Emerald Keepers Address Coronado’s Pollution Crisis

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Emerald Keepers install air quality monitors in Coronado homes.

News Summary

Emerald Keepers is tackling water and air quality challenges in Coronado, focusing on raising community awareness about pollution. Recent initiatives include air quality monitoring and plans for water reclamation. The County of San Diego reports alarming levels of pollutants, prompting local activism and potential emergency declarations by the City Council to address the ongoing environmental issues.

Coronado, California – Emerald Keepers is taking proactive steps to address the troubling issues of water and air quality in Coronado amidst ongoing pollution challenges. The organization aims to improve community awareness and understanding of these environmental concerns, particularly as they relate to heightened pollution levels when compared to neighboring areas.

The County of San Diego has been conducting regular water testing in the region, yet there remains a significant gap in public comprehension regarding the factors that contribute to the consistent deterioration of air quality in Coronado. In response, Emerald Keepers has positioned air quality monitors in numerous homes throughout the community. The organization plans to publish weekly air quality data to help identify trends and potential causes that may be affecting local residents.

Emerald Keepers’ initiative coincided with a Special Workshop on pollution held in nearby Imperial Beach on March 26. The workshop convened a panel of experts to address the pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Valley, focusing on critical findings related to both water and air quality. Historical research conducted by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) indicated that the Tijuana River is primarily affected by household sewage rather than industrial waste. However, recent studies by Scripps scientists have reported the detection of sewage as well as industrial pollutants in both air and water samples from the area.

Addressing local pollution issues has been a long-standing challenge, with Rebeca Boutrous Almaráz, the Director of Bi-National Affairs, noting that there has been over 30 years of inaction on these matters. Nonetheless, recent efforts by Governor Avila signify a renewed priority to tackle the situation effectively. The sewage treatment facility at San Antonio de los Buenos is currently undergoing a stabilization process and is projected to begin operations in the near future, with approximately 96.3% of its systems already functioning.

Concerns loom regarding excess sewage management, as any discharge exceeding 18 million gallons per day is set to be released into the ocean, exacerbating pollution levels. Furthermore, plans for water reclamation and reuse projects are actively being developed to further mitigate these concerns.

Health implications of the identified pollutants are becoming increasingly evident. Heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hydrogen sulfide, among others, have been associated with adverse health effects, including headaches, nausea, and heightened anxiety over long-term effects, particularly on children. A Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey conducted the previous year underscored numerous health concerns among residents, many of whom express reluctance to engage with river and beach waters due to contamination anxiety.

In an effort to assist affected households, an air filter program has been initiated by the San Diego Air Pollution Control District. This initiative is being funded through the California Air Resource Program, which has allocated resources for 10,000 air filters to distribute among vulnerable populations. However, the demand for these filters far exceeds available supply.

To address the ongoing pollution crisis comprehensively, public health agencies at local and federal levels are collaborating to assess the current impacts thoroughly. Meanwhile, Coronado’s City Council is contemplating the declaration of a local state of emergency in response to the pollution challenges plaguing the community, which have led to numerous beach closures and economic ramifications for local populations, including military families stationed in the area.

Activism among Coronado High School students is also notable, as they are advocating for the local emergency declaration. Their efforts seek to elevate demands for action from both state and federal agencies regarding the pressing pollution crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted action to ensure the health and safety of all residents in Coronado.