Project Updates
September 3, 2024: This project will begin Fall 2024.
Tobacco product waste that litters the streets of San Diego County makes its way into local waterways through runoff after storms. Both plastic tobacco product waste and the chemicals in tobacco product waste pollute these environments, hurting many species – including humans – who live, work, and play in these waterways. The Policy Center wants to raise awareness on effective ways to reduce tobacco product waste in aquatic environments.
We will conduct two Rapid Response Projects:
1. How does a rain event impact tobacco pollution at the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve?
We will map and count tobacco product waste on sidewalks and streets of the drainage basin feeding into the Noyes Street stormwater pipes before rain collecting water samples within 24 hours after the rain.
2. How does tobacco pollution impact the reserve over a season?
We will assess, map, and clean up tobacco product waste weekly from the drainage basin over 4 weeks, and we will collect additional water samples.
Deliverables:
- Maps showing tobacco product waste in the drainage basin
- Narratives and graphics of the water sample results
- Presentations to San Diego City Council Environmental Committee, Water Authority Boards, County Board of Supervisors, and Community Planning Groups