $250,000 county contribution toward a county match.

Brian (identified at the meeting as the museum board chair) told the committee the board has received pro bono design and contractor scoping work for the project and is pursuing a mix of county funds, private pledges and additional fundraising. Materials provided to the committee list $75,000 in remaining county capital funds on hand and an existing pledge of $100,000 from the Adcock family foundation; the board said it still needs to raise roughly $287,000 to reach the $712,000 estimate.

Cindy Benjamin, secretary of the museum board, told committee members volunteers are keeping the museum open and that visitation has \"gone up tremendously\" since the board expanded open hours and outreach. Benjamin said the board expects a dozen group tours in the coming weeks and is placing exhibit displays at other county locations to raise awareness.

The board described a target timeline that would use the remainder of this year for fundraising, begin construction early next year and aim to reopen July 4, 2026. The board said fundraising leadership is already in place and that the project would be staged over roughly two years.

Committee members discussed the path for county participation if the board returns a formal funding request. The chair indicated that, if the committee supports the request, staff would present an ordinance identifying the funding source, which would go to budget/finance and then the full court for final action. No ordinance or appropriation was proposed or voted on at this meeting.

The museum board said it is working with partner organizations and volunteers and highlighted community outreach efforts, including recent displays at local sites and increased social media promotion. Board members asked the committee to review the submitted plan and provide feedback at a future committee meeting.","The Faulkner County Museum Board asked the Infrastructure Committee to review plans for a remodel and restoration estimated at $712,000. Board members said volunteers have increased visitation; the board already has $75,000 in county capital funds and a $100,000 pledge and seeks additional fundraising plus a possible $250,000 county contribution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":44,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":50,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6697124,"Faulkner County staff brief infrastructure committee on proposed battery energy storage site near Mayflower",1149,1251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33&start=102&end=1251","/articles/6697124/Faulkner-County/Arkansas/Faulkner-County-staff-brief-infrastructure-committee-on-proposed-battery-energy-storage-site-near-Mayflower","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697124-a3f4f04350eee3e874d55e1bdaa899b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218539&Signature=BrAs0cZ1KeAu7vdyQw6qsn65ztgu00ehESCQpDM61By64Ak8a2Ke29hN7Ox8Xn0gtsa69QI1UsIyaz5Fphcw9vv8I0voTWC8gs1Vt9juCqLvXBfT1YfOC0J5pHmPDbKVwS8ox~PrnoeMScPs10FqKVxd4M2YTGVRV948gttrkN1oLxQcJ7cRw4pY2sVWvqcMHC3NEC-RW~zIhypTtkb3rosv~zSaJe3dY~S3Dshc1zebdljv9byCiE9-yBo23~Gr2xDdZq4GMNSYYtNSQiWHtCCX3icwvG1wuZK1WfkZZBlT4e2~GmZpfG1HO~ouynoZEuuE8eARp4cOpVqVKM7OCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Faulkner County staff briefed the county Infrastructure Committee on a proposed standalone battery energy storage facility located adjacent to a substation off White City Road, south of Mayflower, during a committee meeting. County staff said the developer identified a 2–3 acre footprint and described the project as a containerized lithium‑ion “VESS” that would connect directly to the nearby substation to charge and discharge electricity to the grid.

The project matters to the county because of potential public‑safety, infrastructure and service‑cost implications: lithium‑ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish, local volunteer fire departments would be the first on scene, and the facility would require a grid connection and construction traffic. County staff said the company anticipates the facility would be unmanned in regular operations and would require only periodic maintenance visits.

County staff (presenting material prepared from the company’s email and public examples) said the developer described multiple safety layers inside each container, automatic shutdowns if sensors detect abnormal heating or gas, UL testing and design features intended to confine any thermal event to a single container. The presenter said the company offered to work with the local fire department on an emergency response plan and on on‑site familiarization and training.

Chief Hillman of the Faulkner County Fire Department is reported to be researching fire‑suppression protocols and the potential for toxic emissions if a lithium‑ion battery were to burn; county staff said that chief will provide findings to the county as they become available. Committee members asked specifically whether hydrants or additional water supply would be required; staff said state building codes and the state fire code (including NFPA standards) apply and that specifics will depend on the site plan and the industry’s fire‑suppression requirements.

On operational questions, staff said the developer told them noise from auxiliary HVAC equipment is comparable to residential heating and cooling units and is intermittent, that cooling needs are expected to be considerably lower than those of data centers, and that the containers are typically set back from property lines. Staff reported brief, unscientific observation visits to existing facilities that found no undue noise within about 75–100 yards.

