In a special public hearing held by the Carson City Council, officials considered the introduction and first reading of an uncodified ordinance related to a significant development agreement for a battery energy storage system. The proposed project, spearheaded by Avocad Energy Storage, LLC, is set to be located at 23320 Alameda Street and has already received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission.

Community Development Director Saeed Nassaid presented details of the project, highlighting its location in a heavy industrial area surrounded by refineries and other industrial facilities. The project will feature 220 battery cabinets enclosed within a ten-foot high concrete wall, designed to enhance safety and security. The site will also include a substation, maintenance area, and a retention basin.

Nassaid emphasized the collaboration with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to ensure safety measures are in place, including a reinforced perimeter wall and internal fail-safe systems for the battery enclosures. The project is also subject to further approvals from the fire department, which may lead to modifications in the site plan.

A key financial aspect of the development agreement includes a battery fee, functioning as a sales tax on battery purchases, amounting to a minimum of $3,067,400. The applicant is required to deposit $100,000 within 30 days of the agreement's effective date, with the remaining balance secured by a bond.

The council was informed that the mitigated negative declaration for the project had undergone public review, with comments received from California Fish and Wildlife and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. However, no significant changes were made to the declaration's conclusions, and no recirculation was deemed necessary.

As the council prepares to open the public hearing, the project stands as a pivotal development in Carson's energy landscape, reflecting the city's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions while ensuring community safety and regulatory compliance.