Potentially Toxic Batteries Raise Concerns Over Drinking Water Contamination
The destruction of lithium-ion batteries from burned-out electric vehicles in the Eaton fire has raised concerns over the potential contamination of nearby sources of drinking water. The Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, an agency responsible for the safety of groundwater supplies for nearly 2 million Los Angeles County residents, has sounded an alarm over the crushing of these batteries on a dirt bank of the San Gabriel River at Lario Park.
Lithium-Ion Batteries and Toxic Metals
Lithium-ion batteries can release toxic metals into the environment. These toxins include lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other heavy metals that can contaminate soil, water, and air. The presence of these toxins in drinking water sources poses a significant risk to human health.
The EPA's Response
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded to the concerns raised by the Watermaster, stating that the area where the batteries are being crushed is small and that air monitors have not indicated any high levels of contaminants. The EPA claims that if any hazardous materials were to contaminate the soil or water, their monitoring systems would detect it and operations would be halted.
The Watermaster's Concerns
Despite the EPA's reassurances, the Watermaster remains concerned about the potential risks associated with the crushing of lithium-ion batteries on a dirt bank near the San Gabriel River. The agency is working to determine where water samples can be taken for testing and has asked the EPA to partner with them in this effort.
A History of Concerns
The Watermaster's concerns are not new. In January, local residents, city officials, and state and federal elected representatives were not notified of the hazardous waste staging site, leading to angry protests. The EPA later apologized for not giving local mayors a heads-up about the site.
Conclusion
The crushing of lithium-ion batteries from burned-out electric vehicles on a dirt bank near the San Gabriel River raises serious concerns over the potential contamination of nearby sources of drinking water. The EPA's response, while reassuring to some, is not enough to alleviate the concerns raised by the Watermaster and local residents.
Recommendations
To mitigate these risks, we recommend that:
- The EPA partner with the Watermaster in sampling water and soil for testing.
- The EPA relocate the battery crushing operation to a paved area away from the San Gabriel River.
- The public be informed about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and the measures being taken to mitigate them.