Meghan Hodges
San Diego Bay is known for its stunning nature, but it has also been recognised as one of the most polluted beaches in the US. The Surfrider Foundation has described the region as plagued with severe pollution for decades. The Tijuana River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, is a significant source of pollution, carrying contaminated water with stormwater runoff, sewage, harmful chemicals, and trash. This has led to water quality issues and impacted the health of residents, with South Bay communities complaining of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Recent studies have also shown that toxic chemicals from the river can become airborne through sea spray, further exacerbating the pollution issue in the area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beach | Imperial Beach |
| Location | Southernmost tip of San Diego County, near the Mexico border |
| Pollutants | Sewage, stormwater runoff, harmful chemicals, trash, untreated water, toxic chemicals, bacteria |
| Source of pollutants | Tijuana River, Tijuana River Watershed, failing treatment plant |
| Impact | Physical illnesses, foul stenches, restricted access to the shoreline, contaminated air |
| Action | Beach closures, water contamination advisories, push for CDC investigation, funding for International Boundary and Water Commission |
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What You'll Learn
Sewage pollution in the Tijuana River
The Tijuana River has been at the centre of a pollution crisis on the US-Mexico border for decades. The river has been contaminated with untreated sewage, industrial waste, and urban runoff, which has resulted in beach closures, environmental degradation, and public health risks.
The Surfrider Foundation named Imperial Beach in San Diego County the most polluted beach in the US. The beach, located at the southernmost tip of San Diego County near the Mexican border, has long been saturated with pollution, mainly from cross-border sewage. A failing treatment plant has been leaking untreated water into the Tijuana River Estuary, and tens of millions of gallons of raw sewage have spilled into the river and the Pacific Ocean. This has led to frequent beach closures due to dangerous bacteria levels, with Imperial Beach closed for over 1,000 days.
The sewage crisis has had a significant impact on the local ecosystem and economy. The discharge of untreated sewage has contaminated the water with high levels of fecal bacteria, posing direct health risks to swimmers and others who come into contact with the water. It has also impacted marine life and habitats, with South Bay businesses reliant on beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts facing economic downturns.
The pollution has also become airborne through sea spray, affecting the air quality in South Bay communities. Residents have reported respiratory and gastrointestinal problems associated with the pollution from the river. Researchers from UC San Diego and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that the air in southern San Diego can carry toxic chemicals from the Tijuana River at levels similar to those faced by workers at wastewater treatment plants. The chemicals include one that can damage DNA and another used in tire manufacturing, as well as traces of methamphetamine.
The International Boundary and Water Commission has reported that over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage have spilled into the Tijuana Estuary and the Pacific Ocean via the Tijuana River and its tributaries over the last five years. This has resulted in consecutive beach closures and raised concerns about the constant toxic air pollution and its impact on the health and well-being of residents. The SDSU report on the crisis highlights the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other serious pathogens of public health concern in the polluted waters, as well as the potential for climate change to exacerbate these issues.
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Harmful chemicals in the air
San Diego's air quality is affected by various harmful chemicals, which can have adverse effects on the health of its residents. One of the key issues is the high levels of ozone, a corrosive gas pollutant composed of three oxygen atoms. Due to its reactive nature, ozone can cause damage to lung tissue, leading to early lung ageing and the exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the short-term effects of ozone exposure, including asthma attacks, coughing, and breathing difficulties. San Diego experiences an average of 43.3 days of unhealthy ozone levels annually, far exceeding the federal target of 3.2 days.
Another contributor to San Diego's air pollution is fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which includes metals, soot, soil, dust, and salt. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to serious health issues such as heart and lung diseases, cancer, and premature mortality. While the city has shown some improvement in PM2.5 pollution levels since 2018, it still faces challenges in consistently meeting annual attainment levels.
The Tijuana River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, is a significant source of toxic chemicals in the air. According to researchers, the river's polluted water is transferred into the air through sea spray, affecting residents in South Bay. Chemicals detected in the area include octinoxate, which can degrade DNA, compounds used in tire manufacturing, and even traces of methamphetamine. Sewage pollution in the river has also led to concerns about the presence of toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide, which can pose serious health risks to the community.
To address these issues, local authorities and researchers have recommended various measures. Transitioning to fuel-efficient and lower-emission vehicles, improving public transportation, and monitoring air quality through real-time dashboards are some of the suggested strategies to mitigate air pollution and protect the health of San Diego's residents.
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Contaminated water at Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach in San Diego County has been named one of the most polluted beaches in the United States. The beach was closed for over 1,000 days due to contaminated water from the Tijuana River, which flows into the Tijuana River Estuary and eventually the Pacific Ocean. The pollution is caused by sewage and a failing treatment plant, which has been leaking untreated water into the river for over three decades. This has resulted in dangerous bacteria levels, causing the beach to remain closed for two consecutive years. The contaminated water also affects the surrounding communities, with South Bay businesses suffering and residents of Imperial Beach reporting physical illnesses and an unpleasant odour.
The Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting oceans and beaches, has recognised the severity of the issue in its 2023 Clean Water Report. The report highlights the need for wastewater infrastructure solutions to reduce contamination in the international watershed of the Tijuana River. It also acknowledges the tireless advocacy of local elected officials and community groups, which has led to some policy wins, such as increased funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission.
The pollution in the Tijuana River has also been found to impact the air quality in South Bay, San Diego. According to a study by UC San Diego and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, rainfall can cause sewage overflows, leading to toxic chemicals from the river being carried into the air at levels similar to those faced by workers at wastewater treatment plants. These chemicals, including one that can damage DNA and another used in tyre manufacturing, are then inhaled by residents, potentially causing respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
While the beach at Imperial Beach has recently been reopened after meeting state health standards, advisories and closures remain in effect for other areas, such as Glorietta Bay Park Shoreline, La Jolla Cove, and the Tijuana Slough. The continuous outflow of sewage and beach closures persist, with volunteers from the Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force conducting regular water testing to address the ongoing pollution crisis.
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SeaWorld's fireworks pollution
San Diego Bay is known for its stunning nature, but it has also been recognised as one of the most polluted beaches in the United States. The Surfrider Foundation reported that Imperial Beach, located at the southern tip of San Diego County, has been saturated with pollution, mainly from cross-border sewage and a failing treatment plant. The Tijuana River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, has been designated as 'endangered' due to this sewage crisis, which has been ongoing for over three decades.
In addition to the pollution from the Tijuana River, there have been claims that SeaWorld's fireworks shows are contributing to the pollution in Mission Bay and the surrounding beaches. Environmental groups, including San Diego Coastkeeper and CERF, have filed lawsuits against SeaWorld, accusing the company of violating its fireworks permit and the Clean Water Act. They allege that SeaWorld routinely discharges plastic caps, wires, trash, and other chemical-covered debris into the bay, causing long-term damage to the environment and negatively impacting marine life.
SeaWorld has faced criticism from environmental advocates who argue that the company is not complying with cleanup rules agreed upon in a previous settlement. In response to these claims, a diver was sent to investigate the water around the fireworks barge operated by SeaWorld. The investigation found plastic wires, firework caps, and a build-up of metals and plastics, supporting the claims of pollution.
While some community members have expressed concern over the pollution caused by SeaWorld's fireworks, others believe that the issue is overblown. Some suggest that reducing the frequency of the fireworks displays could be a compromise, resulting in a decrease in pollution without entirely eliminating the enjoyment of the fireworks.
Despite the ongoing debate, SeaWorld is allowed a maximum of 150 fireworks displays based on the law in the SeaWorld Master Plan. While there are varying opinions on the impact of the fireworks pollution, it is clear that the issue of pollution in San Diego Bay is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires collective efforts for conservation and environmental justice.
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Stormwater runoff
One of the primary sources of stormwater pollution in San Diego Bay is urban runoff. When rain falls on hard, urban surfaces, it washes pollutants directly into the bay. This has been exacerbated by the channelisation of creeks and the replacement of natural vegetation with concrete, which accelerates the flow of water into the bay. The first major rain after the dry summer season highlights the problem of urban runoff, as the stormwater washes pollutants from the surfaces into the waterways.
Irrigation practices also contribute to stormwater runoff pollution. Over-irrigation and unnecessary outdoor water use can lead to polluted water entering the storm drain system. This irrigation runoff picks up pollutants such as dirt, bacteria, trash, and motor oil, which then enter creeks, rivers, and ultimately, the bay. To mitigate this issue, residents are advised to prevent over-irrigation and redirect sprinkler heads away from yard drains.
The Port of San Diego is actively working to address stormwater pollution. Their program includes education, administrative practices, structural pollution controls, monitoring, and enforcement measures. They have identified bacteria, metals, and trash as priority pollutants and are focusing resources on addressing these issues. Additionally, they promote the use of rain barrels to capture and reuse runoff and encourage permeable pavement to slow down the flow of stormwater into the bay.
The effects of stormwater pollution in San Diego Bay are far-reaching. It introduces harmful chemicals, choking hazards, and objects that can injure or entangle wildlife. Algae blooms, caused by excess nutrient chemicals, can sap oxygen from the water, creating dead zones and producing toxic chemicals that are harmful to both people and animals. The biodiversity of the region, including invertebrates, California Sea Lions, and Mountain Lions, is at risk due to the pollutants introduced by stormwater runoff.
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Frequently asked questions
Sewage pollution, stormwater runoff, harmful chemicals, and trash have been found in the bay.
The Tijuana River, which feeds into the Pacific Ocean, has been identified as a source of pollution.
South Bay businesses have suffered, and residents of Imperial Beach have reported physical illnesses, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, and foul stenches.
Local elected officials and community groups have achieved some policy wins, such as securing additional funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission.
