Kiera Jefferson
San Diego, California, is home to several businesses that have been ranked as gross polluters by the San Diego Union-Tribune. The city's air quality is monitored by various stations, with PM2.5 concentration levels exceeding the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) is a government contributor to air quality data, and residents can also deploy their own monitoring stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Source of Pollution | Tijuana River |
| Type of Pollutants | Sewage, industrial waste, runoff, illicit drugs, drug metabolites, chemicals from tires and personal care products |
| Impact | High levels of bacteria from wastewater runoff, respiratory illness, insomnia, headaches |
| Affected Areas | Southern San Diego, Barrio Logan, National City |
| Action Taken | The Port of San Diego has doubled its contribution to the Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF) to curb emissions, funding community programs like the FRANC Program (free electric shuttle system) |
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Tijuana River pollution
The Tijuana River has been the centre of a transboundary pollution crisis on the US-Mexico border for decades. The 120-mile river flows from Baja California into the United States, discharging millions of gallons of wastewater, sewage, industrial waste, and runoff into the Pacific Ocean every day. This makes it the dominant source of coastal pollution in the region.
The river's pollution has had a significant impact on the environment and public health. The discharge of untreated sewage has led to frequent beach closures in the county, compromising water quality and endangering marine ecosystems. The Tijuana River Estuary, recognised as a "Wetland of Global Importance" by the UN's Ramsar Convention, has been severely degraded by decades of sewage, chemicals, trash, and sediment dumping. The pollution has also affected the air quality in San Diego, with residents living close to the border inhaling chemicals over years, even decades. Many residents have complained of respiratory illness, insomnia, and headaches.
The pollution crisis is attributed to outdated and inadequate water infrastructure in both Mexico and the United States, which becomes overwhelmed with wastewater, debris, and heavy precipitation. The rapid population growth in Tijuana and immigration pressures at the border have further exacerbated the issue. Despite public pledges to address the sewage problem, the US and Mexican governments have made little progress, with the treatment plant falling into disrepair.
Local jurisdictions have been forced to close beaches due to excessive levels of bacteria and pollutants, impacting tourism and the local economy. The California State Lands Commission, which has jurisdiction over the affected lands and waters, has faced challenges in fulfilling its mission of protecting public access to oceans and preserving the environment.
Researchers from the University of California San Diego have studied the air pollution impacts of the Tijuana River, finding that pollutants in wastewater can travel through coastal aerosols and be inhaled by residents. They detected a mixture of illicit drugs, drug metabolites, and chemicals from tires and personal care products in both the air and water. These findings highlight the urgent need for better infrastructure, increased public awareness, and cross-border collaboration to address the sewage crisis and improve the region's water and air quality.
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Industrial shipyards
San Diego Bay's Working Waterfront is made up of maritime industrial businesses and their suppliers. One of these businesses is General Dynamics NASSCO, which operates the only full-service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States. The shipyard, located on San Diego Bay, has been designing and building ships in San Diego's industrial corridor since 1960. It encompasses 86 acres of land and 47 acres of water and offers a range of facilities for ship construction and repair. The company specializes in designing and building ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial markets.
General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation, a market leader in various industries, including shipbuilding and marine systems. The company has locations on both the West and East Coasts, with a robust ship repair operation spanning both coasts. In addition to its shipyard in San Diego, it has facilities in Norfolk, Mayport, and Bremerton, providing repair services for the U.S. Navy's global force.
While there is no specific mention of pollution levels directly attributed to industrial shipyards in San Diego, it is important to consider their potential environmental impact. Shipyards engage in various activities, including ship construction, repair, and maintenance, which can generate pollution through the release of harmful chemicals, waste, and runoff into nearby water bodies.
The impact of industrial activities on the environment is a significant concern, and it is crucial for companies like General Dynamics NASSCO to implement sustainable practices and adhere to regulations to minimize their ecological footprint. While shipyards contribute to economic growth and support industries like maritime trade and national defense, balancing their operations with environmental preservation is essential for the well-being of local communities and the planet.
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Barrio Logan
The community is subject to the California Coastal Act and has been designated as one of California's Cultural Districts, showcasing the state's unique artistic identities. Barrio Logan is known for its Chicano Park, which features world-famous murals reflecting Chicano history and culture. The neighbourhood is also a hub for culinary arts, with authentic homestyle Mexican food and local California coffee.
