The County of Monterey’s Environmental Health Department is working on a geographical information system that will help residents better understand the impacts of January’s Moss Landing battery plant fire, it announced this week. The aim of making a map-based visual representation of the collected environmental data is to make getting information a much more user-friendly experience according to Ric Encarnacion, the county’s director of Environmental Health.

“Our commitment is rooted in transparency, scientific integrity, and collaboration with our community,” Encarnacion said. “We’re here for the long haul.”

During last week’s county briefing, Encarnacion also gave an update on monitoring and how residents can find more information and updates on the county’s website (https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/). “Our Environmental Health Bureau remains fully engaged in both monitoring and recovery efforts,” Encarnacion said. “We’re working closely with the responsible party, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s on-scene coordinator and our state partners to make sure public health and safety are always the top priorities.” Since the Jan. 16 fire at the Moss 300 building and a flare-up on Feb. 18, the county has implemented monthly meetings with the Board of Supervisors and listed updates on the county website. The battery delinking process, or disconnection, for the accessible batteries burned in the initial January fire was completed March 13, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This was part of the first phase of hazard mitigation to reduce the risk of thermal runaway, re-ignition and fire propagation.

Officials with the EPA have warned that while delinking the batteries reduces the risk of large fires, there is still a chance for additional flare-ups, as happened Feb. 18. Crews are continuing work with the possibility of another flare-up.

The batteries that were not accessible are under and near debris in the damaged Moss 300 building. EPA officials say crews will have to wait until more debris is moved and the demolition process starts before starting that delinking process.

Officials with Vistra — a Texas company that owns the battery storage plant where the fire occurred — said they are still months to a year out from starting the demolition process, but are in talks with contractors.

Efforts are currently focused on environmental monitoring and refining a community sampling plan, which will help shape a long-term hazard assessment, according to Encarnacion.

Officials say this work is essential for understanding any lingering risks and for guiding the county’s next steps.