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Mixed science as Moss Landing MOS‑300 battery cleanup proceeds; supervisors request more monitoring
Summary
Federal and state agencies reported steady battery‑removal progress at Mos Landing's MOS‑300 site while DTSC's draft screening did not identify expected chronic human‑health risk from sampled soils; independent researchers reported a thin, patchy fallout layer of battery metals in Elkhorn Slough and early biota sampling showing nickel/cobalt signatures, prompting the board to ask staff to seek independent, ongoing biological monitoring funded by the responsible company.
Monterey County supervisors spent a large portion of their March 17 meeting on the MOS‑300 battery fire cleanup at Moss Landing, hearing divergent scientific findings and significant community concern before asking staff to pursue additional independent monitoring.
Federal and state operations: U.S. EPA, which leads on‑site battery removal, reported crews have deenergized and removed the bulk of accessible intact battery modules and expect continued demolition and debris characterization through mid‑ to late‑2026. County emergency management emphasized continued coordination with state and federal partners to protect public safety.
Draft assessments and agency view: Monterey County Environmental Health and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) summarized multi‑phase environmental sampling (soil, surface water, sediment, pore water) and a draft Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) equivalent prepared by Vistra's consultant. DTSC toxicologist Dr. Wei Ying Jiang said the draft risk assessment, using conservative exposure assumptions (child residential receptor), concluded that chronic risks from the sampled…
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