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Commissioners press DESRI on fire, water and response plans for proposed battery site
Summary
Planning commissioners probed DESRI about the Horned Shadow storage project's emergency response, firefighting water supply, on‑site suppression systems, and decommissioning guarantees; DESRI said it will produce an emergency response plan coordinated with local fire agencies and post decommissioning bonds.
Commissioners used the DESRI presentation to press for concrete safety and emergency procedures for the proposed battery storage site. DESRI said it will meet National Fire Protection Association standards, install internal suppression and HVAC/cooling systems in containers, and require perimeter spacing, fencing and remote monitoring. "Before the battery begins operations, we will make sure to put together an emergency response plan in coordination with the county, the fire department, and any other groups that should be involved," the company said.
Commissioners asked specifically about firefighting water pressure and access. DESRI said it can either rely on municipal water if the district can supply it or install pressurized on‑site water tanks for first responders, and offered to coordinate plans that do not violate fire codes. On decommissioning, DESRI said projects are routinely bonded and independent engineers appraise decommission costs so the county would have funds available if cleanup were ever required. Commissioners directed staff to add emergency‑response, decommissioning bond language and water‑supply requirements into any Level 3 application materials or recommendation letter sent to the county commission.
