San Diego will increase street sweeping in Mission Beach alleyways starting Wednesday in an attempt to reduce pollution from reaching Mission Bay or the ocean during the summer tourist season.
The alleys will be swept every Wednesday through the summer, concluding at the end of September. The city’s stormwater department is planning to use special equipment to reach nearly every alley in both North and South Mission Beach.
“Thank you to the stormwater department for adding more street sweeping routes in Mission Beach during the summer months, which we know is the busiest season for people wanting to visit the beach communities,” said City Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, who represents Mission Beach. “Increased street sweeping will help remove trash and debris in our streets, reducing fly infestations and improving the quality of life for both residents and out-of- town tourists.”
According to the city, rainfall that enters storm drains is not treated, and that runoff collects pollutants from properties and streets and carries them into local waterways. Street sweeping can remove large and microscopic pollutants, such as brake dust from vehicles, before they reach a storm drain.
“Regular street sweeping is one of our most powerful tools for keeping our neighborhoods clean and preventing ocean pollution,” said Todd Snyder, director of the stormwater department. “The weekly sweeping in Mission Beach will help ensure that San Diegans and visitors alike can enjoy our world- class beaches and bays throughout the summer.
“We encourage everyone to `Think Blue’ by properly disposing of litter and debris so we can stop pollution before it starts,” he added.
A city statement asks residents and visitors alike to improve efforts by following posted parking signs, taking in trash cans immediately on collection days and reporting illegal dumping and other problems to the city’s Get It Done application.
–City News Service
