Latest news with #SDAPCD
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
South Bay residents urged to take precautions as sewage odors increase
Video: Dan Plante reports on possible sanctions for Tijuana sewage crisis CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The odors from the raw sewage spilling across the border into South Bay neighborhoods has increased after the recent large spill, and San Diego County officials are offering health guidance to residents in the area. After sewage infrastructure work in Mexico resulted in the recent release of up to 5 million gallons per night of sewage into the Tijuana River Valley, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is alerting residents they detected an uptick Monday night of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) readings in the Nestor neighborhood just north of the Tijuana River Valley, which is creating increased odor issues in South Bay neighborhoods. CDC health survey shows impacts of Tijuana sewage crisis on South Bay residents Residents near the Tijuana River Valley have been dealing with the impacts from the cross-border pollution for years, and the recent sewage spill and uptick in odors is just the latest to plague the region. EPA Chief Lee Zeldin to visit US-Mexico border, examine Tijuana sewage crisis SDAPCD is alerting residents they recorded Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) levels that exceeded levels established by the California Office of Health Hazard Assessment, and is issuing an alert for communities potentially affected by the odors from the Tijuana River Valley. The Air Pollution Control District is advising some people may experience odor-related symptoms like headaches and nausea. If the odors continue, SDAPCD says South Bay residents near the Tijuana River Valley can take the following precautions to reduce exposure: Limit outdoor activities if you smell strong odors Keep doors and windows closed to prevent odor from coming indoors. Air out your home or building when odor is not present Use air conditioning if available (or a central/portable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system) and/or indoor air purifiers. Filters (high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, for example) with activated charcoal (plus potassium permanganate, if available) are recommended. Businesses are recommended to run the HVAC system for 1-2 hours before business hours People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other chronic lung conditions should have their rescue medication(s) readily available. If symptoms from strong odor persists, are worrisome, or worsen, seek medical care. Residents in South Bay communities near the Tijuana River Valley impacted by the odors from the sewage flows at the U.S.-Mexico border can apply for a free air purifier part of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District's (SDAPCD) new AIRE Program. Free air purifiers available for South Bay residents: Here's how to apply Residents in the South Bay can report odors through the SDAPCD Air Quality Complaints app or by calling 858-586-2650 or e-mail apcdcomp@ The County of San Diego on Monday said it continues to urge federal officials to work with their counterparts in Mexico to stop the flow of raw sewage and bring an ultimate resolution to the longtime source of water and air Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond on Tuesday morning called on the Federal Government to take immediate action against Mexico's continued dumping of raw sewage into the United States by imposing strict consequences tied to public health threats. 'For too long, Mexico has been allowed to get away with releasing hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the United States—poisoning our beaches, sickening our residents, and even forcing Navy SEALs to relocate training operations,' said Desmond. 'That should end now.' Navy SEALs face health risks from toxic sewage exposure, report finds Desmond called for the Federal Government to restrict the export of potable water into the City of Tijuana, Mexico during any health-related threats declared by the County of San Diego's Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Desmond is also urging federal authorities to consider limiting cross-border travel through U.S. ports of entry during those declared threats.'It's clear that Mexico will not act unless real pressure is applied. This is a national security issue and a public health crisis. Residents are getting sick. Their pets are getting sick. And our elite military forces are being put at risk. It's unacceptable—and it's time to hold Mexico accountable.' EPA Chief Lee Zeldin in early April expressed intentions to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in the coming weeks to see first-hand the impacts from the sewage crisis after years of repeated calls for action from the federal government. More information on the response to the ongoing flows of wastewater into the Tijuana River Valley is available from the APCD, IBWC and San Diego County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Free air purifiers available for South Bay residents: Here's how to apply
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Residents in South Bay communities near the Tijuana River Valley can apply for a free air purifier part of a new program. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District's (SDAPCD) new program will give out free air purifiers to some households impacted by the odors from the sewage flows at the U.S.-Mexico border. EPA Chief Lee Zeldin to visit US-Mexico border, examine Tijuana sewage crisis Most households in the southern San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, the Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach can apply for the Air Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) Program. Residents can visit to check eligibility for the program by their address. SDAPCD says priority will be given to homes with children and people over 65 years of age, and in communities closest to the Tijuana River Valley. Those that are chosen will receive a free air purifier and up to two replacement filters that will be shipped by the manufacturer. CDC health survey shows impacts of Tijuana sewage crisis on South Bay residents SDAPCD noted that due to limited quantities not all eligible households will receive an air purifier. Residents in southern San Diego County have been dealing with impacts from the cross-border pollution for years, including air and water quality. Toxic sewage from Tijuana River impacts Imperial Beach Little League SDAPCD says the air purifiers will be given to homes directly impacted by the hydrogen sulfide odors, which smells similar to 'rotten eggs,' that is produced by the transboundary wastewater and sewage flows near the Tijuana River Valley. The air purifiers help to improve air quality by reducing contaminants and pollutants in a room. The health and environmental impacts from the sewage pollution caught the attention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which sent officials to conduct a public health survey in late 2024. The results of that study found a majority of residents said they have health concerns, symptoms and quality-of-life issues. In early April, EPA Chief Lee Zeldin posted on social media intentions to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in the coming weeks to see first-hand the impacts from the sewage crisis after years of repeated calls for action from the federal government. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Government takes drastic step to protect thousands of households threatened by poisoned air: 'We keep fighting'
In an effort to help residents breathe easier, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is distributing 10,000 air purifiers to South Bay households. The distribution program aims to ease the impact of the ongoing Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis, which has sent noxious odors and pollution into nearby neighborhoods for years. "No one should have to breathe polluted air in their own home," said SDAPCD board member and county supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer in a KPBS news report. The free purifiers are part of the Air Improvement Relief Effort and are designed to filter out hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs and is linked to sewage pollution from the Tijuana River. According to Lawson-Remer, the initiative will help "10,000 households protect their health, while we keep fighting for clean air and water in our community." Due to limited supply, families with children, seniors 65 and older, and homes closest to the Tijuana River will get priority for the air purifiers. Households can register on the SDAPCD website to receive a unit by mail. Local distribution events will also be held. Clean air is essential to healthy living, yet more than 83 million people in the United States are exposed to unhealthy air every year, according to First Street. That figure includes 10 million people who may have exposure to very unhealthy air quality and 1.5 million people who are at risk of experiencing hazardous air quality. For the communities around the Tijuana River, odor is just one concern. Experts have linked long-term exposure to air pollution to skin conditions such as eczema and increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. If no meaningful action is taken, studies show that the number of Americans affected by poor air quality could increase by more than 50% by 2054. The air purifier distribution effort is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Local officials and the International Boundary and Water Commission are working on long-term solutions, including expanding a nearby wastewater treatment plant to help reduce pollution at the source. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In the meantime, residents can take small steps to protect their indoor air, including sealing windows and doors, using exhaust fans while cooking, and replacing old HVAC filters regularly. Another way you can make an impact is by using your voice and speaking up to your local representatives. Communities are stronger when people work together to make change happen. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
