News Summary
The Coronado City Council is set to vote on declaring a local state of emergency in response to pollution from the Tijuana River. Residents have expressed growing concerns regarding air and water quality, with many reporting health issues linked to sewage pollution. Community group Emerald Keepers is leading efforts to address these challenges. Amidst increasing beach closures and health concerns, local officials are collaborating with state and federal agencies to implement effective solutions. A proposed emergency declaration aims to mobilize resources to tackle these pressing environmental and public health issues.
Coronado is poised to take significant action to combat ongoing environmental and health concerns related to pollution from the Tijuana River. The Coronado City Council is scheduled to vote on declaring a local state of emergency amid increasing worries over air and water quality that are affecting the well-being of residents.
Emerging data from a recent community survey indicated that a notable majority of residents are concerned about air quality and the safety of beach water. Local advocacy group Emerald Keepers has been front and center in raising awareness about these issues, and has collected feedback from members of the community, highlighting concerning health symptoms connected to the sewage pollution, including headaches and respiratory issues. With reports indicating that a significant percentage of children have missed school due to illness related to pollution, the urgency of this local emergency declaration is apparent.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the County of San Diego has been actively testing water quality in the area. Since 2018, daily beach water quality monitoring has been funded to keep residents informed. Emerald Keepers has also installed air quality monitors on homes throughout Coronado, although the reasons for poorer air quality compared to neighboring cities remain unclear. The weekly publication of air quality data is expected to help identify emerging patterns and potential causes of this issue.
To further empower residents, an interactive online dashboard has been launched, containing crucial information about environmental conditions in South County. This platform consolidates data regarding beach water quality, sewage odor complaints, beach closures, and hydrogen sulfide levels, allowing residents to make informed decisions regarding their outdoor activities.
The ongoing pollution crisis has stark implications for local quality of life and economic conditions. For instance, Imperial Beach has faced over 1,000 days of beach closures directly attributable to this crisis. Local leaders, including Councilmember Amy Steward, are advocating for action, emphasizing the risks posed to the military community stationed in San Diego County due to potential exposure to contaminated air and water.
In light of the serious health impacts and environmental challenges, the Coronado City Council is not alone in its concern. Other municipalities, such as Chula Vista, have already made similar declarations in an attempt to address the pollution crisis. Local officials are collaborating with state and federal agencies to mitigate sewage pollution and its associated health impacts.
With the vote on the emergency declaration approaching, students at Coronado High School have also joined the call for action, rallying support for the city’s response to the crisis. The intent of the proposed emergency state is to mobilize resources and attention to resolve the predicament affecting the area.
The Tijuana River pollution crisis presents a multifaceted challenge, influencing health, safety, and economic stability in Coronado and neighboring regions. As public awareness grows and local leaders take decisive steps toward action, the hope is that effective measures can be implemented to restore water and air quality, thereby improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Health Risks Rise at Imperial Beach Due to Water Pollution
USD Receives $10 Million Donation to Support Military-Connected Students
San Diego Extends Beach Closures Amid Sewage Contamination
Coronado Increases Housing In-Lieu Fee for Developers
Coronado City Council to Vote on Local State of Emergency
Coronado City Allocates Over $1 Million in Community Grants
Emerald Keepers Launches Campaign for Water and Air Quality in Coronado
Coronado Proposes Pipeline to Address Sewage Crisis
Coronado City Council Evaluates Community Choice Aggregation
Coronado’s Northern Beaches Reopen After Sewage Crisis
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report
- Wikipedia: Tijuana River
- County News Center: New Dashboard for Water and Odor Pollution
- Google Search: Coronado water quality
- Coronado Times: South Bay Survey Concerns
- Google Scholar: Tijuana River pollution
- Coronado Times: Proposed Emergency Fix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Pollution
- Coronado Times: Tijuana River Valley Health Assessment
- Google News: Tijuana River sewage crisis
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
