IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — Imperial Beach parents are blasting the San Diego County Board of Supervisors over air quality issues and toxic gases linked to sewage found in the south bay.
"I started gagging it such a pungent smell. I've never experienced anything like this. I've been here 10 years and it's only getting worse and worse," said a father who lives in Imperial Beach.
On Monday, CBS 8 reported when a research team detected dangerous levels of hydrogen cyanide in the South Bay.
"I work in a ship yard and it's the same smell as a ship yard like h2s which is really bad for you it's a toxic smell."
Parents brought their concerns to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday.
"I don't know what to do but advocate and if you would advocate at the highest level," said Matt Henry during public comment.
Henry lives in Imperial Beach and is a father of six. He is also immunocompromised.
"I have terminal brain cancer but don't worry it's not contagious. We just got home from a two month travel and the moment we got home our kids could not breath," he said.
The county says it deployed an emergency hazardous response team after getting reports of toxic gases being found.
"We were able to let the public know we did not have an eminent threat of danger related to hydrogen cyanide," the county said.
Chairwoman Nora Vargas says they're advocating for more air sensors, additional funding and getting more agencies involved.
"You can tell me I'm not doing enough and I get it but I'm gonna continue to fight for it and you need to understand that it's a top priority," she said.
The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to continue a local emergency declaration. The board first approved an emergency proclamation in June of last year in response to pollution and sewage flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Monday the South Bay Union School District and Sweet Water Union High School limited outdoor activities. Wednesday Sweet Water told CBS 8 they've resumed normal operations with guidance from the county health department.
WATCH RELATED: Coffee shop on wheels shares how the sewage crisis has impacted business