BESS Noise and Interaction with the NYC Noise Code

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are rapidly growing in size and capacity, storing energy for use during peak demand or from renewable sources. In densely populated areas like NYC, the noise produced by BESS has become a concern. NYC’s noise code sets sound limits for various source types and locations, some as absolute limits and others as limits in relation to the ambient sound level. BESS sites include various equipment that are each subject to different sections of the noise code. The use of unit-applied noise control is not feasible due to FDNY and manufacturer requirements, and practical sound barriers are not always an option to meet the various limits. We worked with BESS developers and the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NYBEST) to ask the NYCDEP to reconsider the applicability of the noise code for BESS sites. In response, the NYCDEP issued new guidance which allows for greater flexibility with the noise code, now taking the ambient sound into account for all applicable limits. We have successfully modeled and designed mitigation for over 30 BESS sites in NYC. This paper will outline the general process and the lobbying efforts between consultant, developers, and agencies