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East Fishkill board adopts tighter battery energy storage law after safety briefings
Summary
The East Fishkill Town Board voted to amend and adopt its battery energy storage systems (BESS) law and a negative declaration after hearing safety concerns, consultant recommendations and a recounting of a local unsafe DIY battery incident.
The East Fishkill Town Board voted Jan. 15 to amend and adopt its battery energy storage systems law and a negative declaration following extended discussion about safety, technology and local preparedness.
Supervisor Del Sandro and Council members said the update is intended to tighten local rules for lithium-ion BESS projects, ensure appropriate setbacks and buffers from residential areas, and require technology and manufacturer standards recommended by consultants. Councilman Arco moved the measure; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Council member (identified in discussion as Councilman Arco) described a recent incident in which a homeowner attempted to manufacture homemade battery packs from dismantled golf-cart batteries and assemble unsafe cells in a garage. The board characterized that DIY episode as evidence of potential local safety risks that stricter local standards could help address.
Board members and staff said they have consulted fire-district officials and NYSERDA experts in county sessions and plan to interview specialized consultants to advise the town, the planning board and the fire district on technical specifications, manufacturer vetting and emergency response. The board discussed the challenges of extinguishing lithium fires and the need for fire-district training; a member said specialized lithium battery firefighting courses are being sought.
Supporters emphasized that properly sited and regulated BESS facilities can help address regional power demands by storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak times. Skeptical members and residents urged caution and additional public education; the board agreed to pursue consultant briefings and a possible community workshop before evaluating future permit applications.
The motion to amend and adopt the BESS local law and a negative declaration passed by voice vote. The board directed that consultants be interviewed and that training and presentations be scheduled so the town and local fire district can better evaluate any future proposals.
The board adjourned other business after completing several routine reorganization votes and administrative items; no specific pending BESS application was identified at the meeting.
