The atmospheric pollution control district of San Diego distributes 10,000 air purifiers to households in the South County affected by harmful smells of untreated wastewater in the Tijuana river.
Nicknamed the Air Improvement Effective Effort Program (area), households eligible for Imperial Beach and the surrounding communities of San Diego of the Tijuana River, Nestor, Egger Highlands, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa West will receive a free air purifier and up to two replacement filters.
“We understand that this multiple facets problem affects the quality of life of South Bay communities; Our intention with this program is to relieve those who are most affected by odors, “said Paula Forbis, responsible for controlling air pollution in the district, in a press release.
Due to a limited number of purifiers, the district favors households with children, people over the age of 65 and those who live closest to the Tijuana river valley. Those interested in applying can choose to have a purifier delivered to their home. The district also organizes events where people can take a purifier, but dates and times have not yet been announced.
To qualify, candidates must provide their name, address and proof of residence, according to the district website.
In December, the district distributed 300 purifiers during the pre-launch of the program. Last week, more than 800 residents asked for a purifier, said Forbis.
District officials have reserved about $ 2.7 million to buy purifiers and cover the time of the district staff to carry out the program. The California Air Resources Board will reimburse the money.
In August, the county spent about $ 100,000 to buy and distribute several hundred purifiers.
Officials have said that the devices are intended to serve as a short -term solution to relieve because wider efforts are made to curb cross -border pollution, such as repairs to broken wastewater treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border.
Residents filed several complaints with the air district of odors caused by hydrogen sulfide from untreated wastewater in the river. Since July of last year, the district has received more than 2,300 complaints.
“During a typical year, we would get 800 complaints, on the whole, for all the sources of the county,” said Forbis in a previous interview.
To apply, visit Filters.sdapcd.org.
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