Bay Pollution

Kevin Brass hit the nail squarely on the head with his TV review “Many Unanswered Questions in Bay Pollution Show,” (Dec. 29). Brass was discussing the impact of the program “It’s All of Us--Marine Pollution in San Diego Bay,” produced by the San Diego Oceans Foundation, which attempts to document the myriad problems plaguing San Diego Bay.

The program (which aired Dec. 29 on KFMB-TV (Channel 8)) provided a fairly substantial overview of pollution in the bay, such as toxic hot spots, urban runoff, ship repair and sewage from boats. It stopped far short, however, of assigning responsibility for the contamination, particularly in the case of industrial pollution.

The fact is, it isn’t all of us.

Significantly high levels of PCBs and copper are fouling San Diego Bay compliments of Teledyne Ryan and Paco Terminals, respectively. The rest of us have virtually nothing to say about how much waste a business is allowed to discharge into the bay, or when or even if a toxic hot spot will be cleaned up or left alone.

Yes, we can do our part by reducing our use of pesticides and not disposing of household toxics in storm drains or sewers. But our most diligent contributions in those areas cannot begin to match the devastation caused by the astoundingly high levels of copper, PCBs, mercury and other very toxic materials in our bay put there by irresponsible industries.

The ultimate disposition of these underwater toxic waste sites was discussed in the program primarily by repeatedly suggesting the “leaving the waste in place,” or “do nothing,” option. The program gave little attention to the problems associated with leaving toxics in the bay or to the very viable options available to remove toxic wastes from our bay bottom.

A “wait and see” approach on pollution often spells tragedy for the environment. We have all witnessed the “let’s fund another study” strategy for environmental cleanup. What it usually means is that the pollution gets worse and the costs for cleanup go up.

DIANE TAKVORIAN, Executive Director, Environmental Health Coalition