Moss Landing Ongoing Work: How is the air monitoring and air sampling data being used to protect the community and the environment?
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Air monitoring and sampling stations continue to run 24/7 at:
- The site perimeter
- The work areas
- In the community
We oversee results from daily air monitoring reports.
- These reports continue to show no levels of contaminants (pdf)* (particulates, mineral acid gases) above our health standards. Samples are collected at each air monitoring station. This includes at the site and in the community.
- If there were to be any elevated readings, work would stop. If changes to work processes are needed, Vistra will make the changes to fix the problem.
- For more information on these steps, see our FAQ “What will EPA and Vistra do if there are elevated readings detected by the air monitors?”
The air monitoring and air sampling data will be posted for the community to view. We are working with the county to set this up.
You can see the latest air sampling results on Monterey County’s Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire Data Viewer.
*In the Administrative Order on Consent (pdf) between EPA and Vistra, at a minimum, Vistra is required to do air monitoring for: “hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide, total volatile organic compounds, lower explosive limit, percent oxygen, particulates as a general indicator for metals, and carbon monoxide.”
In this order, Vistra is also required to do air sampling for, at a minimum: “asbestos and metals that are contaminants of concern for the site (including cobalt, manganese, nickel, aluminum, copper, lithium, and lead).”
What will EPA and Vistra do if there are elevated readings detected by the air monitors?
Under our oversight, Vistra continues to maintain 24/7 air monitoring and sampling. Sampling and monitoring will happen around the site perimeter and in the community. If monitors show elevated readings, work stops. If changes to work processes are needed, Vistra will make the changes to fix the problem under EPA’s direction and oversight.
Vistra can re-direct their contractors (already in the community maintaining air monitoring equipment) in minutes to confirm readings. Technicians are available at any time to service the stations if needed. The contractors can also deploy “roaming” (or mobile/handheld) monitors to check locations of interest based on the wind direction. Note: Contaminant levels can spike due to activity unrelated to site work. (For example, fog or road traffic may spike particulate matter levels.) As such, the reason for data changes must be closely studied and confirmed.
Related Questions
- Moss Landing Ongoing Work: What are the contaminants of concern?
- Moss Landing Ongoing Work: Can the building be covered or tented?
- Moss Landing Ongoing Work: How will you control dust and particles during operations?
- Moss Landing Ongoing Work: How will you prevent the contamination from moving off site when it rains?
- Moss Landing Ongoing Work: How did EPA and Vistra determine the truck routes to be used for transporting material off-site at Moss Landing? Why were other truck route options not selected?