Residents cite California BESS fire while urging caution over proposed battery site near Sumner aquifer

Several residents used the Jan. 20 public comment period to urge caution about the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) sited near Sumner's aquifer for the Derringer well, citing a large fire at a Moss Landing, California, BESS facility as cause for concern.

Tina Burnett, a Sumner resident, told the council she attended the recent study session where Puget Sound Energy’s presentation on the proposed BESS was discussed and said two days later a fire broke out at the Moss Landing plant in Monterey County. Burnett described the Moss Landing site as "the largest lithium ion battery system in the world" and said the facility experienced a fire that required evacuations and extensive emergency response. "I love BESS. It's a vital infrastructure that we need. I'm not opposed to it," she said, while urging preparedness and updated emergency planning.

Another commenter, Nick Beerman, echoed concerns about ongoing smoke and potential local implications and urged the community to follow developments in California closely. City staff and council members said they were tracking the issue: a staff member noted the city and fire department are working together for information, and at least one council member said they hoped the city's emergency management plan would be updated.

Why it matters: Commenters highlighted potential fire, air quality and evacuation impacts from large lithium-ion battery installations and asked the council to ensure local emergency plans and permitting reviews address those risks. The comments referenced out-of-jurisdiction incidents to underline the importance of robust local safety oversight.

Ending: Council members acknowledged the concerns and indicated follow-up through staff briefings with the fire department and emergency management to confirm local readiness and any permitting implications.