On May 15, 2024 a fire broke out at
the Gateway Energy Storage facility, with periodic flare-ups until May 28. The
facility contained approximately 14,796 nickel-manganese-cobalt lithium-ion
batteries. EPA is working in coordination with local fire authorities and the
County of San Diego to oversee the cleanup effort undertaken by the responsible
party.
Fire damaged batteries pose ongoing
risks of fire, explosion, and chemical releases. In the agreement being
announced today, EPA is requiring comprehensive safety measures and monitoring
to protect nearby residents and workers during the cleanup process.
Under the settlement agreement,
Gateway Energy Storage must conduct environmental monitoring during all battery
handling operations, safely remove, package, and dispose of all impacted
battery packs, and submit detailed work plans and progress reports to
EPA.
Background
Gateway Energy Storage, LLC
operates the facility as a Delaware-incorporated limited liability company. The
company is considered a responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and must bear the costs of
the cleanup.
The root cause of the fire remains
under investigation. EPA and local agencies will continue to oversee cleanup
activities until all work is completed and the site no longer poses a threat to
public health or the environment.
