SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The mayors of 18 cities throughout San Diego County have sent a letter to the Biden administration calling for a state of emergency due to the sewage entering waters along the coast.
According to the letter, 34,000 illnesses in calendar year 2017 were attributed to water quality pollution along the Imperial Beach coastline.
The letter also claims that the pollution is impacting air quality.
“Researchers are monitoring the airborne transmission pathways for coastal water pollution and documenting concerning levels of industrial chemicals and pathogens from aerosol sea spray generated from wind and ocean waves.”
“Our beaches have been closed 550 consecutive days. Recent studies show alarmingly high levels of coastal pollution impacting air quality. We have grave concerns that not only pathogens are in the air, but also industrial chemicals and other harmful pollutants. We need to immediately stop the flow of toxic sewage into our communities, and we need federal assistance to do that.” said Mayor of Imperial Beach Paloma Aguirre.
Read the full letter to the White House by clicking here.
