City officials in San Diego have filed a permit to address what they describe as an unbearable odor emanating from the sea lion and bird waste accumulating at La Jolla Cove. The proposed solution involves applying a product called BIOCAAC, a bioactive odor counteractant and cleaner, to more than 2,000 feet of the affected beach area.
According to Benny Cartwright, a Supervising Public Information Officer for the city, BIOCAAC is a water-based blend of cultured bacteria and surfactant that has been used previously to mitigate odors. The product creates a foam that adheres to bluffs, breaking down animal waste without running into the water. City officials stated that environmental teams and wildlife groups are collaborating to ensure the process does not negatively impact wildlife or water quality for swimmers.
However, the plan has encountered opposition from some longtime residents and environmentalists who express concern that the spray could disrupt the local ecosystem. "We shouldn’t do [anything] about it, because I feel like this is going to ruin how they are in their natural habitat," said San Diego resident Manuel Espinoza. Christine Cavarlez, a free dive instructor at La Jolla Cove, voiced similar worries, stating, "The impact, I feel, has to be a lot more looked into because this is a public beach. There’s wildlife here, there’s humans here [who] use it every day. And if all of a sudden all this bacteria goes into the water, there could be health implications that could impact everybody, not just the wildlife."
La Jolla Cove is a popular attraction known for its sea lion population. The accumulation of animal excrement has led to a strong odor, prompting the city's notice to abate the "noxious odors" that are perceived as a public health hazard.
The city's announcement has also generated humorous commentary on social media, with some users suggesting lighthearted solutions to the strong smell. The timeline for the proposed spraying remains unclear, as the city's plan is pending approval at an upcoming public hearing.