P.S. on Protective Conditions for Solar or Battery Facilities

photo of Moss Landing Power Plant, Monterey County, CA, January 16, 2025

After I posted "Aiming for Protective Conditions-- if a developer proposes "green" (solar and/or battery energy storage) facilities near you," an astute reader clarified that in a capitalist system, a county commission's job is not to protect the environment or create safety mechanisms. A commission's job is to move projects forward.

Right.

I guess I let this slip-- even though, in 2024, environmental attorney Will Falk explained how federal Acts and agencies support corporations to "take" endangered species legally. Read more about Will Falk, below.

Then, another astute reader suggested I add a section to the post that explains what to do if your county officials permit a lithium ion battery energy storage system (BESS) facility. This observer also clarified that concerned citizens can't count on local governments or federal agencies to protect the environment or the public. Community groups must create these protections themselves:

Ensure in advance of a BESS fire that your local government has:

1) an evacuation plan. Since BESS fire smoke can travel many miles, coordinate this plan with nearby cities and counties. The plan should include a webpage with easy-to-find emergency and chemical exposure information.

2) a chemical testing plan. Community-hired trainers should explain (in advance of a fire) how to collect hair and surface samples for metals like lead and beryllium after a BESS fire; how to maintain chain-of-custody of materials; and where to send "ghost wipes" and other samples for proper testing. This way, health care providers who treat people exposed to a fire's emissions will have reliable information.

3) quality, independently verified hydrogen fluoride (HF) detectors deployed around the community-- and community members who monitor them. Hydrogen fluoride is a highly toxic chemical gas created when lithium-ion batteries fail, overheat or catch fire. HF can burn skin, poison blood and stop the heart. Even small exposures can cause death. Handling and disposal of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries risks HF exposure to workers and nearby communities.

4) training for first responders, firefighters and reporters who will deal with lithium-ion fires' HF emissions. Protect your emergency responders!

5) realistic expectations. As with many disasters, after a BESS fire, EPA and other government agencies may provide limited testing and resources. Community members and neighborhood associations should prepare in advance to provide for themselves (and to pay for trainings).

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