The residents of Barrio Logan have organised under the name Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) to address the environmental health risks facing their community. The EHC has successfully advocated for changes such as stopping the use of toxic fumigants in shipping yards and preventing water pollution. In 2023, Barrio Logan moved forward with a new community plan, marking the first update in over 40 years and a victory in the residents' long battle to add buffers between the port and the community.
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National City
The pollution in National City has been attributed to a variety of sources, including industrial shipyards, neighbourhood freeways, and the U.S. Navy. Additionally, the decentralized structure of the U.S. trucking industry has complicated efforts to transition from diesel to electric vehicles. Federal regulations governing truck driver hours do not currently take into account the time required to charge electric trucks, creating operational challenges for a complete transition.
To address these issues, the Port of San Diego has taken steps to curb emissions and promote environmental justice. In May, the Board of Port Commissioners voted to double their annual contribution to the Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF), which funds various methods and strategies to mitigate the impacts of industrial pollution. Over $500,000 has been invested in equipment like air filters and air monitors for homes and schools near the port. The MIIF has also funded community programs, such as the FRANC Program, which provides a free electric shuttle system in National City. The Port has made significant progress in converting cargo handling equipment to electric, with the nation's first all-electric cranes and tugboats, and a goal of zero-emission trucks and equipment by 2030.
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Sewage crisis
San Diego has faced a sewage crisis due to the Tijuana River, which flows from Baja California into the United States and discharges millions of gallons of wastewater daily. This wastewater includes sewage, industrial waste, and runoff, making it the primary source of coastal pollution in the region. The issue has persisted for over 50 years, severely impacting the environment and public health.
The Tijuana River has been identified as America's second most endangered river by the nonprofit environmental group American Rivers. A study by the University of California, San Diego, revealed that pollutants in the wastewater, such as illicit drugs, drug metabolites, and chemicals from tires and personal care products, become aerosolized and are detectable in both the air and water. These aerosols can be inhaled by residents of nearby communities, potentially causing respiratory illnesses, insomnia, and headaches.
The sewage crisis in San Diego is not solely due to the Tijuana River. Other sources of wastewater and pollution runoff include the San Diego River and the Los Angeles River. However, the Tijuana River's impact on air quality is significant, and the problem is not just limited to water pollution. The study emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and cross-border collaboration to address the sewage crisis effectively.
While technical solutions exist, implementing them is challenging due to political and policy issues. Decision-makers need to be motivated to invest in the right areas to make a meaningful difference. Additionally, raising public awareness about the downstream effects of the products they use, such as sunscreens and tires, is crucial for improving the region's water and air quality.
San Diego's port communities, such as Barrio Logan and National City, have also faced industrial pollution issues. These communities have dealt with unhealthy air quality due to toxic pollutants and hazardous conditions from industrial shipyards, neighborhood freeways, and the U.S. Navy. However, after years of advocacy, the Port of San Diego has started taking steps to address environmental racism and injustice. Efforts include increasing contributions to the Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF) and implementing strategies to reduce emissions, such as converting cargo handling equipment to electric.
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Frequently asked questions
The Tijuana River is the dominant source of coastal pollution in the San Diego region. The river discharges millions of gallons of wastewater, including sewage, industrial waste, and runoff, into the Pacific Ocean every day.
The closer you are to the Tijuana River, the more likely you are to be exposed to the pollutants it carries. Many residents living near the river have complained of respiratory illness, insomnia, and headaches.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego are studying the impacts of the river's pollution on air quality. They found that pollutants in wastewater can become aerosolized and transmitted in the atmosphere through coastal aerosols. More research, better infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration are needed to address the issue.
Yes, San Diego's port communities like Barrio Logan and National City have also been affected by industrial pollution from shipyards, freeways, and the U.S. Navy. Efforts are being made to curb emissions and improve air quality in these areas, such as investing in electric cargo handling equipment and shuttle systems.
Residents of Barrio Logan and National City have an 85% to 95% higher risk of developing cancer due to their proximity to the port and high concentrations of diesel particulate matter. The pollution has disproportionately affected working-class, historically Mexican-American, and immigrant communities.