On local benefits and costs, staff said such facilities generally produce limited ongoing employment beyond construction, may pay personal property and sales/excise taxes on energy transactions, and stated the company has indicated it would be responsible for on‑site fire suppression and related equipment. Committee members asked whether the developer would reimburse local fire departments or cover mutual‑aid costs; staff said those arrangements remain negotiable and would be addressed as part of permitting and emergency‑response planning.

Staff emphasized the project is at an exploratory stage: the company is still determining whether to purchase the property, no site plan has been submitted, and county staff said they will continue communications and request a site plan if the company proceeds. No formal action or vote occurred; staff said the matter will return to the committee as additional information — including a site plan and fire‑safety findings from Chief Hillman — becomes available.

Next steps outlined by staff include continued outreach to the developer, review of any future site plan for compliance with state building and fire codes, and coordination between the developer and the Faulkner County Fire Department on training and response protocols.","Faulkner County staff briefed the county Infrastructure Committee on a proposed standalone battery energy storage facility located adjacent to a substation off White City Road, south of Mayflower, during a committee meeting.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":79,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":82,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6697117,"Faulkner County museum board presents $712,000 renovation estimate and seeks county contribution",403,1828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410421-5ca832ce9c46ef6f15ee59fb1d8c4e33&start=1425&end=1828","/articles/6697117/Faulkner-County/Arkansas/Faulkner-County-museum-board-presents-712000-renovation-estimate-and-seeks-county-contribution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697117-ce045b4e2bc09a0598145c6c9f476061/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218539&Signature=XXacEOT0KM9lMCkaOxMcMSlvNfHk4PBaJpJXm5V~bM5Mz731OyxxNbKsIrSwFfUD~KaIy9-~WBCOc30Rc93TkP1pZ5ul0wcv2VXsGDKZJbQ6vVo-hu6D~PsSz2ejCttNBo42rqxUqPVWJzvXA6uhun5Rl0czHeMozMrq-fpsW88v2G4Ohz~MdqPzSxBq2K-80H31BWjKSTQUP5gfuKgjPi83liKO05vVSYKLp3f92fFcChv-UK91bURb2NvBn-0g4tB6-0DGIhJ9HY5Zlrfb1B1XU4L-iVNMRgKV3oEcuSWQpS-Sy9pDiGhcRnaeblY0~do6EaWk~Td3QdYeejW-6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Faulkner County Museum Board presented a fundraising and renovation plan to the county Infrastructure Committee, including a contractor’s estimate of $712,000 for a full restoration and a request that the county consider a $250,000 contribution. Board leaders said volunteers are operating the museum after the recent resignation of the executive director and that visitation has increased since expanded open hours.

The board’s chair (identified in the meeting as Brian) and secretary Cindy Benjamin reported that volunteers have increased staffing, that a recent Saturday open day drew more than 200 visitors, and that group tours are scheduled in the coming weeks. The board said it is pursuing fundraising and has $75,000 in capital on hand plus a $100,000 pledge from the Adcock family foundation contingent on a county match and other conditions discussed with the county judge’s office.

Board members said designer/contractor Steve Hurd produced a full plan and general‑contractor scope pro bono; the board presented Hurd’s estimate of $712,000 as an order‑of‑magnitude figure. The board described a fundraising target that would require raising approximately $287,000 in addition to the $100,000 private pledge and the proposed county contribution to reach the full estimate.

Committee members said next steps would include returning to the infrastructure committee to consider a county ordinance identifying a funding source, referral to budget/finance for debate, and then a return to the full court if the committee approves a contribution. The committee did not take a vote at the meeting; members asked staff to review the proposal, examine possible funding sources and bring a draft ordinance and recommendation back to the committee.

The board gave a preliminary two‑year timeline: raise the remaining funds this year, begin construction early next year and aim to reopen on or near July 4, 2026. The committee welcomed the more detailed plan compared with a prior presentation and asked board members and staff to continue work on fundraising and ordinance language before the proposal is scheduled for formal committee action.","Faulkner County Museum Board told the Infrastructure Committee it has a pro‑bono full design and a contractor estimate of $712,000 to renovate the county museum, has $75,000 on hand and a $100,000 pledge contingent on a county match; the board requested the committee consider a $250,000 county contribution and the committee said it would draft an","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Faulkner County staff brief committee on proposed lithium‑ion battery storage site near Mayflower

Faulkner County museum board presents $712,000 renovation plan; committee asked to consider $250,000 county match

Faulkner County staff brief infrastructure committee on proposed battery energy storage site near Mayflower

Faulkner County museum board presents $712,000 renovation estimate and seeks county contribution