Recovery Process Overview
Vistra is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate all stages of site cleanup. Recovery activities are expected to continue into 2026 due to the many phases of work required. Vistra and the U.S. EPA have executed an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (ASAOC), a voluntary and legally binding agreement that outlines the cleanup scope and allows Vistra to proceed with cleanup operations in coordination with the U.S. EPA.
Due to the nature of batteries in different sections of the building, the battery removal process is split into two stages. With some initial stabilization and demolition, most intact batteries are accessible to recovery crews. The remaining batteries sit in the damaged portion of the building, which will require additional demolition and debris removal work to access.
Each phase of recovery operations will incorporate the findings of previous phases to inform subsequent work. Therefore, a firm timeline for the overall project or individual phases cannot be precisely defined. That said, the following list outlines the major anticipated phases of the project.
1. Initial Battery De-Linking and Removal
Most of the Moss Landing 300 Building was destroyed in the fire. Inside this building, related batteries were linked to each other. Safely removing the batteries first required delinking them to reduce the risk of re-ignition or thermal runaway. Work to de-link all accessible, undestroyed batteries began in February and finished on March 13.
Status: Complete
2. Structure Stabilization and Partial Demolition
The building is partially standing. To reach batteries in structurally unsafe parts of the building, the building will be stabilized and parts of it will be removed.
Status: In Progress
3. Intact Battery Removal and De-Energization
This initial phase of battery removal prioritizes intact batteries that may remain at higher states of charge in the building. This approach aims to reduce the risk and size of a potential flare-up. Batteries will be inspected, cleaned, removed from the building, then de-energized in the staging area for transport. The electricity removed from the batteries will go back into the electrical grid.
Status: Planning & Permitting
4. Intact Battery Packaging, Recycling, and Disposal Battery De-Linking*
Battery materials will be recycled as much as possible. Battery materials will be sent to American Battery Technology Company in McCarran, Nevada for recycling. Un-recyclable battery materials will be disposed of properly at an EPA-approved facility.
Status: Planning & Permitting
Steps 2-4 will repeat, as necessary, until all intact batteries are removed from the building.
5. Damaged Battery Removal and De-Energization
Like Step 3, damaged batteries will be removed from the building and de-energized or treated on-site to prepare them for safe transport.
Status: Not Started
6. Damaged Battery Packaging, Recycling, and Disposal*
Like Step 4, damaged battery materials eligible for recycling will be sent to American Battery Technology Company in McCarran, Nevada. Unrecyclable damaged battery materials will be disposed of properly at an EPA-approved facility.
Status: Not Started
7. Debris Removal and Disposal
Removing and de-energizing damaged batteries requires debris removal. This debris will be separated into hazardous and nonhazardous material and be disposed of at the corresponding EPA-approved facilities. Once all batteries have been safely removed, all remaining debris will be removed and disposed of properly.
Status: Not Started
Steps 5-7 will repeated as necessary, until all damaged batteries are removed from the building.
*Additional recycling and disposal locations will be identified throughout the process.