EPA and Vistra Corp. Reach Agreement on Safe Cleanup of Fire-Damaged Moss Landing Battery Storage Facility
Key Insights
The EPA has reached an agreement with Vistra Corp. for the safe removal and disposal of fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries from the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility.
The January fire at the 300-megawatt facility damaged approximately 100,000 battery modules, posing ongoing risks from toxic gas emissions like hydrogen fluoride.
Vistra is required to implement stringent safety measures and engage the community throughout the cleanup process, which involves treating batteries for safe transport and disposal.
The Moss Landing incident has heightened local scrutiny and public discussions regarding proposed new battery energy storage systems in Santa Cruz County.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a crucial agreement with Vistra Corp., owner of the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility, to oversee the safe removal and disposal of lithium-ion batteries damaged by a fire in January. This landmark accord mandates Vistra to conduct the remediation under strict EPA supervision, ensuring the protection of both the environment and public health in the vicinity of the 300-megawatt (MW) facility.
The incident, which commenced on January 16, involved approximately 100,000 lithium-ion battery modules at the Moss Landing site. The fire persisted for three days, with a significant flare-up occurring a month later, leading to the closure of nearby businesses and raising considerable environmental concerns. EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook emphasized the agreement as a vital milestone, stating, “We’ve arrived at a key milestone in the Moss Landing response: an agreement that allows our EPA experts to ensure the safe removal and proper disposal of these dangerous damaged batteries.”
Lithium-ion battery fires pose inherent risks, including the potential release of hazardous substances such as hydrogen fluoride and other flammable or toxic gases. To mitigate these ongoing risks, the agreement stipulates that the damaged batteries will be meticulously removed from the facility, treated to ensure safe transport, and then directed for appropriate disposal or recycling. The EPA is requiring Vistra to submit comprehensive work plans, implement robust safety measures to safeguard local residents and workers during the cleanup, and actively engage in community involvement activities to foster transparent public engagement throughout the remediation process.
The Moss Landing fire has significantly influenced ongoing discussions in Santa Cruz County regarding the development of additional battery energy storage system (BESS) plants. Community meetings held in July addressed concerns over proposed BESS sites, including a 14-acre location at 90 Minto Road in Watsonville, near Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, and close to Aptos High School. Seahawk Energy Storage has proposed a 300-lithium-battery facility at the Minto Road site, which is currently favored by county staff due to its non-agricultural viability and proximity to a PG&E substation. Conversely, sites near Houts Drive and Aptos High have been deemed unsuitable due to terrain and limited acreage, with no developers yet proposing projects for these locations.
This incident underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols and transparent community engagement in the deployment of large-scale energy storage infrastructure. A final BESS workshop is scheduled for August 27 at the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors chambers, where these vital discussions are expected to continue.