SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An energy storage project in Skagit County is raising concerns from county leaders.

The Board of Skagit County Commissioners released a statement on Aug. 28 opposing the Goldeneye battery energy storage system project. Goldfinch Energy Storage, the company behind the proposal, submitted application materials for the site on farmland in unincorporated Skagit County in 2023.

The Board of Commissioners argues that if approved, the project would undo work to restore salmon and other native fish populations within Hansen Creek. Project details include developing land on either side of the creek and drilling a tunnel directly underneath it.

“We strongly encourage the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to reject this proposal,” says The Board of Skagit County Commissioners. “It is contrary to Skagit County’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted County code, and our community’s intergenerational commitment to protect the Skagit’s floodplain for farming and fisheries.”

Commissioners also claim that Goldfinch hasn’t done enough research on available properties that would be better suited for their project.

Currently, the Skagit County Code requires major utility developments on farmland to obtain a Hearing Examiner Special Use Permit, which involves an open record hearing after significant public notice.

The State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and Governor Jay Inslee are also expected to review the details of Goldfinch’s proposal before a decision is made to approve it.