Residents press town on battery storage safety; councilmembers say work continues

Multiple speakers at the Town of Brookhaven public comment period raised safety, health and siting concerns about proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS) in eastern Brookhaven, including the planned East Setauket and Setauket sites. Comments urged the town to follow Hempstead and impose a moratorium, requested stronger setbacks, and asked for clearer evacuation and shelter‑in‑place plans for nearby schools and vulnerable residents.

Speakers included representatives of local nonprofits and care providers who said a proposed BESS site near Parsonage Road, East Setauket, would place people with developmental disabilities at heightened risk during a fire or toxic smoke event and could cause harm to those with sensory sensitivities. A representative from Free Family Residences said nine residents and several live‑in staff would be affected; speakers urged the town to consider locations that keep BESS away from residential neighborhoods and congregate care.

Other public commenters cited national audits and industry safety research showing manufacturing defects and ''thermal runaway'' incidents in lithium‑ion systems, and asked the town to wait for improved safety guidance and regulation. Concerns also included possible impacts on homeowners' insurance, volunteer fire department capacity, and the need for robust setbacks from schools and hospitals.

Town response and clarifications Council members and the supervisor responded on the record. One council member noted the federal "RAPID Act" streamlines permitting only for co‑located systems (for example, batteries sited at the same location as a solar field), not standalone BESS projects, and said he did not believe RAPID applied to the town's proposals. He also acknowledged that lithium‑ion batteries retain a risk of fire but said the town is exploring alternative technologies and newer engineering standards to reduce risks.

Supervisor Panico said the board is actively discussing the topic and has hosted a public forum on BESS. He rejected calls to rush to a moratorium without first gathering more information, while acknowledging the board must balance safety concerns, evolving state and federal rules, and local zoning authority. The supervisor noted the town has no large BESS projects under construction except a 1.9 MW facility at a former industrial site on North Ocean Avenue, and said the board will continue outreach and review.

What happens next Speakers asked the town to consider setbacks similar to those proposed in some California jurisdictions after recent fires and to document evacuation/shelter procedures and potential insurance impacts. Council members said staff are continuing to study technologies and regulations and that future town action — including possible additional forums, planning guidelines, or local code changes — remains under active discussion.

Ending Residents who raised concerns asked for formal measures, including a possible moratorium, stricter setbacks from schools and congregate care, and more public information on emergency response plans. Town officials said they will keep the issue on the agenda and engage with emergency services, technical experts and developers to pursue a path that balances energy goals with public safety.