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Resident urges caution on data centers, battery recycling near Padilla Bay
Summary
A resident told the Skagit County commissioners that proposed air-cooled facilities and battery installations near Padilla Bay raise environmental concerns, highlighting runoff, battery recycling and a need for local trust in county oversight.
During public comment, a resident urged the county to exercise caution regarding projects they said could affect Padilla Bay and nearby natural resources.
The speaker said they had recently moved to the county and were struck by its history of environmental stewardship, but expressed concern that value was now "on the table." They questioned assertions that certain projects are "relatively safe," raised worries about runoff from battery storage and battery recycling, and asked whether the county could be trusted to manage potential impacts.
The resident framed the concerns as part of an ongoing learning process and said that each new source they reviewed introduced qualifiers—"it can be done if"—that left them unsure about safety and oversight. They asked how the county will handle runoff, battery recycling and other long-term environmental risks if such facilities are proposed near sensitive areas.
The comment was recorded in the transcript but did not trigger immediate board action during the session. The board did not announce any follow-up at the time.
Direct quote from the speaker is attributed to the resident appearing in the meeting record.
