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Battery storage zoning amendment tabled after resident warns of fire, groundwater risks
Summary
The council paused consideration of a zoning amendment that would add battery energy storage systems to the Unified Development Code after a resident warned lithium batteries pose fire and contamination risks; the item was tabled for more information and is scheduled for next month.
The Iberville Parish Council on May 19 tabled consideration of an ordinance to add battery energy storage systems to the parish Unified Development Code after public safety concerns and requests for clarifying information.
Gary Harold, a resident who spoke during the ordinance hearing, urged the council to reject the proposed change. "These batteries that they're putting in here are lithium. They are dangerous," Harold said, adding that "if you leave that battery plugged in that boat on a charger, it can short out and burn your house down." Harold also warned of potential groundwater contamination if a burning battery disintegrates.
Council members discussed options to approve, disapprove or delay the ordinance. Councilman Jewel moved to table the measure pending more detail; Mr. Bradford seconded the motion. On roll call the council voted to table the ordinance to the next month’s meeting so staff can provide the requested information and any proposed restrictions or safeguards.
The ordinance under consideration would add Article 7, Division F, to the Unified Development Code to regulate battery energy storage systems; staff indicated later that the item was being held to allow technical review and to collect input on siting and safety requirements.
The council did not take final action on the zoning language or on any specific siting proposals for batteries or for the related solar‑panel proposal mentioned by speakers. The item will return to a future agenda with additional information requested by council members.
The next procedural step is a staff briefing and a return of the ordinance to the council at the next regular meeting, where the council will consider whether to approve, amend, or disapprove the proposed code change.
