Sewage crisis in South Bay impacting local businesses

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A recent county report shows dozens of shops and restaurants in South Bay are suffering from the lack of tourism, with some being forced to close their doors for good.

Business owners say it has created a financial disaster for them and they need tourists to come back.

New website launched to monitor illnesses caused by South Bay pollution

Kevin Reed just opened Seacoast Beach Bar and Sports Grill about a week ago. He told us the journey to get there had “a lot of blood, a lot of sweat, a lot of tears, and a lot of money.”

Reed’s establishment is in a prime location just steps away from the beach, but so far, business hasn’t been good. “Starting after Memorial Day, we were hoping for a huge influx in tourism, and we certainly have not seen that,” Reed said.

Task force looking at Imperial Beach’s sewage crisis, health impacts

The ocean water along Imperial Beach has high levels of bacteria caused by pollution from wastewater flowing down the Tijuana River and into the South Bay. This has forced the closure of the beaches in that area for more than 900 days, while also causing hazardous air and water quality, making some people sick.

“I have it right now. It’s like chronic bronchitis. About every three months, I get really, really sick,” said Kimmy Pierce, owner of Vitamin Sea Wellness.

via fox5sandiego.com

It's really a shame. Imperial Beach could be really valuable real estate with great surfing, if you figured out how to get rid of all the turds in the line up. Maybe build an enormous seawall? Maybe build a gigantic treatment plant just south of the border and take payment in fentanyl, which we wouldn't have to sell of course. Boffins should get on this.