As the heat in Southern California rages on, South Bay communities grapple with a pungent crisis - the worsening of foul odors emanating from the contaminated Tijuana River Valley due to extreme temperatures. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District reports that these odors, exacerbated by the heat, may pose serious health risks.
***ODOR UPDATE***
— San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (@sdapcd) September 8, 2024
County of San Diego Cool Zones, https://t.co/3K8wX1ma9N. pic.twitter.com/Mzl4xMXjxo
The SDAPCD advises people, especially those with health issues, the elderly, and families with kids, to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities due to a sewage crisis. Millions of untreated waste flow from Mexico into the U.S., affecting several neighborhoods. While people try to cool off by opening windows, they often have to close them quickly because of the strong smell. The crisis impacts Bonita, Chula Vista, Otay Mesa, Imperial Beach, Lincoln Acres, and National City neighborhoods.
According to a report from FOX 5 San Diego, the air quality in the region has been in severe disarray for years, with more than 900 days of consecutive beach closures in Imperial Beach alone. Coronado's beaches have also suffered. The Public Health Services of San Diego County launched a website to monitor gastrointestinal diseases spurred by the sewage water.
.jpg){kind=link}