Environmental tests reveal elevated levels of toxic metals since Moss Landing battery fire
“I HAVE LITHIUM in my blood,” stated Heather Griffin, her voice trembling with the weight of her words as she addressed a gathering of concerned residents outside Vistra’s battery storage facility in Monterey County. This demonstration came in the wake of a disastrous multi-day fire at the facility that raised immediate concerns for community health and safety. Griffin’s troubling experience, including unusual symptoms like a metallic taste in her mouth and chronic fatigue, is mirrored by dozens of her neighbors who have reported similar health complications since the incident.
Following the fire, which marked the second significant blaze at this facility in just three years, local advocates have rallied together to demand accountability and ensure the community’s safety. They are now engaging in grassroots advocacy as part of the newly formed group, Never Again Moss Landing, dedicated to amplifying community concerns and investigating the aftermath of the fires.
Community Response: Grassroots Activism Takes Center Stage
On the weekend after the fire was extinguished, concerned residents took matters into their own hands. Volunteers from Never Again Moss Landing conducted surface wipe tests throughout the Monterey Bay area, sampling various surfaces from patios to solar panels. Their proactive approach aimed to reveal potential health hazards that may have lingered post-fire.
The samples were sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. Preliminary findings indicated alarming concentrations of heavy metals, including nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese, particularly in areas closer to the Vistra facility. Specifically, results showed nickel and cobalt at levels 34 times greater than those found in samples collected further away.
Researchers from UC Santa Cruz provided plume models that align with the sampling results, indicating that the smoke from the fire predominantly flowed east and northeast, corroborating the findings of heightened metal concentrations in those areas. Of particular concern, around 25,000 residents live within this plume area, raising urgent questions about long-term exposure and health repercussions.
Environmental Testing and Regulatory Oversight
As part of the broader community efforts, Monterey County has also embarked on its testing initiative in collaboration with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Preliminary data revealed that at every testing site near the Vistra facility, cobalt levels exceeded federal screening thresholds, with additional samples indicating elevated nickel and manganese levels.
However, while these findings highlight possible environmental risks, authorities have emphasized that further study is necessary. Vistra acknowledged the findings but contended that they are preliminary and not fully validated, promising additional soil sampling with third-party oversight. Yet, as of now, the company has not made these results publicly available.
Regulatory Gaps and Potential Policy Changes
Critics of the Vistra facility’s operations point to significant regulatory oversights. In 2019, the Monterey County Planning Commission waived comprehensive environmental reviews for its construction. Residents and local officials argue that this decision neglected the potential environmental and community health risks, especially given recent events.
In response to the ongoing crisis, California lawmakers are considering new legislation that would enhance local oversight of battery storage facilities. Proposed measures aim to return regulatory power to local governments, establish stricter safety protocols, and enhance the safeguards around the location of such facilities in relation to populated areas.
Continued Health Concerns Among Residents
Even weeks after the fire, residents like Marcy Castro report lingering health issues, including headaches and respiratory difficulties. Many community members express frustration over the lack of timely and clear communication concerning their health concerns.
The Monterey County Health Department has recorded numerous health complaints, including irritation of eyes, nose, and throat — symptoms that many attribute directly to the fire’s aftermath. Residents fear for their health, with some, like Sherry Okamoto, experiencing severe respiratory challenges since the disaster. She worries for her homegrown produce, concerned that it may have absorbed contaminants.
Despite the assurances from various authorities about air safety, residents like Stephanie remain skeptical, feeling overlooked and ignored. The community is continuing to seek answers, and they demand coordinated public health responses that address their ongoing concerns.
Brian Roeder, a community facilitator working alongside Never Again Moss Landing, highlights the need for more robust action from health officials. The fear that this incident could signify a deeper systemic failure in oversight looms large, pushing residents to organize more vigorously for change.
Conclusion: Mobilizing for a Safer Future
The fire at Vistra’s battery storage facility has ignited a significant movement in Monterey County. As residents grapple with health issues and environmental concerns, they are mobilizing to hold corporations and regulatory bodies accountable. The formation of community-led advocacy groups marks a critical step toward ensuring environmental safety and transparency. With legislative discussions on strengthening regulations surrounding battery storage facilities gaining momentum, the local community stands on the precipice of potential change. The ongoing struggle for justice underscores a broader narrative about the intersection of environmental safety, corporate accountability, and community resilience.
