Town of Dunkirk Public Hearing Report on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Sustainable Development

H3>Introduction: Local Governance and Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

On Tuesday evening, the Town of Dunkirk convened a public hearing to address the local implementation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a technology central to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Affordable and Clean Energy. While no specific BESS project has been proposed, the Town Board proactively initiated discussions to establish a regulatory framework. This action reflects a commitment to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring responsible planning for resilient and sustainable infrastructure. The hearing culminated in the enactment of a six-month moratorium on BESS projects to allow for comprehensive research and the drafting of a local law.

H3>Board-Level Deliberations and Community Safety

Members of the Town Board articulated concerns centered on community safety and the capacity of local infrastructure, aligning with the principles of SDG 11. Key issues raised by the board include:

• The need to update existing laws to reflect advancements and changes in BESS technology.
• Potential stress on the town’s volunteer fire departments in the event of a BESS-related incident.
• The importance of proactive legislation to regulate or restrict such systems before any proposals are received.

H3>Public Commentary: Balancing Climate Action with Environmental Protection

The public hearing featured diverse perspectives on the role of BESS in the community’s future. The discussion highlighted the tension between embracing innovative technologies for SDG 13 (Climate Action) and safeguarding local environmental resources.

H4>Concerns Raised by Residents

Community members voiced significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of BESS facilities:

1. Fire Safety and Environmental Contamination: Residents cited incidents in other regions and expressed apprehension about fire risks. A primary concern was the potential for chemical runoff to pollute local ecosystems, particularly Lake Erie, which directly relates to SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
2. Siting in Residential Areas: The placement of industrial-scale energy systems in or near residential zones was described as “foolhardy,” underscoring the need for zoning regulations that prioritize community well-being under SDG 11.
3. Pace of Technological Adoption: Some residents suggested that while the technology holds future promise, the current moment may be premature for adoption, advocating for a cautious approach until technology improves further.

H4>Perspectives from Industry Representatives

Representatives from the renewable energy sector presented BESS as a vital component of a modern, sustainable energy grid, contributing to multiple SDGs.

• Contribution to SDG 7 and SDG 13: Adam Rizzo of Solar Liberty emphasized that BESS is essential for grid stability and the effective integration of renewable energy sources like solar, calling them a crucial part of “our future.” He noted a successful BESS installation at SUNY Fredonia has “operated flawlessly.”
• Economic and Infrastructure Benefits (SDG 8 & SDG 9): A representative from Grid Connected Infrastructure highlighted the potential for significant local economic benefits through Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) or Host Community Agreements, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). They also noted that BESS facilities represent resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) with minimal visual and traffic impact compared to other energy systems.
• Addressing Misinformation: Industry speakers suggested that public opposition is sometimes fueled by misinformation, and encouraged the board to conduct its evaluation with an open mind.

H3>Legislative Outcome: A Moratorium for Responsible Planning

Following the public discourse, the Town Board unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on BESS development. This decision exemplifies the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by providing a structured, transparent process for developing effective and accountable local governance. The moratorium period will be utilized to:

• Conduct thorough research on BESS technology, safety protocols, and regulatory best practices.
• Educate board members and the community on the complexities of energy storage.
• Draft a comprehensive local law that ensures any future development aligns with the town’s safety standards and its commitment to sustainable community planning.

The moratorium will officially take effect upon filing the local law with the State of New York, marking a deliberate step towards integrating clean energy infrastructure in a manner that is both safe and sustainable for the residents of Dunkirk.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article’s central topic is the debate over Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a technology crucial for supporting and stabilizing renewable energy sources like solar power. A representative from Solar Liberty highlights their role, stating, “They very much hold a place in our future,” connecting BESS directly to the clean energy transition.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The discussion revolves around the development of new, sustainable energy infrastructure. BESS are presented as an innovative technology. A representative from a battery storage development company emphasizes that they are “operated remotely” and are less visually intrusive than solar panels or wind turbines, highlighting their characteristics as a modern form of infrastructure.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The core of the article is a local community, the Town of Dunkirk, engaging in urban and regional planning. The Town Board is holding public hearings and enacting a moratorium to “draft a local law defining the rules and regulations on such systems.” This process, along with residents’ concerns about safety, fire risks, and potential pollution of Lake Erie, directly relates to making the community safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • While not explicitly mentioning “climate change,” the article discusses the state of New York’s “emphasis on renewable energy projects.” This state-level policy, which drives the local consideration of BESS, is a key strategy for climate action by transitioning away from fossil fuels.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The article showcases a local government (the Town Board) functioning as a strong, accountable, and transparent institution. The process described—holding a public hearing, allowing public comment from all sides, and making a deliberative decision to enact a moratorium for further research—is a clear example of responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making. The Town Supervisor notes, “This has been valuable information, I thank you for sharing. … This is a great Board, they will do their own research.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The entire discussion about BESS is predicated on its role in enabling greater use of renewable energy, as mentioned by the Solar Liberty representative and implied by the state’s push for such projects.
2. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The town’s debate is about how to properly regulate BESS to ensure they are developed as safe, reliable, and resilient infrastructure, addressing concerns about fires and operational flaws.
3. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management. The public hearing and the subsequent moratorium are direct actions related to participatory and sustainable planning for the town’s future development.
   • Target 11.b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters. The town’s effort to create a local law addresses disaster resilience, specifically concerning potential fires and the “stress on the town’s fire departments.”
4. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article notes the state’s “emphasis on renewable energy projects,” which forces local townships to address these technologies, demonstrating the integration of climate-related policies from the state to the local level.
5. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The public hearing, where residents, company representatives, and non-residents all spoke, and the board’s decision to pause and research before acting, is a textbook example of this target in action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 7.2:
   • Number of installed renewable energy systems: The article explicitly mentions an existing solar project in the town and a BESS installed on the SUNY Fredonia campus that “has operated flawlessly.” The potential for a new BESS project in Dunkirk is the subject of the meeting. The quantity and operational success of these systems are implied indicators of progress.
2. Indicator for Target 11.3:
   • Adoption of a local land use plan or law: The primary outcome of the moratorium is to “draft a local law defining the rules and regulations on such systems.” The successful creation and filing of this local law with the state would be a direct, measurable indicator of progress in sustainable planning.
3. Indicator for Target 11.b:
   • Development of local disaster risk reduction strategies: The concerns raised by a board member about the “potential stress on the town’s fire departments” and by residents about fires imply that the new local law would need to include safety and emergency response protocols. The existence of such protocols would serve as an indicator of increased resilience.
4. Indicator for Target 16.7:
   • Process of public deliberation and decision-making: The article itself documents the indicator. It describes a public hearing where “the public spoke for over 20 minutes,” followed by a board decision to enact a “six-month moratorium to allow for adequate time to draft a local law.” This transparent process is an indicator of responsive governance.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: observertoday.com