The communities of Niland, Desert Shores, Salton Sea Beach, Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, and Seeley are small, diverse towns located in Imperial County near the receding Salton Sea. Residents here represent a mix of backgrounds and cultures, with many families facing economic hardship and a high proportion of Spanish-speaking households.

These communities experience some of the most severe air quality challenges in California, with persistent dust, particulate matter, and pollution from agricultural runoff, exposed playa, and heavy winds. The proximity to the Salton Sea and the New River further exacerbates health risks, contributing to elevated rates of asthma and respiratory illness, especially among children and older adults. The region falls under the jurisdiction of the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.

The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.

In April 2025, local residents, community partners, and project teams gathered to discuss these pressing air quality concerns, review new monitoring plans, and collaborate on solutions for a healthier future.