January 2024

If you live within range of the Tallgrass Prairie Energy Center project, this is something to keep in the forefront.Don’t let this project get passed without proper consideration.What makes Halstead a good site for this project?Since TPEC is for the benefit of renewable energy sources, and Harvey County has banned commercial wind and solar projects, where is there a nearby solar or wind power generating source?If the risks are greater than any possible profit, it’s a bad deal for Halstead.I know that in part, this project would be looked upon as an additional “Revenue Generator” for property taxes, but I’m not sure that the benefits outweigh the risks.Halstead USD 440 School District is proposing over $28 Million in spending for a new school bond Issue.It occurs to me that this project could be very dangerous to Halstead USD 440 students.One of the biggest concerns I have is that a fire at this lithium battery storage facility could result in a fire that would endanger the entire City of Halstead, including the USD 440 school buildings.It would be horrific to spend over $28 Million on school building improvements and additions and have a fire endanger the entire town or else render it unlivable due to pollutants from a fire.The LA fire department hasn’t figured out how to battle a fire in this type of facility in an effective manner.If the LAFD doesn’t have the equipment and methods to battle a Lithium BSF fire, then the HFD is going to need a lot of upgrades to effectively deal with a Lithium BSF fire.Will TPEC furnish needed equipment and supplies for HFD at their cost?Or will this cost be paid by taxpayers?Who’s responsible for the environmental issues if the BSF is breached, has a lithium leak or other hazmat leak onto the soil or into the Equus Beds?Is the proposed site far enough away from the railway, asphalt plant and anhydrous tanks in that area to avoid a cross-contamination issue?These are not alarmist questions.There have been over 25,000 lithium battery issues or fires in a five yearsBe sure to contact the city council members, the mayor and city manager with any questions and concerns you have.— Kevin Henderson, Halstead