San Diego City Wire

The Port of San Diego recently approved a pilot project aimed to develop a portable five-in-one field-testing sensor device for monitoring the metals in stormwater in real time.

The project is a collaboration with FREDsense Technologies Corp., which is making use of their existing technology to create the automated testing system, according to a Port of San Diego press release. The system is intended for testing the levels of metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, zinc and nickel in the San Diego Bay.

The current testing methods for metal content in place at the port require manual monitoring, according to the release.

“Having this technology and being able to easily and quickly access information related to stormwater will not only benefit our Port, but this project has the potential for adoption by ports and terminals nationwide, or even globally,” Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners and chair of the Port Environmental Committee, said in the release. “The Port works to improve and protect the bay’s water quality, a treasured resource for wildlife, residents, visitors and local businesses, and this project aligns well with our mission to protect the bay’s resources.”