Development commission meeting May 28, 2026

The Hood County Development Commission meeting on May 28, 2026, focused extensively on concerns regarding the approval process and safety compliance of a large battery energy storage system (BESS) facility, known as Apache Hill. Citizens expressed disappointment over perceived procedural failures and lack of transparency in the approval of the project, particularly criticizing the reliance on legal rather than engineering reviews and the absence of thorough hazard mitigation assessments. Dr. Andrew Wolford, an expert engineer, presented a detailed analysis highlighting significant deficiencies in the project's compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, especially NFPA 855, which governs battery storage safety. He recommended that Hood County issue an injunction to halt work until compliance is demonstrated, and that the county enhance fire department resources and oversight. Discussions also covered emergency response capabilities, the need for automated safety systems, and the challenges of enforcing fire codes in the county. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded, but the meeting underscored critical procurement and regulatory oversight issues related to the BESS project and county safety infrastructure.