Air Quality Monitoring

A leading independent environmental firm, CTEH, conducted extensive air quality monitoring in and around the Moss Landing community as part of response efforts. This work was complemented by nine stationary monitoring units established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Monitoring to date, which began when the fire was first discovered, has not detected hazardous compounds, and all particulate matter readings were low and within expected air quality index (AQI) bands deemed safe for the general public.

Based on continued safe results, CTEH has concluded its community and roaming air monitoring. CTEH will continue to monitor air quality at the site perimeter.

Vistra began initial air monitoring at the site at approximately 4 p.m. Pacific time on Jan. 16 when the fire was first detected. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency arrived on site at approximately 2 a.m. Pacific time on Jan. 17 and began their testing. A leading independent environmental firm, CTEH, arrived at 5 a.m. on Jan. 17 and conducted extensive air quality monitoring in and around the Moss Landing community as part of response efforts. CTEH mobile air monitoring personnel sampled over 100 locations, testing for seven air constituents specific to this type of fire.

This work was complemented by nine stationary monitoring units established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Monitoring to date has not detected hazardous compounds, and all particulate matter readings were low and within expected air quality index (AQI) bands deemed safe for the general public. All air monitoring results were shared with the EPA, Monterey County, other local governments, and the public (via this website).