Dane M. White, Mayor, City of Escondido
September 7 at 8:28AM
Message to Residents of Escondido (Facebook Post)
It is beyond coincidence a fire breaks out at a Battery Energy Storage facility only one week after I introduce a resolution to oppose the MASSIVE Seguro B.E.S facility proposed just outside of Escondido city limits. The resolution (attached in the comments) would have opposed that particular project and came with a request that the Escondido City Council explore a moratorium on ALL B.E.S projects until proper zoning and safety regulations have been considered and adopted. That resolution passed 4-1 with council member Martinez dissenting.
- The proposed Seguro B.E.S project falls under the jurisdiction of the San Diego Board of Supervisors who at their Sep. 11th meeting will be voting on a similar moratorium on B.E.S projects. Please urge the five members of the Board of supervisors to PASS THE MORATORIUM and put the safety of not just Escondido residents but all San Diego County residents at the highest priority.
- Along with the moratorium I am calling for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to create a regional working group with representatives from every city to create a countywide map for B.E.S placement.
- See their contacts in the comments and URGE them to support the moratorium and the working group!
- It is clear that these projects are not safe in any particular area, but especially not near a home, hospital, school or another business who would be evacuated at a moments notice indefinitely. Neighboring cities are wondering if their air is safe to breath, let alone Escondido residents!
The City of Escondido reported yesterday “While emergency crews have been responding to the incident at the SDG&E Battery Storage facility, the Escondido Fire Department , San Diego County Hazardous Materials Division, the San Diego County Health Department, and SDG&E officials have been closely monitoring the air quality.
🔴 Air quality measurements are checked with six standards
🔴 The team has ensured continuous air quality monitoring from the start of this incident
🔴 Levels have been measured in real-time, and appropriate reporting has been followed
🔴 Testing has been performed in the area of the fire and locations one mile away in prevailing wind
Most importantly, the health and safety of the community has remained the top priority. ALL air quality readings have been within normal OSHA ratings since the start of the incident”
- My question is WHAT is SAFE and What is NORMAL - I have requested the official data to be shared with the public who can determine for themselves what is safe and what is not. Many residents as far away as coastal cities have reported headaches, nausea, dizziness and a handful of other symptoms. That doesn’t sound safe or normal to me.
- At the next Escondido City Council meeting I will be renewing my call for a moratorium on ALL B.E.S projects within the City of Escondido’s jurisdiction. Please urge your council representative to support this action.
The Escondido Fire Department along with Hazmat and SDGE are meeting this morning. I will share their update as soon as available.