Energy company files lawsuit over building Holtsville battery energy storage system
Alan Zederbaum lives half a mile away from the proposed location for the battery unit, and he says he’s just one of thousands of residents fighting against the project.
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Holtsville Energy Storage filed a lawsuit against Suffolk County over a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) in Holtsville.
Suffolk County’s Health Services Department denied the proposal based on environmental concerns.
Alan Zederbaum lives half a mile away from the proposed location for the battery unit, and he says he’s just one of thousands of residents fighting against the project. He’s worried that the units could catch on fire and that toxic chemicals could contaminate drinking water.
“We understand that certain things have to be developed, green energy and everything,” Zederbaum said. “But that's not the place. It was never the right place.”
Retired firefighter Raymond D’Angelo says the units are often problematic. The lithium batteries can catch on fire, and when they do, they’re difficult to put out. He says strong regulations are needed so that the units don’t put anyone around them in danger.
“I think that until they improve the batteries themselves where they don't catch on fire as frequently as they do,” D’Angelo said. “I think that we have to hold off on this new technology.”
If the project moves forward, it will be located at Morris Avenue and Expressway Drive South.
