Those opposing the battery farm proposed south of Prairie Grove and north of Oakwood Hills and someone east of the Prairie Grove School down Route 176 have a petition, the contents of which as of Monday morning at 9:23 AM follow:
Stop the PG Lithium-Ion Battery (BESS) Facility !
The Issue
Our community is deeply concerned about the proposal to install a Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility in our corner of McHenry County, IL, next to Prairieview Education Center and Silver Creek Conservation Area.
We are a community that cherishes our health, safety, and the environment around us.
This facility poses significant risks to our well-being and the ecosystem we strive to protect.
The introduction of a large-scale battery storage facility (over 52 acres!) can bring about numerous environmental hazards.
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, such facilities can potentially lead to water and soil contamination due to possible leaks or failure of battery systems.
Additionally, the proximity of this facility to residential areas increases the risk of exposure to toxic substances and potential fires, as lithium-ion batteries are known for their volatility and fire risks, as reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
There is NO FIRE DEPARTMENT for the Village of Prairie Grove, although they have an agreement with the city of Crystal Lake.
Nunda Rural Fire Department is very small and is not equipped to handle any kind of large-scale disaster, like one that could happen at this kind of facility.
It makes no sense to create this risk for our community.
There’s only one road in and out of both neighborhoods closest to the land where this would be located.
There are no fire hydrants to protect our homes if a fire spreads.
Lithium ion batteries do catch on fire — look up the term “Thermal Runaway” for more information.
This type of fire needs to just burn until it goes out, which releases a lot of toxic chemicals into the air.
If water is used to try to put it out it will create a chemical cloud that will fall down on the ground and into the Fox River and would affect our drinking water, because we are all on wells in this area.
This cyanide cloud could potentially span many miles, not just impacting
- Prairie Grove Elementary and Junior High School,
- Prairieview Education Center,
- Silver Creek Conservation Area,
- Oakwood Hills and unincorporated McHenry County, but the
- Village of Prairie Grove,
- McHenry,
- Cary,
- Crystal Lake,
- Algonquin,
- Lake in the Hills,
- Fox River Grove,
- Island Lake
- and more.
We encourage you to do your own research, check into the potential for fire and the real dangers we would face.
Fires are obviously the biggest threat.
But there are more issues that we would have to deal with even if it weren’t to catch on fire.
There will be noise: it will make noise twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
The expected audio range is somewhere between 70-90 decibels.
There could be light pollution also, depending on how close you are to it.
The concrete will displace our water, leading to potential flooding and runoff or pollution to our drinking water and the Fox River.
The conservation area will be compromised.
Lastly, what happens when it fails?
Who is responsible for carrying the cost of repairs or mitigation, and when the battery life is over, the clean up and disposal of the facility?
Beyond the immediate health and safety risks, this facility threatens the local wildlife and ecosystems that are part of our community.
Studies have shown that construction and operation of industrial sites can disrupt local habitats, leading to displacement and decline of wildlife and native species.
This not only affects biodiversity but also the natural beauty and ecological balance of our area.
We must also consider the impact on property values and the quality of life for residents.
Real estate experts have noted that proximity to industrial facilities can lead to declines in property prices and deter potential buyers, impacting the economic viability of our neighborhood.
We cannot afford to compromise our community’s future for short-term gains, and we can’t put our lives and our children’s lives at risk.
We urge our local government, state agencies and planning authorities to reconsider the decision to allow this facility in our area.
There are alternative sites and energy solutions that do not jeopardize our community’s health and environment.
Join us in protecting ourselves and our neighbors from this potentially harmful industrial development. Your signature can make a difference in safeguarding our lives, homes, environment, water, and wildlife from the adverse effects of establishing a BESS Lithium-Ion Battery Facility.
Sign this petition and help us demand a safer and more sustainable future for our community.
Supporter Voices
Meghan, Palatine
7 days ago
Risk mitigation controls for EXPECTED events, but unexpected events still happen to these industries regularly, and WHEN that happens it will poison both our water and the ground for decades to come. As a former nuclear plant microbiologist: The best defense is to avoid having the risks in the first place, so… NO TO THE LITHIUM FACILITY. in our communities!
Ronald
Anyone who would promote this needs their head examined.
CARY, CRYSTAL LAKE
5 days ago
We kept our boat down at Port Barrington marine last year, and that land is stunningly beautiful That should remain untouched for residents to enjoy the grounds and walking paths. If that land becomes contaminated or oozes into the creeks that empty into the Fox River would be devastating to the entire state. Pick a high ground like next to SNAP-ON. There is a soccer field with plenty of flat land that would be a better choice. Stay the hell a way from our beautiful lands and waters.
David
4 days ago
A concentrated collection of Lithium batteries is a dangerous situation, no matter where they are or what was the purpose for such a collection. The specific planned deployment has to be spread out in such a way that ON SITE fire protection can quickly handle any fire. In any case, this development should be rejected and the planners told that any such facility has to be spread out over many sites; none of which are anywhere near populated areas. There have been EV fires in cars that have taken hours for a small fire department to put out with special equipment. The residue from these fires will contaminate the ground for a long time. This is simply a bad idea. Dave Yost, Retired DMTS, ATT/Lucent Bell Labs BSEE, MS Engineering Williams Bay, WI
Jeremy
This project is simply too close to areas reliant on natural ground water in a political environment hellbent on rolling back regulations that keep us healthy.
Tub
Stop turning land into solar fields, data centers and now battery storage.
Colleen
As a local retired Realtor I can add that this will 100% have a very negative impact on the property values of the surrounding community. Think of the people who live here! Think of the long term potential for environmental disasters. Do not allow this!!
Wunder
We need to stop letting corporations poison our communities
Meghan
Risk mitigation controls for EXPECTED events, but unexpected events still happen to these industries regularly, and WHEN that happens it will poison both our water and the ground for decades to come. As a former nuclear plant microbiologist: The best defense is to avoid having the risks in the first place, so… NO TO THE LITHIUM FACILITY. in our communities!
Keri
This project risks damaging our soil and polluting our environment. We deserve clean land, safe water, and a healthy future.
Melissa
We don’t want this in our community. Your greed should not outweigh the environmental and health risks for our families.
Rick
Lithium-ion battery plants present significant dangers primarily driven by thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chain reaction causing intense, hard-to-extinguish fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride. Key risks include structural damage, hazardous air emissions, and potential environmental contamination from firefighting runoff. I don’t want that where I live.
Stephanie
This does not belong among our families, homes and schools. We do not want the risks of this. Put people above money you greedy jerks!
Cherri
Environmental concern with the lives of their children and people that live in this community and also our land and water
Jon
I’ve heard and agree with all of the reasons why this is the wrong site for this development. Public Safety and Environmental concerns are at the top of the list. It seems like fool-proof measures for full containment in the event of an accident should be @100% prior to proposing anything anywhere that has such a detrimental effect on the people and environment that surround a facility like this. IMO, this format for ‘strengthening the grid’ will be outdated and obsolete in 10 years. The risks do not outweigh the rewards. Do better for the people, and the environment.
Becky
This land needs protection!
