Sumner County commissioners on Tuesday voted 3-0 to deny a conditional use permit for a proposed battery energy storage facility planned by Nextera Energy, according to a report from Tracy McCue with SumnerNewsCow.com.
Commissioners John Cooney, Jim Newell and Steve Warner overturned a recommendation from the Sumner County Planning and Zoning Board following more than two hours of public comment at the Raymond Frye Complex in Wellington. The vote drew a standing ovation from many in attendance.
The proposed project, known as Webb Road Energy Storage, would have included a 300-megawatt battery storage facility on Webb Road, about a half mile north of U.S. 160 and south of 20th Avenue.
Sumner County Attorney Doug Pfalzgraf advised commissioners the decision could be appealed. Under Kansas statute, Nextera Energy has 30 days to challenge the decision in district court.
Much of the public testimony focused on concerns about safety, noise and whether the facility was appropriate for a largely residential area. Of the dozens who spoke, only two voiced support for the project.
Cooney cited zoning factors in explaining his vote, saying the proposed industrial use could negatively affect nearby properties. He also raised concerns about the risks associated with battery storage technology and said he was uncomfortable approving the project at this time.
“I don’t think it’s a good fit for the area,” Cooney said, noting the number of nearby homes.
Warner said his primary concern was noise, comparing experiences with different wind farm projects in the county and questioning the impact of round-the-clock industrial sound near homes.
Three representatives from Nextera Energy spoke during the meeting, highlighting the facility’s potential benefits and advances in battery safety technology in recent years. They said the proposed system would differ significantly from earlier facilities that experienced fires.
The issue remains unresolved pending whether Nextera chooses to appeal the decision.
