'We don’t want any part of it': Kenosha County residents continue to fight against proposed battery energy storage facility

WHEATLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kenosha County residents continue to voice their opposition over a proposed battery energy storage facility in Wheatland.

“We don’t want any part of it in this community,” said Jean Gruenert, who attended the meeting “We are a farm community, we want to keep it that way."

A community led meeting was held Wednesday night, March 4, and those in attendance say they will do everything they can to make sure the proposed 200-megawatt facility doesn’t end up in their backyard.

A community leader presented an ordinance they want to see implemented. It would regulate battery energy storage facilities and lists a variety of, safety, environmental, building and financial restrictions.

Residents who live in the area say they are worried the facility proposed by Robin Energy Storage would be a major fire hazard and are concerned about environmental and health impacts.

“The threat of environmental damage, that’s the biggest problem,” said Chris Gorlinski, who attended the meeting. "There are economic problems involved with it too.”

Robin Energy Storage withdrew their application from the town after Wheatland’s planning commission voted against the project back in January.

A spokesperson with Robin Energy Storage tells CBS 58 they are reassessing and trying to find a way for the project to move forward and build in Wheatland.

Members of the Town of Wheatland board were present and continued to voice their opposition. Now, taking the information presented and creating an ordinance is in their hands.

Residents say they also want to see more action from the county.