Residents Remain Unconvinced Despite Market Creek Plaza Cleanup Efforts

October 14, 2026

Residents of the Chollas Creek area attended a town hall meeting to learn about contamination from cancer-causing chemicals, including TCE and PCE, found in the soil beneath Market Creek Plaza and portions of the Euclid Terrace Apartments. The pollution originated from an aerospace facility that operated on the site from the 1950s through 1990s and used industrial solvents that seeped into the ground. State officials reported that contamination levels have decreased significantly following remediation efforts such as sealing cracks, installing filtration systems, and relocating some apartment residents, though concerns remain about the safety of unpackaged foods and water quality.

Who is affected

Residents of Euclid Terrace Apartments (149 units), particularly those in the three northernmost buildings
Shoppers at Food 4 Less grocery store, including specific residents mentioned such as Selemawit Tessema and Marina Ibaria
Tenants who were relocated from contaminated apartments
Employees working at Market Creek Plaza and Food 4 Less
The broader Chollas Creek community

What action is being taken

DTSC is working with building management to move tenants out of contaminated apartments in the northernmost buildings
Magellan Aerospace is treating the apartments, adding air-treatment units, and monitoring the site
Crews are sealing cracks and drains at Food 4 Less
Heating and cooling systems are being upgraded and carbon filters and air-treatment units are being added
Contamination levels are being monitored at both locations
Sen. Weber Pierson is working with state and city officials to address the situation

Why it matters

Exposure to TCE and PCE can cause serious health consequences including kidney, bladder, and breast cancers, as well as central nervous system defects like dizziness, headaches, and facial numbness. The contamination affects a vulnerable community that relies on Food 4 Less as a major grocery store and impacts families living in affordable housing at Euclid Terrace Apartments. The situation is particularly concerning because the contamination was discovered in 2019-2020 but residents were not notified until years later, and people have been potentially exposed to these dangerous chemicals for an extended period while living, shopping, and working in these locations.

What's next

A sub-slab depressurization system will be installed beneath Food 4 Less in early 2027
A sub-slab depressurization system is being considered for the apartments
Magellan Aerospace will continue treating and monitoring the apartment site
Continued monitoring of contamination levels at both locations
Sen. Weber Pierson will continue working with state and city officials to ensure the situation is remedied and residents receive ongoing information and education
Residents are urged to consult their primary care doctors and report any diseases related to the contaminants to Sen. Weber Pierson's office

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint