Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire Response: Response Timeline
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Latest Updates
During the recent government shutdown, EPA On-Scene Coordinators continued overseeing battery removal as normal.
- Battery removal work continues at a steady pace, with 8,448 batteries de-energized and transported off-site thus far. To date, there have been no flareups during battery removal work.
- Five truckloads, on average, a week of de-energized batteries leave the site for recycling.
- Each truckload carries about 192 modules on 24 pallets (approximately 37,632 pounds).
- An additional 10 trucks, on average, carrying other waste and debris leave the site per week for various disposal and recycling facilities.
- Vistra identified a new battery recycling facility, Cirba Solutions in Lancaster, Ohio to dispose the batteries.
- We approved the Cirba facility as acceptable for receiving wastes under our Off-Site Rule . We had previously also approved the American Battery Technology Company facility in Nevada.
- Vistra plans to send batteries to both facilities moving forward.
- Building stabilization and demolition work on the fire-impacted building (Moss Landing 300) continues. This work will allow Vistra to get safe access to the remaining batteries.
- We continue overseeing Vistra’s work at the site and we also activated the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Strike Team to assist with federal oversight.
- United States Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator representatives have a similar role and training to EPA On-Scene Coordinators (who have been overseeing the cleanup so far).
- These Coast Guard servicemembers are responsible for:
- coordinating the federal response to pollution incidents and emergencies,
- monitoring compliance with regulations,
- managing response plans, and
- coordinating with various agencies and personnel.
- While battery removal work occurs, Vistra uses best management practices for controlling dust.
- We continue our oversight of Vistra’s air monitoring and air sampling work.
- Workers also follow safety precautions, like removing or cleaning equipment before leaving the work zone.
- With the onset of the rainy season, we recognize the importance of ensuring Vistra contains impacted water that enters or is used at the site.
- Water used in battery removal or building demolition, or water that falls as rain on or near the Moss Landing 300 building, is captured.
- The capture system is a closed-loop stormwater management system.
- Captured water is tested for elevated levels of contaminants.
- Based on this testing, the water is then properly managed (either disposed of off-site at appropriate facilities, reused [if able] on-site, and/or managed in compliance with stormwater discharge procedures).
- We recognize batteries can re-ignite in wet conditions. All batteries being processed—whether they are being staged, de-energized, or packaged for transport—are protected from the rain under tents.
- Additionally, Vistra continuously monitors weather conditions so operations can be temporarily stopped if needed for safety.
- Cleanup work will pause from December 19th – December 28th. However:
- fire crews will continue monitoring the site for any potential flareups, and
- all air monitoring and air sampling will around the site and in the community will continue during this time.
September 2025 Updates
Battery Removal Process Begins
On September 29, 2025, work began removing batteries from the Moss Landing 300 building. This marks a major milestone in the battery removal process.
- EPA has closely overseen Vistra to ensure battery removal is safe and efficient (pdf).
- As with all our work, EPA ensures strict health and safety requirements, and best practices are always followed.
Moss Landing Administrative Record available for public comment until October 15, 2025
- The Administrative Record contains documents that that justify EPA directing response activities at the site.
- Public comments on the Administrative Record will be accepted from September 15 through October 15, 2025.
- Please email comments to Hiruni Jayasekera, Community Involvement Coordinator at jayasekera.hiruni@epa.gov.
- The Administrative Record is available online.
- A paper copy of the Administrative Record can be found at:
Castroville Branch Library
11160 Speegle St.
Castroville, CA 95012
Please call for current hours of operation: (831) 769-8724.
Battery Fire Response Timeline
August 2025
- EPA continues to provide on-site technical assistance and oversight of battery removal process.
- Equipment arrives at the site (such as cranes).
- Preliminary building stabilization work in key areas of the “Moss Landing 300” building (which was burned in the fire) in order for crews to more safely access batteries.
- Perform building stabilization work.
- Start a “surgical” removal of certain portions of the burned building so some batteries can be safely accessed.
- Remove the batteries from the damaged building for on-site processing.
- Start removing (de-energizing) energy from those batteries.
July 17, 2025
- EPA and Vistra reach agreement (pdf) for the removal of lithium-ion batteries. This agreement formally establishes Vistra’s obligations and clarifies the EPA’s expectations for the battery removal process.
March-July, 2025
- Negotiated agreement outlining Vistra’s obligations and clarifying the EPA’s expectations for the battery removal process.
- Developed and performed thorough technical reviews on over 30 detailed plans and procedures in preparation for safe battery removal, partial building demolition, and building stabilization.
March 13, 2025
- Battery delinking complete.
February 22, 2025
- Battery delinking begins.
February 18, 2025
- Flareup inside building occurs, causing smoke in the building. Visible flareup subsided.
- State of California Environmental Protection Agency requests EPA lead the oversight of Vistra’s battery removal work.
January 22, 2025
- EPA issues Notice of Federal Response Action to Vistra.
- The notice documents why an urgent response to the fire is needed.
- It also outlines the work that needs to be done to address hazardous substances on the site.
- Vistra confirms it will voluntarily do the response.
- EPA then begins providing technical assistance to Vistra for the battery removal process and reviews Vistra's plans for battery removal.
January 20, 2025
- After smoke subsides, EPA consults with Monterey County and transfers air monitoring stations to Vistra.
January 18, 2025
- Fire goes out.
January 17, 2025
- EPA begins perimeter air monitoring early the morning of Jan. 17.
- EPA sets up nine air monitoring locations at and around the site.
- The monitors look for mineral acid gases (like hydrogen fluoride) and particulates.
January 16, 2025
- Battery fire starts at Vistra's energy storage facility. The facility has about 100,000 battery modules.
- Local agencies respond and request EPA assistance with perimeter air monitoring.
What caused the fire?
Vistra, and the battery manufacturer, are still investigating the cause of the fire.