EPA: Over 30,000 MOSS‑300 battery modules deenergized; next demolition phase expected into fall

Monterey Countymergency Management on Tuesday summarized US Environmental Protection Agency work removing and deenergizing electric‑vehicle battery modules at the MOSS‑300 site in Moss Landing.

County Director of Emergency Management Kelsey Skinland relayed US EPA figures: "More than 30,400 intact battery modules have been deenergized for recycling thus far out of a total estimated 35,772 intact battery modules," she said. Nearly 29,000 deenergized modules have been transported offsite for recycling, the update said. No flare‑ups were reported during the current removal operation.

The EPA expects the current deenergization work to conclude within roughly two months; after the intact modules are handled, phase two will begin. Phase two demolition will address heavily burned building sections and will initiate removal, treatment and disposal of battery material that cannot be recycled. Staff emphasized that waste characterization sampling will precede offsite disposal and that sampling results will be made public.

Why this matters: the site contained a large number of intact battery modules after the fire at the MOSS‑300 facility. Deenergizing and safely transporting modules for recycling reduces on‑site fire risk and allows demolition of the remaining structure. County Emergency Management said battery work associated with phase‑two demolition may continue into the fall or winter, depending on structural stabilization and access.

Board response and next steps: supervisors asked staff followup questions about the fraction of modules still energized and structural constraints that limit access. County staff said they will follow up with EPA for a more precise energized/remaining count and will continue public updates via EPA fact sheets and posted sampling results.