Scientists have linked a lithium battery plant fire in California earlier this month to a surge in heavy metals found in nearby soil.

Less than two weeks after a huge fire in Moss Landing at one of the world’s largest battery storage plants, scientists affiliated with San Jose State University have discovered unusually high levels of toxic metals in soils at Elkhorn Slough,

The blaze broke out late Thursday at the Monterey County plant that stores and sells power to Pacific Gas & Electric.

State regulators want more control over how battery storage facilities operate as SJSU researchers have found a large amount of heavy metals in the soil following the Moss Landing Power Plant fire.

A county hotline has also been established for residents to call officials with any questions about the air quality and best practices for keeping safe.

Brian Hackney reports on the environmental impacts of the fire that happened at a Northern California lithium battery plant. Website: <a href=" YouTube: <a href=" Facebook: <a href=" Instagram: <a hre

A group of researchers says they have found high concentrations of heavy metals in a California estuary near the site of a major fire that destroyed a battery storage facility south of San Francisco earlier in January.