New River has a new air monitoring shelter

County leaders say this is the first project of its kind - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The New River has reached a new milestone as the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) revealed its new air monitoring shelter earlier today.

The Shelter will monitor certain air pollutants along the new river like pesticides and benzene which are harmful to humans.

County leaders say this is the first project of its kind. The ICAPCD says that this is a huge step. Belen Lopez is the Interim assistant air pollution control officer. She explains that a project like this will make a difference.

“Not only do we need to know the analysis of water quality, but air quality is also important as well because that is what goes into our lungs right? There is really a lot of unknown,” she said.

The Shelter will be pivotal in cleansing air across the Imperial Valley.

Six months from now, the final measurement of what’s being omitted into the air from the New River will be collected. After that, the district will look for ways to help those living across the valley breathe cleaner air.

News 11's Wiley Jawhary will have the full story on the Evening Edition at 6 p.m.