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Residents warn council about proposed battery-energy storage at Guemes Island ferry project
Summary
Members of the public expressed concern about a Skagit County proposal that includes a battery-energy storage system (BESS) at the Guemes Island ferry dock, citing battery fire risks and ongoing lawsuits; city staff said the project is a county matter but will come before council if built within city limits.
Several Anacortes residents used the public-comment period to urge caution about a Skagit County project to electrify the Guemes Island ferry, which includes a proposed battery-energy storage system at the dock.
Judy Billings told the council the project (planning file SDP2024-0003) is a Skagit County Public Works proposal with an estimated cost near $50 million for a short ferry crossing; she urged the city to oppose placement of a 2–3 megawatt battery-energy storage system (BESS) near downtown Anacortes, citing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and international reports of shipping suspensions for EV cargo because of fire risk. “To put this plant with 2 to 3 megawatts of lithium ion batteries in downtown Anacortes is ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous and dangerous,” Billings said.
Suzanne Roner also spoke against permitting battery storage in city limits and noted the matter was discussed by the Planning Commission in May. Mayor Miller and staff clarified the project is a Skagit County undertaking and that the council would only see a proposal if development occurs inside city limits; staff said if a large project were proposed within city limits the council would have an opportunity to consider it.
Ending: The council did not take any action; staff noted the city will review any formal development applications that fall inside city limits and answer public questions about jurisdictional responsibilities.
