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Planning commission denies rezoning for Panola Grove battery storage after fire-safety and community concerns
Summary
Rockdale County planners on March 12 recommended denial of a rezoning and matching future land‑use amendment for a proposed Panola Grove battery energy storage system, citing unresolved fire‑safety questions from the county fire marshal and sustained opposition from nearby residents.
The Rockdale County Planning Commission on March 12 recommended denial of REZ2025‑13 and its companion future‑land‑use amendment after hours of testimony on a proposed 48.48‑acre battery energy storage system (BESS) at 2002 Northwest Rockbridge Road.
The commission’s decision came after a technical briefing from the Rockdale County Fire Marshal and extended public comment from neighbors who said the project and nearby industrial development have harmed quality of life. Nick Lynn of Rockdale County Fire Rescue, who briefed the commission on BESS risks, warned about the hazards of large battery systems and the limits of code compliance. Lynn described thermal runaway in lithium systems and the potential for toxic gases and extended suppression efforts, saying in part, "Thermal runaway is a dangerous self sustaining chain reaction where battery still…
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