S.D. County to permit annual release of 244.4 tons of air pollutants

On July 5, the San Diego County Air Pollution District gave tentative approval to permit Gregory Canyon Ltd developers to add 16.4 tons of oxides of nitrogen, 39.7 tons of carbon monoxide, 49.5 tons of volatile organic compounds, 95 tons of particulate matter, and 43.8 tons of sulfur oxides annually to the air in North San Diego County during any operation of their proposed trash dump off SR76, three miles east of I-15.

For two decades, these landfill developers have spent over $67 million seeking the required permits for a landfill that opponents argue is not needed. In addition to many environmental groups and local municipalities, the Pala Tribe has spent $6 million fighting the dump’s location downstream along the San Luis Rey River, next to their sacred Gregory Mountain.

With additional permits still to secure, the ultimate fate of the proposed landfill is still in question. While air and water quality preservation is sought by some, others argue that waste deposit fees from other counties will add a significant and needed revenue stream for San Diego County government if the landfill is built.

Public comment is invited regarding the proposed issuance of this permit and must be in submitted in writing by Aug. 5 to the county.

After reviewing comments, a decision will be made. Send comments to: Steven Moore, Air Pollution Control District, 10124 Old Grove Road, San Diego, CA 92131. Documents relating to this are available for public review only at that address.

Ron Jonason