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Board questions site selection, security, EMP hardening and local hiring plans
Summary
Board members queried applicants about the battery site's proximity to town, EMP hardening, fencing and cameras, local hiring and drainage-district outreach; applicants said the site met setback requirements, components are designed for EMP-like events, and they would seek local labor and consult drainage districts.
Board members used the Q&A portion of the hearing to press for concrete assurances on site selection, security and local economic impact.
Walters asked why the battery site was placed close to town; applicants said it was the only feasible location that fit a 3,000-foot setback. Walters also asked whether components were hardened against electromagnetic pulse (EMP); applicants said components were "designed for things like that." Tilley asked about security and whether cameras would be used; applicants said fencing with barbed wire and remote cameras would be installed. Ferguson confirmed that county ordinance requiring buried wires would be followed and Werts said drainage districts had been contacted as part of the early steps in site planning.
On workforce questions, applicants said they would try to source labor locally where feasible, though some specialist work may be performed by out-of-area crews. The record does not show a finalized Community Benefit Agreement with the City of Clinton.
