San Diego’s Air Pollution Control District’s mandated installation of an Odor Control System at New Leaf Biofuel’s South Plant in Barrio Logan is proving to be effective in reducing odors
For several years, Barrio Logan residents endured the harmful effects and sickening odor from New Leaf Biofuel facility located on the corner of Newton Ave and Sicard St.
In response to months of community complaints and organizing led by Environmental Health Coalition, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) Hearing Board ordered New Leaf to install an odor control system. They installed a system that has been operating for over a month and residents have documented noticeable improvement with the smell in the neighborhood.
Brenda Menchaca a resident living near the Biofuel plant explains, “I’ve noticed a huge difference in the neighborhood. Our family is hanging out in the yard more and I feel like, in a lot of ways we got our neighborhood back!”
While the recent odor improvement in Barrio Logan is a welcomed change, the work to improve air quality continues. “This is a huge victory for our community. This whole experience proves that change is possible, and that the enforcement systems at SDAPCD work,” said Nicholas Paul Air Quality Advocate with EHC, “While we celebrate this victory, we know that there are other significant sources of air pollution in Barrio Logan. Our community is energized and ready to continue our fight to reduce those pollutants.”
EHC and impacted residents will continue to monitor the neighborhood for odors from New Leaf and will work with SDAPCD to address any changes.
If you have an air quality complaint, please report it to APCD by calling (858) 586-2650 or e-mailing apcdcomp@sdapcd.org
