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Residents urge city to oppose Guemes Island electrification project's large battery storage citing fire risk
Summary
Public commenters warned the council about public-safety and liability risks from a proposed 2'3 megawatt Battery Energy Storage System connected to a Guemes Island ferry project and urged the city to withhold approval until safer technology or clearer mitigation plans are available.
Two residents used the public comment period to raise safety concerns about a proposed electrification project for the Guemes Island ferry, specifically the inclusion of a 2'3 megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the ferry dock.
Judy Billings said the project was a Skagit County Public Works application she had seen in the legal notices and called for the city to "do not approve" where the city had jurisdiction. Billings said the estimated $50 million project was disproportionate for a five-minute crossing and described large-scale lithium-ion battery plants as hazardous: "These BESS plants are known to catch on fire and are very difficult to put out," she said, citing international incidents and recent shipping suspensions of electric-vehicle cargo. Billings urged Skagit County and project planners to delay action until safer storage technology is available.
Suzanne Roner also spoke in opposition, noting the planning commission had considered language that could allow battery storage and urging caution: "This is not something we want in Anacortes," she said.
Nut graf: Speakers argued that deploying a multi-megawatt lithium-ion storage installation adjacent to downtown Anacortes posed fire and toxic-smoke risks and that the city should scrutinize safety analysis and alternatives before the project proceeds. City staff noted the ferry project is a county matter but said large projects within city limits typically come before council when they cross certain thresholds.
Council response: Mayor Miller acknowledged the city's limited formal role on a county-led ferry project but said large projects within city limits could trigger city review depending on project scope. No council action was taken on July 21.
Ending: Speakers asked the city and county to wait for safer storage technology or stronger mitigation planning before approving any large-scale BESS installations near downtown Anacortes.
