These findings, which link beach pollution to air quality, were discussed in a recent press conference held by Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre.
Standing by the foamy waters of the Tijuana River, which illustrate the extent of the pollution, Mayor Aguirre shared insights from ongoing studies conducted since the beginning of the year by teams from UC San Diego, UC Austin, UC Riverside, and San Diego State University. The research involves 50 scientists analyzing air and water pollutants affecting local beaches.
The mayor’s concerns have heightened as San Diego County recently reopened the beach to the public. Aguirre emphasized that the contamination is not limited to waterborne exposure. “The pollutants can become aerosolized,” she explained, likening it to the ocean “sneezing” contaminants into the air. Residents have been falling ill without even entering the water, a suspicion that is now confirmed by scientific evidence.
Excessive Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide
One of the key pollutants identified is hydrogen sulfide. According to Aguirre, the maximum safe exposure level is 30 parts per million (ppm) per hour. However, data collected by the researchers revealed levels spiking to as much as 3,000 ppm during peak hours between midnight and 4 a.m.
Multiple universities have been monitoring the same locations at the same times, using different instruments to gather samples. Beyond hydrogen sulfide, Aguirre mentioned that sophisticated equipment brought in from the University of Austin has raised alarms about the possible presence of hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic and dangerous substance.
Unwavering Commitment to Public Safety
Mayor Aguirre remains resolute in her commitment to the safety of her community. “This is the most extensive study we’ve ever had on this issue, and I have no regrets about sounding the alarm. It’s always better to be cautious when lives are at risk,” she said.
The mayor also mentioned the connection between respiratory illnesses, such as those caused by hydrogen sulfide, and gastrointestinal issues that have been impacting residents since the beginning of the year.
Frustration with Governor Newsom
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre expressed her disappointment with California Governor Gavin Newsom for rejecting the request to declare a state of emergency due to the ongoing environmental concerns in the area.
She pointed out that the state government has approved 39 emergency declarations in the past three years, many of which she believes did not warrant the urgency compared to the health and life-threatening situation her community is facing.
Unanimous Support from Local Leaders and Legislators
Mayor Aguirre stressed that the letter requesting the emergency declaration had unanimous support from all 18 San Diego County mayors and 120 state legislators (both the Assembly and the State Senate).
She added that not only did the state government refuse the request, but California’s Office of Emergency Services took it a step further by claiming authority that belongs solely to the federal government.
When asked why the request was denied, Aguirre explained that the California Office of Emergency Services responded in a letter stating that the situation “does not meet the criteria for a natural disaster or catastrophe,” and further argued against a federal emergency declaration, leaving the final decision to the federal government.
Despite the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approving Imperial Beach’s request for an emergency declaration, both the state and federal governments have so far declined, even as many beachgoers continue to be tempted to enter the contaminated waters.
Hope in Kamala Harris
Mayor Aguirre expressed her gratitude for the support from Assemblymember David Alvarez and voiced hope that, if Kamala Harris wins the upcoming presidential election, she will respond favorably to Imperial Beach’s request due to her background as California’s Attorney General and her understanding of environmental justice.
“Assemblymember Alvarez has been a tremendous ally to the people of Imperial Beach,” said Aguirre. “He has supported us not only on this water crisis but also on governance and housing issues.”
In fact, Aguirre shared that a recent bill proposed by Alvarez to protect residents of the Miramar MH & RV Park, a mobile home community with low-income Latino workers, had just been signed into law by the governor, and she expressed her deep appreciation for his leadership.
