Elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been detected at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve by scientists following a recent fire at Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility.

Researchers from San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories found high levels of nickel, manganese and cobalt in soil at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve following a fire at a battery storage facility in Moss Landing.

These are very disturbing numbers,” said County of Monterey Supervisor Glenn Church. “… We’re in uncharted territory.”

In the wake of the recent fire at Vistra Corporation's Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility, the California Public Utilities Commission has proposed new standards for battery energy storage facilities.

Research scientists with San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) detected “unusually high concentrations of heavy-metal nanoparticles”

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been detected at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve by scientists from San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories following a recent fire at Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility,