Islip Pulls Plug On Battery Sites

The Islip Town Board has banned large-scale lithium battery storage facilities, drawing praise from Hauppauge fire officials who say the move protects residents, schools, drinking water and first responders.

The new zoning regulations prohibit Tier 3 utility-scale battery energy storage system facilities throughout the town.

The Hauppauge Fire District and Fire Department had strongly opposed a proposed 79-megawatt battery storage facility on Rabro Drive in Hauppauge.

Fire officials raised concerns about its proximity to homes, Bretton Woods Elementary School, the region’s drinking-water aquifer and the headwaters of the Nissequogue River. The proposed site was also near the Long Island Expressway and Route 111.

“The Islip Town Board has taken decisive action to protect our community,” Fire Commissioner Louis Zara said.

Zara said utility-scale lithium battery facilities can pose hazards including thermal runaway fires, toxic emissions, contaminated firefighting water and potential groundwater contamination.

“In a densely developed community such as Hauppauge, the potential consequences are simply not worth the risk to our residents or the first responders who would be called upon to protect them,” Zara said.

Fire commissioners credited town officials with listening to concerns from firefighters, residents and other community stakeholders.

The district also thanked Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine for raising concerns about potential contamination of Suffolk County’s sole-source drinking-water aquifer. State Sen. Mario Mattera was recognized for supporting the effort, while energy expert Richard Ellenbogen was thanked for providing technical assistance.

“This action represents an important victory for public safety and responsible local government,” Commissioner Scott E. Munro said.

Munro urged municipalities across Suffolk and Nassau counties to review potential risks associated with Tier 3 battery storage facilities and consider similar protections.

The district also called on Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to preserve local zoning authority over future battery storage projects.