EPA Orders Comprehensive Cleanup at San Diego Gateway Energy Storage Facility Following Major Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
Key Insights
The U.S. EPA has ordered Gateway Energy Storage to conduct a comprehensive cleanup following a significant lithium-ion battery fire at its San Diego facility, which burned for nearly two weeks.
The settlement mandates environmental monitoring, safe removal, and proper disposal of all impacted battery packs, alongside detailed reporting to the EPA.
EPA officials expressed alarm over the toxic conditions faced by first responders and highlighted growing concerns about the environmental impacts of utility-grade battery fires.
The incident underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight in the rapidly expanding battery energy storage sector.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a comprehensive cleanup operation at the Gateway Energy Storage facility in San Diego, California, following a protracted lithium-ion battery fire that ignited on May 15, 2024. The incident, which saw periodic flare-ups until May 28, involved approximately 14,796 nickel-manganese-cobalt lithium-ion batteries, prompting a settlement agreement with Gateway Energy Storage, LLC to oversee environmental remediation.
EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Josh F.W. Cook emphasized the growing concern within the agency regarding the environmental impacts of utility-grade battery fires. "Calling a technology ‘green energy’ does not mean there are no environmental impacts. This is an issue of growing concern," Cook stated, expressing alarm over the toxic conditions faced by professional firefighters. He added, "This settlement action is a step in the right direction, but the broader battery storage fire issue requires additional attention and EPA enforcement."
Under the terms of the settlement, Gateway Energy Storage is required to implement rigorous safety measures and continuous environmental monitoring throughout all battery handling operations. The company must safely remove, package, and dispose of all fire-damaged battery packs and submit detailed work plans and progress reports to the EPA. This directive underscores the ongoing risks of fire, explosion, and chemical releases posed by compromised battery units.
Gateway Energy Storage, a Delaware-incorporated limited liability company, operates the facility and has been identified as a responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), obligating it to bear the cleanup costs. While the root cause of the May fire remains under investigation, the EPA is collaborating closely with local fire authorities and the County of San Diego to supervise the cleanup activities. This incident highlights the critical need for robust safety protocols and regulatory oversight as the nation increasingly relies on large-scale battery storage to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. The EPA and local agencies will continue their oversight until the site is fully remediated and no longer presents a threat to public health or the environment.