Imperial Valley Residents for Health and Safety First.

Protecting the quality of our air and water.

Sludgegate.org is a local website that is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment in the Imperial Valley. California. It was developed by local educators, concerned residents, and new parents to address the problem of poor air quality in the Valley. Poor air quality has shown to have negative impacts on public health which include asthma, heart disease, allergies, and developmental abnormalities. The effect of poor air quality disproportionately affects children and the elderly. For example, one in three children in Imperial Valley suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases. The effects of enviromental mercury have recently been associated with a neurological disability called autism.

There are many factors which contribute to contaminated air in the Imperial Valley. They include heavy industrial processes such as the production of electricity, burning of agricultural waste, pesticide application and the improper management of animal waste. Additional sources may also include natural conditions, geographical characteristics, and climate specific to the Imperial Valley air basin.

Currently, Imperial County is accepting numerous proposals to host heavy industrial facilities primarily by rezoning agricultural land and amending the county’s general plan. These proposals threaten public health and the environment by compromising air quality. These types of facilities have been known to release heavy metals, carcinogens, toxic gases, and particulate matter into both the air and water. On our website you are able to access important information on how these facilities have the potential to negatively impact our health and quality of life.