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30 Jan 2025

Unusually high levels of nickel, cobalt, and manganese after Moss Landing BESS fire

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The fire at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility in California on January 16, 2025 resulted in high levels of toxic metals. 

The fire, which burned for two days, released unusually high concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and manganese released  into the surrounding environment, particularly affecting the Elkhorn Slough wetlands. 

Researchers from San Jose State University found these metals at levels 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal, raising concerns about the impact on aquatic life and the potential for these toxins to enter the food chain.

 

Additional Information from Other Articles

<a href="https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/01/27/moss-landing-battery-fire-unusuall…">Santa Cruz Sentinel: Moss Landing Battery Fire</a>

<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/moss-landing-fire-unusually-high-concentratio…">MSN: Moss Landing Fire Toxic Metals</a>

<a href="https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2025-01-29/concerns-continue-over-toxic-metal-co…">KAZU News: Concerns Continue Over Toxic Metal Concentrations</a>

<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/28/moss-landing-lithium-plan…">USA Today: Surge in Soil Heavy Metals</a>
 

 

  1. Toxic Metals and Environmental Impact: The metals detected are known to be hazardous to aquatic life, and researchers are studying how they might move through the environment and affect different organisms, from microbes to sea otters.
  2. Community and Regulatory Response: Monterey County officials are working with the California EPA to test soils in properties along the smoke plume path. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has requested an independent investigation of the fire and is considering tougher state regulations for battery storage facilities.
  3. Public Health Concerns: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted air monitoring and concluded there was no risk to public health during the incident. However, residents near the fire reported respiratory issues and a metallic taste.