Residents urge Dubois County to revoke CrossFine solar-plus-battery permit over safety and design changes

Several residents and stakeholders urged Dubois County commissioners on March 16 to revoke or reconsider permit 2024-02 for the CrossFine (identified in the record with variant spellings) solar-plus-battery energy storage project, citing safety concerns, design changes submitted to state regulators, and local impacts.

Holly Bartle Goal, who identified herself as a Huntingburg resident, summarized recent filings and studies, saying the project was resubmitted to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and that a January 8 IURC progress filing described a "20-year overbuilt containerized solution consisting of 92 enclosures" to guarantee end-of-life capacity. She asked the board to "revoke the current crossine permit, permit number 2024-02," citing proximity to schools, floodplain concerns and the filing's indication that 90% design will not be completed until 2027.

Public commenters raised related concerns: thermal runaway and off-gassing risks from lithium-ion batteries, potential evacuations, inadequate public notice and responsiveness from the project hotline, contractor road-use safety (drive pads and flagging), and questions about tax revenues, abatements and local zoning authority. One commenter noted the project site lies within an airport overlay district and near tributary floodplain areas.

Commissioners said they have received emails and materials alleging permit violations and resubmission details and that they will review those documents and consult the county engineer and legal counsel before deciding on next steps. "I haven't taken action on them... please let me review it so I can make an educated decision," the chair said, acknowledging the need to determine whether proposed changes constitute a significant modification to the approved permit.

The board did not revoke the permit at the meeting. Commissioners indicated they will consult the county engineer and legal counsel, and review the correspondence and filings residents provided before making or recommending any formal action. Members encouraged residents to provide material and to expect continued engagement as the county reviews compliance, road-use agreements and design changes.