Title
Adopt a resolution continuing for an additional sixty (60) days, the Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to a structure fire and hazardous materials incident at the Moss Landing Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Power Plant that started on January 16, 2025.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution continuing for an additional sixty (60) days, the Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to a structure fire and hazardous materials incident at the Moss Landing Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Power Plant that started on January 16, 2025.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On January 16, 2025, shortly after 3:00 p.m. a fire began at the Vistra Energy (“Vistra”) 300-MW Phase I battery energy storage facility located at the Moss Landing Power Plant. The Vistra operation is one of the largest lithium battery storage facilities in the world and the fire caused the lithium batteries to burn. Local fire officials could not extinguish the fire due to the extreme heat from the multiple lithium batteries burning, and as of January 17th the fire continued burning. Evacuation orders for the surrounding community were lifted on January 18, 2025. The evacuation orders were issued as a precaution due to the ongoing fire and concerns of exposure to hazardous materials. Air monitoring conducted by the United State Environmental Protection Agency began on January 17, 2025, within and outside the fence line of the facility indicated that particulate matter posed no risk to public health.
A state led Health Assessment Team comprised of local, state, and federal agencies began soil, dust, and water sampling on January 24, 2025. County, State, and Federal regulatory agencies have and continue to conduct environmental testing for levels of toxic metals, such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt, in the surrounding area. Data from sampling conducted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) ...
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