The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that air monitoring data near the Vistra Energy Battery Power Plant in Monterey Bay, California, does not indicate any public health risk. This conclusion comes after the deployment of nine air monitoring stations at the request of Monterey County following a battery fire at the plant.
The EPA's emergency response included installing seven monitors shortly after the fire began on January 16, with two additional monitors added later. These stations were strategically placed to detect particulate matter and hydrogen fluoride, pollutants associated with battery fires. Two stations are situated at the facility itself, four just outside it—including one at Moss Landing—and three more in nearby communities to account for wind direction changes and potential pollutant drift.
Vistra Energy has also engaged a contractor to gather both stationary and mobile air quality data from surrounding areas. The collected data is being shared with Cal Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, North Monterey County Fire, and Monterey County Environmental Health.
"EPA will continue to monitor and share air quality data multiple times a day during the emergency response," stated an EPA spokesperson.
Monterey County will make this data available on their websites: www.countyofmonterey.gov and www.readymontereycounty.org.
