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Commissioners press company on battery-fire response; Tenaska favors monitored 'burnout' strategy
Summary
Commissioners questioned the company about a proposed 'burnout' approach to battery fires and potential water runoff and particulate impacts; the witness said emergency responders and on-site staff would decide whether to let a fire burn or apply water and that the company plans fence-line monitors to inform responders.
Commissioner Linton asked whether Tenaska's safety plan would rely on a "burnout" approach—letting a battery burn rather than using water to extinguish it—to avoid water runoff entering nearby creeks. Mister Latham said that approach reflects a worst‑case scenario plan but that emergency responders and on‑site staff would make the call during an incident: "we'll watch it and let it burn or no. We need a little bit water sprayed on the adjacent containers to just be on the safe side."
Latham said past incidents where fire departments monitored air quality showed no notable public‑health impacts and that smoke from a container fire typically disperses. He also said the company plans to add fence‑line monitors so the fire department can rapidly assess whether nearby populations need shelter‑in‑place orders or other protective actions. Commissioners said they expect Tenaska to continue coordinating with Harford County and local emergency responders to develop a written incident response plan.
