Build it in someone else’s backyard.
That’s the message representatives of Black Mountain Energy Storage received April 18 from the Christian County Commission. The three-member commission voted unanimously to deny an application for construction of a battery energy storage system just southeast of Ozark.
The vote was met with applause from more than 70 people who attended the meeting at the Christian County Historic Courthouse.
County commissioners said unknowns about the new technology that uses utility-scale lithium ion batteries were among their reasons for denying the application.
Commissioners weren’t satisfied with some of the answers to questions raised since the project was proposed in December — or Black Mountain Energy Storage representatives simply didn’t have answers.
Christian County commissioners weigh safety questions
Safety concerns and potential for environmental damage are among the issues raised since the project was proposed in December.
“Lithium ion batteries are our main concern right now,” said Ozark Fire Chief Jarett Metheny, who explained that the only option in the event of fire at a battery storage system is to let it burn and try to keep nearby structures from burning. Fire suppression efforts either don’t work or have worse environmental impact than a fire.
Attempts by representatives of the Texas-based company to allay citizens’ concerns Thursday morning were met with crossed arms and frowns from many in the crowd.
“I think the dangers of the battery storage system far outweigh the benefits,” said Phil Booker, who lives about a mile west of the proposed site.
Company officials said those benefits include balancing power grid supply and demand, providing backup power in emergencies and cutting costs.
The crowd just wasn’t convinced.
People who live nearby raised additional concerns about humming noises from the air conditioning units installed in each unit housing the batteries, and the unsightliness of the battery bank next to a substation on Old Prospect Road.
What would be built south of Ozark
The $100 million project would have included more than 50 metal structures about 40 feet long and 8 feet wide and high. Each structure would be mounted on a concrete pad and contain its own HVAC system.
Homeowners said it would be an eyesore that would lower property values. Several large, modern homes are within eyesight of the site that is currently zoned for agricultural use.
Kristen Haseltine, president of Show-Me Christian County, an organization dedicated to economic growth, said there wouldn’t be a negative impact on neighboring property values. The project, Haseltine argued, would have generated $24 million in personal property taxes over 20 years and would have created more than 100 construction jobs.
“Yes, it’s temporary, but that’s how the construction industry works,” Haseltine said. “I don’t want to discount those jobs.”
Even positive economic impact wasn’t enough to sway the crowd or the county commissioners.
“My citizens are worth more than money,” Christian County Eastern Commissioner Bradley Jackson said before making a motion to deny the application.
Power grid instability?
Not everyone was opposed to the project, including Eric Figg, who lives about five miles from the site.
“I think we missed an opportunity,” Figg said, citing a need for infrastructure that will support future industrial and residential growth. “The safety concerns were valid but would have been addressed during the permitting process. The infrastructure is needed.”
Phil Amtower, director of Christian County Emergency Management, said Figg is right; the area’s power grid is unstable and not ready for the future.
“This type of project is not a bad idea,” Amtower said. “I’m just not excited about where it’s at.”
Representatives of Black Mountain Energy Storage declined to comment on the Christian County Commission’s decision as they left the Christian County Historic Courthouse after the meeting.
