Residents Voice Safety Fears Over Lithium Battery Storage Facility Near Queens School
South Ozone Park, NY – Concerns are mounting in a Queens neighborhood over the planned construction of a large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) near P.S. 128 elementary school. Residents and local officials are raising questions about potential safety hazards, prompting legislative action to address the siting of such facilities.
The issue came to a head on March 22nd, when New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. met with constituents during a “Java with Joe” event at a local coffee shop, Let’s Do Brunch. Residents voiced anxieties about the proposed battery storage facility, located directly across from the school and a daycare center, as reported by NewsBlaze.
“Rational thought must prevail,” Addabbo stated, acknowledging the concerns surrounding the potential risks associated with the facility. These risks, as highlighted by residents, include the possibility of unique and difficult-to-extinguish fires, the need for evacuation plans, and the potential release of toxic fumes.
The debate reflects a broader national conversation about the safety and appropriate placement of BESS facilities, which are increasingly being deployed as part of the transition to renewable energy. A recent article in the Boerne Star detailed how officials in Kendall County, Texas, utilized the 2021 International Fire Code and the 2024 NFPA 855 to discourage similar facilities, forcing companies to meet stringent safety standards.
In response to constituent concerns, Senator Addabbo has introduced Senate Bill S7197B. The bill directs the New York Department of Public Service to establish rules and regulations regarding setback requirements for BESS facilities. Specifically, it mandates a minimum setback of 750 feet from residential property and 300 feet from residential property in cities with populations exceeding one million, like New York City. The bill also requires public hearings before any permit is approved for such systems.
The concerns in Queens echo similar anxieties expressed in Middle Village, where residents continue to fight against a planned lithium-ion battery facility, as reported by qns.com. The FDNY has attempted to address these fears, but skepticism remains.
The debate underscores a growing tension between the need for energy storage solutions and the imperative to protect public safety and residential communities. Addabbo’s legislative efforts represent a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring responsible development of battery storage technology in New York.
