News Summary
Emerald Keepers has begun a weekly monitoring program to tackle air and water quality issues in Coronado, where air quality is often worse than in surrounding areas. This initiative addresses concerns about pollution, particularly from sewage affecting South Bay communities. The County of San Diego is collaborating with local organizations to ensure public health safety through water testing and air monitoring. Community advocates are calling for governmental action to mitigate ongoing sewage pollution and improve the overall well-being of residents.
Coronado
Emerald Keepers has initiated a weekly monitoring program to address air and water quality issues in Coronado, where current air quality measurements reveal that it is often worse than in nearby cities. This effort comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding pollution levels, particularly from sewage that has been negatively impacting the South Bay communities.
The County of San Diego plays a crucial role in these monitoring efforts, regularly testing the waters around Coronado to ensure public health safety. Since 2018, the County has funded daily beach water quality monitoring, focusing on areas like Imperial Beach, Silver Strand, and Coronado.
In addition to monitoring water quality, Emerald Keepers has established air quality monitors in homes throughout Coronado. They intend to regularly publish air quality data to identify patterns and potential causes of the deteriorating conditions, giving residents a clearer understanding of their environment. This initiative is particularly important as recent monitoring has shown elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the Tijuana River Valley, raising health concerns among local residents.
County’s Response and Resources
In response to the environmental challenges, the County has launched an interactive online dashboard that provides real-time updates on environmental conditions in South County, including beach water quality, sewage odor data, and beach closure information. This dashboard integrates data from multiple agencies and organizations to enhance public awareness and decision-making.
The development of the dashboard involved collaboration with the UC San Diego Resilient Shield team, aiming to equip residents with relevant information regarding air and water quality. This collaborative approach highlights the County’s commitment to addressing public health concerns, especially as surveillance data indicate an increase in health complaints related to pollution.
Public Health Concerns and Monitoring
Data from emergency departments that track public health complaints reveal health symptoms among residents in the affected areas, including headaches, respiratory issues, and anxiety believed to be linked to pollution. A recent survey involving over 2,000 residents has shed light on the state of public health, with many families indicating that their children have missed school due to symptoms associated with sewage pollution.
The presence of harmful pollutants, particularly hydrogen sulfide and other toxins, is being closely monitored. Researchers have found alarmingly high levels of hydrogen sulfide near the Tijuana River, which corresponds with many community complaints concerning air quality. The County has advised residents to limit outdoor activities and utilize air purifiers to minimize risks associated with hydrogen sulfide exposure.
Community Advocacy and Future Action
There is a growing call among local advocates for governmental action to tackle the ongoing sewage pollution crisis that is affecting both air and water quality. Concerned community members urge for improved measures to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and those living near polluted areas.
Efforts to combat these environmental issues have drawn the attention of both federal and local agencies, who are collaborating to seek effective solutions to the sewage pollution problem affecting the region. As monitoring continues, the focus remains on addressing not only the immediate concerns of air and water quality but also the potential long-term impacts on public health and community well-being.
As monitoring efforts proceed, the collaboration between local organizations and governmental bodies aims to provide effective responses to the environmental challenges faced by Coronado and surrounding communities, ensuring the health and safety of residents.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report
- County News Center: Dashboard Tracks South County Pollution
- Coronado Times: South Bay Survey on Air Quality Concerns
- Los Angeles Times: Tijuana River Air Quality Study
- 10 News: Navy Leaders Criticized for Training in Contaminated Water

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.