On January 16, 2025, a lithium battery storage facility in Moss Landing, California, caught fire. The facility is located in Monterey County, just south of the Santa Cruz County line. Initial air quality assessments indicated that the primary contaminants of concern, small particulate matter and hydrogen fluoride, were not detected at harmful levels.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) conducted preliminary soil testing at select sites near Moss Landing. While surface screenings of ash and debris detected elevated levels of heavy metals, deeper soil samples did not indicate elevated concentrations. A limited study by UC Cooperative Extension found that although some copper deposition may have occurred in the closest field monitored, the increase in concentration measured in surface samples is likely insignificant compared to normal background levels for the soil type. Sites further from the fire did not show an increase in heavy metals in surface soils. Additionally, the Monterey County Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) tested water samples for heavy metals, which were analyzed by a certified state lab and found to meet regulatory standards.
CCOF has been in communication with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) and Monterey County agricultural officials. At this time, CCOF, the SOP, and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office are not conducting independent sampling. However, the County Environmental Health Bureau is analyzing soil samples collected by DTSC and sharing results with county officials.
CCOF has directly contacted all operations that it certifies within a three-mile radius of the incident and, to date, has not identified contamination of organic land as an issue. While we do not certify all operations in the affected area, we remain committed to supporting our local organic farmers. If you are aware of a CCOF-certified operation that has experienced contamination from this incident, please provide the operation name and details of whom you spoke with.
We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of organic farmland and will continue working closely with relevant authorities to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
