Supervisors approve Alliant Energy Battery Energy Storage System Project contingent upon road use agreement, emergency response plan, bond and other considerations

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, March 2 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Weight Embargo Resolution on County Roads, discussion of the Alliant Energy Battery Energy Storage System Project at the former Lansing Power Plant site, and the discussion and consideration of a request relating to speed feedback signs on the Great River Road within Harpers Ferry city limits.

The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes present. There was no comment during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

Following the time allotted for Public Comment, Clark discussed the notification of electronically filed Manure Management Plans (eMMP) for West Ridge Ag, Gibbs Dairy and EY1. Clark advised that the public may contact the County Auditor’s office for any assistance needed relating to viewing these eMMPs online on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

The meeting moved into the consideration of the use of the county credit card for pool inspection classes. Via Zoom web-conferencing, Environmental Health Director Laurie Moody instant messaged that this request relates to pool inspection training sessions to be held in Cedar Rapids with class instruction, hotel and meal expenses anticipated. The Supervisors approved to authorize the use of the county credit card not to exceed $900 for training expenses relating to the pool inspection classes.

The Supervisors moved into discussion of the Alliant Energy Battery Energy Storage System Project at the former Lansing Power Plant site. Representatives of Alliant Energy present included Project Manager Kari Sweeting, Project Manager Amy Moenk and Senior Renewables Development Specialist Amanda Kesler. Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved to move forward with the project February 17 with two requirements yet to be finalized including a road use agreement and emergency response plan.

The Alliant Energy representatives and Runkle discussed that building permits would be necessary prior to battery placement. Lansing City Clerk Teresa Severson noted matters from the city’s perspective relating to the road use agreement and potential damage to South Front Street due to the weight of material transport with any damage done to the roadway needing to be repaired. Runkle and the Alliant Energy representatives discussed the 116,000-pound weight limit to include axle weight and materials transported. Lansing City Council member Corey Richards discussed safety concerns relating to battery transport across railroad tracks. County Engineer Brian Ridenour advised the road use agreement will require pavement damage to be repaired in addition to noting specifics relating to the transport of 200 batteries and the significant amount of dirt fill to be added at the site to be compliant with flood plain requirements.

Ridenour discussed the pre-work and post-work assessments relating to street conditions to be performed by engineering firm Terracon with Sweeting providing details relating to the transportation process and delivery schedule to include batteries from Cedar Rapids and Iowa Falls. Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) Executive Director Val Reinke made note of ongoing work with Alliant Energy and efforts to assist the Lansing business community during the Battery Energy Storage System Project and the Black Hawk Bridge replacement.

Following discussion, the Supervisors approved the Alliant Energy Battery Energy Storage System Project contingent upon a road use agreement, emergency response plan and a surety bond relating to Alliant Energy’s financial obligations or guarantee as approved by the county attorney.

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