Newberry Springs, CA - A lithium-iron battery container
accident on Interstate-15 occurred on July 26, 2024, three months ago.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of these industrial
energy storage devices for solar facilities being placed near populated
areas.
The incident, which caused significant traffic disruptions
in Newberry Springs, involved a fire that erupted within the battery's
compartment.
Hours of delays were encountered while the responding fire
personnel confronted challenges due to the responders' unfamiliarity with
lithium-iron batteries, which differ from lithium-ion batteries. The authorities
held back until they acquired an understanding of what they were dealing with.
The Chinese battery manufacturer claimed this was the
first incident involving their products in the United States (unverified).
The manufacturer suggested extinguishing the fire by placing the battery in
a large hole and topping the container with water. This method would violate
environmental regulations in the United States.
Lithium-iron batteries are generally considered safer
than lithium-ion due to their greater temperature stability, however, they
can still self-ignite. The Interstate-15 accident highlighted the potential
risks associated with lithium batteries.
Small consumer lithium batteries are prohibited in aircraft
cargo holds, however, large lithium container batteries are still permitted
on super intermodal container ships. These batteries from China, the world's
leading supplier, might become unavailable should a lithium fire erupt onboard
an intermodal ship.
After shutting down Interstate-15, the California Highway
Patrol initially expected to have the highway reopened within hours. As
difficulties arose with the unfamiliarity of the battery type, the high
weight of the container, and the softness of the adjacent sand that the
authorities wanted to move the container onto, the hours accumulated.
Eventually, two highway crossings across the center
medium were established with soil compacted enough to handle heavy trucks.
Drivers were given the option to retreat southbound. The Newberry
Springs' Interstate-40 diversion to Las Vegas added roughly 150 miles.
After the battery was deemed safe, it was moved east of
the highway approximately 60 yards over a specially compacted path.
Disposal of the container proved to be a challenge.
No local facility wanted to accept a lithium container damaged by fire.
Eventually, a destination was negotiated with Redwood Materials, a lithium
recycler in Carson City, Nevada, where the battery was transported on
October 1, 2024.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards
associated with lithium batteries and the importance of developing
effective emergency response protocols for such accidents.
As the popularity of these batteries continues to grow,
it is crucial to address the safety concerns and ensure that appropriate
measures are in place to protect communities and the environment.
While it is easy to be critical of the long driving delay
that this incident caused motorists, the CHP and the California DOT handled
this first-time experience as well as can be expected under the
difficult circumstances.
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