The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing a massive challenge in clearing up lithium-ion batteries after the California wildfires. The task, dubbed the largest wildfire cleanup in the agency’s history, aims to remove thousands of electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems from the affected areas.
California is the nation’s largest market for electric vehicles and hybrid cars, with each vehicle containing around 7-10,000 small batteries. Cleanup operations involve crushing the batteries and disposing of the toxic waste at approved sites.
While exact numbers are still uncertain, officials estimate that tens of thousands of electric vehicles will need to be cleared. The EPA has already begun work, removing 80 electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems from properties affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.
The agency has over a thousand personnel on site, with more being mobilized as the deadline approaches. The Trump administration has set a 30-day timeline for completion, which poses significant challenges considering the scale of the task.
The EPA’s efforts have been described as “tackling this head-on” by Administrator Lee Zeldin, who aims to ramp up cleanup operations quickly and efficiently. However, residents near the affected areas have raised concerns about the lack of consultation and warning regarding waste removal sites, which are expected to be processed at a few designated locations.
With time running out, EPA workers will continue around-the-clock efforts to clear toxic debris and meet the ambitious deadline.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/5133535-epa-california-wildfires-battery-cleanup