San Diego Airport Remains Top Lead Polluter Despite Unleaded Fuel Option

San Diego's Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport continues to be the nation's leading polluter among general aviation airports due to its heavy reliance on leaded aviation fuel, according to federal data. Despite the city introducing an unleaded aviation fuel option in 2024, over 1 million gallons of leaded fuel have been sold at the airport since then, while only two dozen gallons of the unleaded alternative have been purchased.

The Federal Aviation Agency identifies the city-owned airfield, known as MYF, as the highest lead-polluting general aviation airport in the country. Inewsource data indicates that the airport sold more leaded fuel last year than in any year over the past decade.

Much of the leaded fuel is consumed by aircraft used in flight training. Flight schools, including Coast Air, which trains international students, are significant purchasers of this fuel. Training flights, particularly touch-and-go drills, involve frequent takeoffs and landings, which release approximately half of an aircraft's exhaust emissions. These training routes often pass over or near residential areas and schools.

Lead, which was phased out of gasoline for cars decades ago and is not used in commercial airliner fuel, poses significant health risks, particularly to children. Health authorities state that no level of lead exposure is safe, and it can cause developmental issues, hearing and speech impairment, reduced attention spans, and lower IQ.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded in 2023 that emissions from planes burning leaded gasoline endanger public health. California is moving towards phasing out leaded aviation fuel, with a state law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom banning its sale beginning in 2031. The FAA's EAGLE initiative aims to end the use of leaded aviation fuel by 2030.

Advocates for cleaner air, like Robert Germann, argue that city officials have not taken sufficient action. Germann suggests that San Diego should mandate the use of available unleaded fuels, especially for businesses that profit from airport operations, such as flight schools.

Other jurisdictions have implemented stricter measures. Santa Clara County has stopped the sale of leaded fuel at its airports, and Torrance has prohibited touch-and-go landings to mitigate pollution.

However, some in the industry express skepticism about the effectiveness of current alternatives. Ray Richmond, president of Crownair Aviation, which partnered with the city to offer the unleaded fuel UL94, stated that without a fully compatible, affordable, and widely available replacement, such alternatives will not significantly alter the situation. Richmond noted that addressing the issue on an industry-wide level is necessary for meaningful change.

San Diego's own master plan for Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport acknowledges the prevalence of leaded fuel use, with over 93% of the planes at MYF being piston-powered and thus using leaded fuel.

A Change.org petition signed by over 500 individuals calls for immediate actions at the airport, including flight limitations and monthly public reporting. The petition highlights concerns about noise pollution and the health impacts of lead exposure from aircraft emissions over residential areas and schools, noting the presence of numerous schools and childcare centers in close proximity to the airport's flight paths.