Project Compliance and Safety

How the Proposed BESS Complies With Local, State, and National Requirements.

This project has been designed to comply with all applicable fire codes, building codes, environmental regulations, and utility interconnection requirements. Independent engineers, fire safety professionals, and local authorities review compliance throughout development.

Project Compliance

Fire Safety
NYS Fire Code / NFPA 855
Compliant
Electrical
UL Safety
Compliant
Building
Town of Cambria
Compliant
Environmental
Federal, State, and Local Regulations
Designed to Comply
Zoning
Town of Cambria Ordinance
Designed to Comply
Utility
Interconnection
Compliant

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The NFPA has specific standards for BESS, including NFPA 855, which address fire safety, installation and operation. This project has been designed to NFPA 855.

Fire detection & suppression systems
Thermal monitoring
Separation distances
24/7 monitoring
Emergency response coordination with local fire departments

Product Safety

This battery energy storage system (BESS) project is designed in accordance with, and rigorously tested to, specific standards defined by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a 3rd party, independent product safety certification organization. In addition to UL, battery energy storage systems are designed in accordance to national electrical codes, fire protection codes, and safety codes, and can also be adapted to comply with both state and local codes and standards. The standards created and defined by UL are continuously reviewed and updated to ensure that safety is the number one priority for all battery energy storage systems.

Examples of relevant UL standards that this battery energy storage system has been certified to are as follows:

UL 9540 -  Energy Storage Systems and Equipment.
UL 9540A - Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems
UL 1973 - Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications. Safety standard for modules and battery energy storage systems used in stationary energy storage systems.

Environmental Regulations

RIC Energy respects the surrounding environment of our projects. With over twenty years of experience and an in-house Environmental team, we ensure we are good neighbors with all flora and fauna.

Wetlands and Water Resources
No wetlands or waterways are within the project area.
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
US Fish & Wildlife has determined the project will not impact threatened and endangered species. The project does not fall within an area covered by the NYSDEC Rare Plants and Rare Animals record.
Soils, Vegetation, and Agriculture
Thanks to its small footprint (less than 1/5th of an acre), the project will not substantially displace agricultural land. The project will not require clearing of any trees.
Stormwater Management
The project will draft and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) according to State and Local regulations.
Floodplains
According to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the project is not located within a floodplain.

Partnering with America’s Firefighters

Strong partnerships with fire departments and fire protection experts are essential for each project. While the development of battery energy storage systems is growing, RIC Energy is offering training to full time and volunteer fire departments.

Attendees speak highly of the training staff, all former firefighters and battery energy storage experts who regularly train municipal firefighters on safety procedures.