Gratiot County planning commission backs sending draft battery energy storage ordinance to county board after public hearing

The Gratiot County Planning Commission on a vote recommended the county board consider a draft ordinance regulating battery energy storage systems after a public hearing that included safety concerns from residents and technical explanation from consultants.

The action was taken after the commission opened a public hearing on the draft BESS ordinance and heard remarks from residents and Spicer Group consultants who helped draft the language. The commission voted to forward the recommended ordinance to the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners for its public hearing and potential adoption; the motion was made by Dave and supported by Rob and was carried by the commission.

The draft ordinance establishes safety and siting standards for BESS projects proposed within the six townships zoned by the county. Cindy, a Spicer Group consultant, read the draft’s safety provisions into the record, saying applicants must include a detailed safety plan with a preliminary design addressing fire prevention, explosion control and temperature control; safety systems such as hazard and explosion detection; bollards to prevent vehicle impacts; an emergency operations plan and orientation for the Gratiot Emergency Services Authority and other…