San Diego County's efforts to address the persistent sewage pollution in the Tijuana River Valley made significant progress over the weekend. As reported by the County of San Diego, a survey launched to measure the impact of this environmental issue on residents reached a key milestone, with over 1,000 people now having shared their experiences.

Dr. Seema Shah, the County's Interim Deputy Public Health Officer, expressed her gratitude for the public's engagement. "We are really grateful to the public for this response," she said, per the county's press release. The current level of participation signals a strong communal interest in resolving the pollution crisis. Despite the quick response, there are still opportunities for more individuals to have their voices heard. The survey aims to gather a total of 2,000 responses, marking the halfway point in this data collection effort.

The Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey, conducted in partnership with federal health agencies, is the county's main tool for soliciting input. Participants who work, live, or spend significant time in the affected areas are being asked to provide details concerning their physical and mental health, medical history, and any use of health services linked to the region's sewage problems. The breadth of the survey also extends to the health of respondents' pets.

Respondents have until November 22 to share their experiences through the online ACE survey. It is designed to be thorough yet efficient, taking about 20 minutes to complete. The survey is confidential and voluntary, extending its accessibility for parents and guardians to represent minors.