UCSD Sustainability Solutions Institute

Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) was hired by the City of San Diego to assess the adequacy of the Point Loma Ocean Outfall (PLOO) monitoring system in providing the scientific understanding necessary to answer relevant questions about the effects on the ocean environment of the outfall and the potential issues that could arise if there were increases in the discharge volume and solids. SIO also was asked to recommend changes required to meet this need. A team of scientists conducted a review of existing monitoring capabilities in San Diego, as well as examining programs elsewhere that address similar outfalls.