EPA and VISTA finalize removal strategies for battery debris at Moss Landing site

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss ongoing efforts related to the Moss Landing battery energy storage system incident that occurred on January 16, 2025. The meeting focused on updates from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and VISTA, the company responsible for the battery storage facility.

The meeting began with a detailed report on the current status of the Moss Landing 300 megawatt battery energy storage system, which housed significant quantities of battery modules and structural debris. The total weight of the batteries involved was approximately 19.5 million pounds. VISTA and the EPA are collaborating to develop safe removal strategies for the battery modules and debris, with 36 procedures currently in preparation.

Soil sampling has been conducted at the staging location to establish a baseline for potential contamination during the removal process. An asphalt pad has been installed to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. VISTA has secured contracts for the demolition of the remaining structure and the transport and disposal of the battery modules, with a disposal site identified in McCarran, Nevada.

The meeting outlined a categorization system for the battery modules based on damage severity, ranging from modules with no functional damage to those completely consumed by fire. The categorization will guide the removal and disposal processes, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

A significant point of discussion was the administrative settlement agreement and order on consent (ASAOC) between VISTA and the EPA, which obligates VISTA to conduct the battery debris removal operations. This legal framework is designed to address potential hazards to human health and the environment.

Nikki Fowler, the health program coordinator with the Environmental Health Bureau, provided updates on community health assessments and ongoing data collection efforts. The Bureau has requested that the battery energy storage systems remain offline until updated emergency action plans are reviewed. A comprehensive human health risk assessment is being prepared by VISTA's consultant, TerraPhase Engineering, which will include extensive sampling data and ecological screenings.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed through a new recovery web page, which will serve as a primary source for updates and relevant documentation. The EPA has engaged community involvement coordinators to gather input on public engagement strategies throughout the battery and debris removal process.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies to address the aftermath of the Moss Landing incident, emphasizing the importance of thorough data collection and community engagement in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.