After the state launched the Environmental Committee the authorities expect to address Mexicali’s pollution.

Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development Mónica Vega said pollution increases during December due to bonfires and usage of fireworks.

The state official said high pollution levels have been reported for several days during December. However, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District monitoring network has recorded high pollution levels since the beginning of November.

The agency plans to increase inspections in businesses to detect violations.

So far, this year the agency has held 100 inspections and 10 companies have been shut down for environmental violations, the official said.

Sec. Vega said the agency plans to increase such inspections.

Also, the agency expects to launch permanent working groups along with community members and other public entities to address the issue that was not addressed for the last couple years. This year, the Department has an awareness campaign to request residents be cognizant of the impact on the environment of wood fires and use of fireworks.