ATTENTION: THIS IS AN UPDATED PETITION FORM THE ONE I POSTED JANUARY 31ST. DON'T SIGN AGAIN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SIGNED THAT ONE OR SIGNED THE PAPER COPY. ALSO THIS IS FOR THURSTON COUNTY RESIDENTS OR BUSINESSES ONLY.

Petition to : Request for Immediate Moratorium –

Opposition to Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sargent Road & 183rd Ave, Rochester and others proposed in South Thurston County 

We, the residents of Thurston County, respectfully submit this statement to express our serious concerns regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility at the intersection of Sargent Road and 183rd Avenue and those proposed in other Thurston County locations. These projects, if approved, pose significant risks to public safety, environmental health, and the long-term wellbeing of our community.

Public Safety Risks Battery energy storage systems rely on large-scale lithium-ion technology, which carries inherent fire and explosion risks. Across the country, BESS facilities have experienced thermal runaway events, resulting in fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish, toxic smoke releases, and prolonged emergency response operations. Our rural location is not equipped with specialized firefighting infrastructure, hazardous material containment systems, or evacuation capacity needed to respond to such an incident. Placing this facility near homes, families, farms, schools, daycares, bus barns and community infrastructure creates unacceptable life-safety risks for residents and first responders alike.

Environmental Harm A BESS failure event can release toxic chemicals into soil, air, and groundwater. South Thurston County’s environment is defined by agricultural lands, wetlands, wildlife corridors, and aquifer systems that serve local residents. Contamination from battery materials, fire suppressants, and runoff would not only damage ecosystems but could permanently impact drinking water supplies and farmland viability. The environmental consequences would not be temporary—they would be long-lasting and potentially irreversible.

Land Use and Community Character Regarding the  Sargent Road and 183rd  location, the area is not an industrial zone—it is a rural, residential, and agricultural community. Industrial-scale energy infrastructure is fundamentally incompatible with the character, land use planning goals, and zoning intent of this area. This project would set a dangerous precedent for future industrial development in rural residential zones, undermining community trust and long-term land use stability.

Property Values and Quality of Life Facilities of this nature negatively affect property values, increase noise and visual pollution, and create constant fear and uncertainty for families living nearby. Residents should not be forced to live with industrial risk infrastructure next to their homes for the benefit of outside energy markets.

 
Call for a Moratorium
We formally request that the Thurston County Commissioners enact an immediate moratorium on the permitting, siting, and development of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in unincorporated and rural residential areas of South Thurston County.
Reasons for a Moratorium
A moratorium is necessary to ensure that proper regulations and safeguards are established before permitting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Thurston County. The following actions must be taken:

●      Development of clear safety standards and siting criteria to address the risks associated with BESS technology.

●      Establishment of minimum 1,000-foot set-backs from residences, businesses, schools, daycares, bus barns, and any locations where children congregate, to protect the health and safety of the community.

●      Creation of robust environmental impact assessment frameworks that evaluate potential harm to soil, air, groundwater, and local ecosystems.

●      Detailed emergency response and fire suppression planning to ensure preparedness in case of incidents such as fires or hazardous material releases.

●      Commitment to public engagement and transparency, including holding in-person hearings and providing adequate notice to the community about proposed facilities.

●      Alignment of zoning and land use policies to maintain the integrity of rural, residential, and agricultural areas and prevent inappropriate industrial development.

●      Requirement for a plume modeling study BEFORE issuing land use permits to ensure safe siting and adequate setbacks.

This is not opposition to clean energy—it is a demand for responsible planning, public safety, environmental protection, and community respect. Until comprehensive regulations and protections are in place, no BESS facility should be approved in rural residential communities.

We ask our elected officials to stand with the citizens they serve, protect our lives, protect our land, and preserve the future of South Thurston County.

Respectfully submitted,
 Citizens of Thurston County