As concerned residents of Staten Island, NY, we urge you to stand with us in calling for an immediate halt to the setup and installation of lithium battery storage sites (BESS). This issue is deeply personal to all of us who call this community home, as we recognize the potential risks posed by such a facility in close proximity to our residences. The community was only informed of this project at the last minute, leaving us no opportunity for input, and we do not approve.

 

Imagine waking up to find your once-peaceful neighborhood consumed by flames—an unthinkable disaster that could become our reality if this lithium battery site moves forward. The proposed location sits in a vacant parking lot directly adjacent to multiple homes, not to mention the additional residences and medical office just across the street.

 

Our community already faces numerous challenges, and adding a potentially hazardous facility right next door only exacerbates these concerns. We believe that safety should always be prioritized over convenience or profit. There are currently over a dozen sites about to be built on Staten Island.

 

Reasons for Concern:

1. Proximity to Residents: The proposed location for this lithium battery site is dangerously close to residential areas. In case of any accidents or fires, our homes and our families would be at great risk.

 

2. Potential Fire Hazards: Lithium batteries have been known to pose significant fire risks due to their chemical composition and high energy density. A single incident can quickly escalate into a catastrophic event that endangers lives and destroys properties.  The FDNY has repeatedly warned that lithium-ion battery fires can ignite explosively and spread rapidly. The fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish.

A lithium-ion battery energy storage system site fire in Warwick, N.Y., burned and smoldered for more than a week last year because firefighters couldn’t put it out. As of October 23, there had been 222 lithium-ion battery fires, resulting in 88 injuries and four deaths

 

3. Lack of Isolation: Establishing such facilities near densely populated areas contradicts common sense safety measures observed by responsible industries worldwide. It is crucial that these sites are situated away from residential zones where potential risks can be minimized.

 

4. Environmental Impact: In addition to fire hazards, lithium batteries also present environmental concerns due to their toxic components which may contaminate soil and water sources if not handled properly during storage or disposal processes. Smoke generated from lithium-ion fires is highly toxic, and it’s a tremendous environmental concern.

 

We firmly believe that it is within our rights as residents and concerned citizens to demand a safer alternative for the location of these lithium battery sites. We understand the importance of renewable energy and support its development, but not at the expense of our community's safety.

Therefore, we respectfully request that the relevant authorities reconsider their decision and find an isolated location away from residential areas for the setup and installation of this lithium battery site. Our lives and our home should never be compromised for the sake of convenience or profit.

 

By signing this petition, you are standing up for our community's safety and demanding responsible decision-making from those in power. Together, let us ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear – no lithium battery sites on Staten Island!

Here are some following articles based on BESS Sites -

Massive fires in Brooklyn & Queens caused by lithium-ion batteries, FDNY rules - CBS New York https://search.app/ret9oyMwQeUQLt5X8

More Controversial Battery Energy Storage Sites Coming to Staten Island - Fire Engineering: Firefighter Training and Fire Service News, Rescue https://search.app/X27j81Z8WukhnS2R7

Lithium-ion battery fires continue to kill New Yorkers https://search.app/WE9Smsw55eD3Ship7

‘Out of control’: Battery energy storage site catches fire in California, forcing mass evacuation, reports say - silive.com https://search.app/ADaz4pqhxYPpzKCz9

‘Largest’ battery storage site in NYC will soon rise in this Staten Island neighborhood - silive.com https://search.app/t4oaznw8FVBuXRkWA

Map details locations of battery sites on Staten Island: See if one is planned for your block - silive.com https://search.app/z3LhbHQ3wFH5JtHE9

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