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Current Emergency Information

2025 Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire

Webpage updated 08/11/2026 05:19 PM

Update: Characterization and Screening-Level Risk Evaluation Report Available

Commonly referred to as the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) Equivalent Report

Prepared by Terraphase Engineering, dated June 22, 2026

State agency partners reviewed the preliminary report and presented their initial findings to the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors on March 17, 2026. Terraphase then prepared the revised report dated June 22, 2026. The County does not expect further revisions.

Report Conclusions

Terraphase concluded that:

  • Chemicals measured in the sampled off-site soil, sediment, and surface water do not indicate lasting conditions expected to pose an unacceptable risk to people or ecological receptors.
  • For purposes of the risk evaluation, Terraphase used conservative, health-protective assumptions and treated measured chemical concentrations as if they were related to the fire.
  • Some nickel concentrations in sediment exceeded ecological screening levels in Hester Marsh and the Mosquito Abatement Observation Area. Terraphase attributed these results to natural variability and marsh conditions rather than lasting fire-related impacts.
  • No further human-health or ecological-risk evaluation, off-site investigation, or response action is warranted at this time for the sampled locations and environmental media.

These conclusions do not apply to conditions within the power plant property, groundwater, unsampled areas, or broader watershed conditions that may be addressed through separate regulatory work.

The report also reviewed air-monitoring and air-sampling data collected by U.S. EPA and CTEH. Terraphase stated that the limited number, generally low magnitude, and short duration of metals-in-air detections above screening levels did not indicate sustained exposure at levels of health concern.

Questions about the report or Terraphase’s conclusions may be submitted to EHB for referral to Terraphase: EHInfo@countyofmonterey.gov

State Agency Review of Report

The following agencies reviewed both the preliminary and revised reports:

Questions about each agency’s comments may be directed to:

U.S. EPA did not participate in the review because its oversight role is focused on on-site battery-removal activities. The County directed the off-site community sampling, and the participating CalEPA agencies reviewed the reports.

What happens next?

Publishing the revised report and state agency comments completes the County’s planned Community Sampling Plan and PEA-equivalent review process.

Completion of this County-directed process does not end other investigations or regulatory work. Separate work may continue regarding:

  • Groundwater;
  • Broader watershed or Elkhorn Slough conditions; and
  • Follow-up recommended or required by state agencies.

Separate work continues within the power plant property

Vistra’s battery removal and the related demolition, treatment, and preparation of batteries for recycling or disposal remain under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversight. Information and updates are available through the U.S. EPA Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire response webpage:  https://www.epa.gov/ca/moss-landing-vistra-battery-fire

Latest News

Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility Fire Community Survey Information Available

Post Date:06/02/2025 10:00 AM

The Health Departments of the Counties of Monterey and Santa Cruz invite the public to review a report of the regional survey conducted in response to the January 2025 battery fire at the Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility. The survey was developed to better understand the community’s health-related concerns during and after the Moss Landing battery fire and to gather information about how residents received emergency notifications and guidance. While not designed to assess medical outcomes or determine cause and effect, the survey results offer valuable insight into public perceptions, reported symptoms, and communication challenges during the incident.

The results reflect a range of public concerns and will guide improvements in public health messaging and emergency response systems across the region. A summary of the survey responses is publicly available here

A total of 1,539 individuals completed the survey. Approximately two thirds were individuals who lived or worked in Monterey County and a quarter were from Santa Cruz County. The remaining surveys were completed by others who lived or worked outside the two-county area.

Among those who completed the survey, 83% reported experiencing at least one symptom with headache, sore throat and cough being the most common. In addition, the survey asked the community about their concerns. Top public concerns and priorities included:

  • Ongoing physical symptoms and potential long-term health effects
  •  Environmental safety including air, soil, water, and food contamination
  •  Emergency alert systems, particularly regarding timeliness and clarity of notifications
  • Access to clear and consistent public information

Health Officials in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, along with regional partners, are using the survey findings to:

  • Understand symptoms or health concerns related to battery fires,
  • Improve public notification and outreach practices, and
  • Collaborate with emergency service providers to update emergency response plans and strategies.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone that took the time to complete the survey,“ said Dr. Edward Moreno, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the County of Monterey.

The full summary of the community survey, along with related health and safety information, is available at: https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/2025-moss-landing-vistra-power-plant-fire/community-survey.

For information related to the battery fire including the community survey, please visit the County of Monterey’s 2025 Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire website at https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/2025-moss-landing-vistra-power-plant-fire.

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Timeline of Environmental and Public Health Response 

More Information

Stay Informed

To receive ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to register for alerts at Register | Portal Registration or visit Emergency | County of Monterey, CA. To check your zone, please visit Genasys Protect.

US EPA - Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire Response

See Yellow Smoke?

Yellowish or brownish smoke can occur during turbine start-ups at the facility. When turbines start, emissions are temporarily higher than during steady operation—similar to starting a car engine. This is a normal, permitted part of facility operations. More information is available here

Concerns or Complaints?

You can submit a report to the Monterey County Health Department's Environmental Health Bureau online at http://www.mtyhd.org/mosslanding-concern-form or by leaving a voice message at 831-755-4505.