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Dimmit County court approves replat for proposed 20‑acre battery storage site, subject to legal documentation
Summary
Commissioners approved a replat of 20 acres to allow Spearman Energy’s Winter Garden Real Estate LLC to buy land for a future battery storage project, while asking the company for environmental, fire‑safety and legal documentation before further permits or construction.
Dimmit County Commissioners voted to approve a replat that will allow Spearman Energy-affiliated Winter Garden Real Estate LLC to purchase 20 acres of an already‑platted 40‑acre parcel near a substation, with the approval conditioned on the company providing further legal documentation.
Company representative Iman Lugo told the court the replat is a preliminary step so the company can buy the portion of the parcel it needs; actual development would occur two to four years later. Lugo said the planned facility would store—not generate—electricity and be sited adjacent to an existing substation. He said the company will carry out environmental studies, coordinate with local emergency services and prepare decommissioning, operation and maintenance plans.
During public questioning, a resident asked whether batteries pose hazardous‑materials risks. Joe R., introduced as a technical representative for Spearman Energy, said the batteries are “containerized” and, when they reach the end of their useful life, the units are removed and hauled off. A county fire official said the developer should work with the fire department on a management plan; Lugo and his team said they would follow local procedures and noted existing safety measures used on other projects.
Several commissioners raised jurisdictional and permitting questions, including whether state highway and utility approvals are required and the timing for county involvement. Commissioner Juan Carmona moved to approve the replat “subject to further documentation in regards to the legal aspects of the replat.” The motion was seconded and the court voted in favor; one commissioner was recorded as absent.
The vote allows the company to proceed with filing replat documentation and continue due diligence, but it does not authorize construction, permits or any tax or incentive agreements. County staff and the developers said they will return with maps, environmental assessments and any required interagency approvals before later permitting or site work.
Next steps: Spearman Energy will provide the legal paperwork requested by the court and continue coordination with the county’s fire chief and other local officials before seeking permits for development.
