Boise City Council reviews battery storage project amid safety concerns from residents

Concerns over a proposed battery storage facility dominated the Boise City Council meeting on April 2, 2025, as residents voiced fears about potential environmental and safety risks. The meeting featured a passionate appeal from Mary Anderson, a representative of the Moxie Ridge neighborhood, who outlined significant worries regarding the facility's impact on local water sources and fire hazards.

Anderson highlighted the lack of specific city codes addressing battery facilities, raising alarms about the potential for catastrophic events, such as fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. She referenced a past incident in 2008, where a fire led to the loss of homes and lives, emphasizing the unpredictability of fire spread in the area. "What’s to prevent that from happening in one container out of all the containers that will be there?" she questioned, urging the council to reconsider the facility's location.

The council members engaged in discussions about the zoning of the area, which is designated for light industrial use, and the types of businesses typically allowed, such as auto repair and warehouses. However, Anderson argued that the scale and nature of the battery facility exceed what is typically classified as light industrial, raising concerns about its appropriateness in a residential area.

The meeting also touched on the need for a backup plan in case of emergencies, with Anderson suggesting that alternative locations for the facility could be explored to mitigate risks to the community. "The cost is nothing compared to our community, our neighborhoods, our homes, and potentially our lives," she stated, reinforcing the urgency of the matter.

As the council deliberates, the implications of this project remain significant for the surrounding neighborhoods, with residents advocating for a thorough review of safety protocols and potential environmental impacts before any decisions are made. The council is expected to continue discussions on this contentious issue in upcoming sessions, weighing community safety against industrial development needs.