CHULA VISTA, Calif. — People living near the Otay landfill in Chula Vista are voicing concerns over environmental and public health risks.
They said the smell of trash from the landfill has gotten much worse in recent months and that the landfill has reached an alarming height.
"Like how high is this thing gonna go? We've noticed that coincides with the crisis of air pollution we have in Chula Vista because of the Tijuana River and also this," said William Alexander, an Otay Ranch resident.
William and his family have lived in the neighborhood for six years. He says residents in Eastlake, Rancho del Rey, and Bonita have also noticed the smell worsen over the past few months.
"It's trash-like, sulfur, sewer. If you ever smell the sewer something broken there it smells like that," he said.
Beyond the smell, he worries about contamination through the soil and has researched what impacts the landfill might be having.
"This one is on clay and the clay is quite thin. So I know our water is being affected and as time goes by I'm doing more and more research," he said.
He reached out to the California EPA. He and neighbors also started a petition calling on local leaders to step in.
"I reached out to Senator Steve Padilla and there was no answer there. I reached out to our district supervisor which is Vargas and got a very general response from her staff," he said.
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Statement from County Board Chair Supervisor Nora Vargas
CBS 8 contacted Supervisor Vargas's office and received the following statement,
"Chairwoman Nora Vargas is deeply committed to addressing air pollution and ensuring the health and well-being of all residents in San Diego County. She takes residents’ concerns on this issue very seriously and has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving air quality and mitigating the impacts of pollution in our communities. Here are some of the proactive steps the Chairwoman is taking:
- Installation of Air Monitors: Under Chairwoman Vargas’s leadership, the first Air Pollution Control District air monitors were installed in South County to track toxic pollutants. This allows us to collect data and better understand the sources and levels of pollution affecting our communities.
- Air Purifier Pilot Program: We are currently in the outreach phase of a pilot program to distribute air purifiers to residents in impacted areas, including the Tijuana River Valley. These purifiers provide immediate relief from pollution odors and help protect the health of our families.
- Advocacy for Federal and State Support: Chairwoman Vargas has successfully advocated for $300 million in federal funding to repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro. Additionally, she secured $10 million from the State Coastal Conservancy for the Smuggler’s Gulch Improvement Project to reduce trash and sediment movement into the Tijuana River Valley.
- Public Health Investigation: The Chairwoman officially requested the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to investigate the effects of cross-border pollution on public health. This investigation aims to identify the potential link between pollution and health issues, enabling us to address and mitigate these risks effectively.
Residents can help by filing complaints with the California EPA and the Air Pollution Control District, participating in community meetings, and staying informed about air quality initiatives. Chairwoman Vargas continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to find long-term solutions to the air pollution crisis, appreciating the community’s support in this fight for clean air and a healthy environment."
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