The noise stems from a filter restoration project at the plant, which is owned by the City of San Diego.

LA MESA, Calif. — Residents living near the Alvarado Water Treatment Plant in La Mesa continue to struggle with loud noises that have persisted for months despite mitigation efforts, according to neighbors interviewed about the issue first reported in June.

The noise stems from a filter restoration project at the plant, which is owned by the City of San Diego. The project was originally expected to be completed in September, but a new completion date has been set for the end of November, according to a city spokesperson.

Lauren Gillihan, who lives on a street backing up to the plant, recorded video of the noise last week. 

“I close the windows, I run the air conditioner, I put the air cleaner on and music and I can still hear the noise,” she said.

Michelle Smart echoed similar frustrations about the impact on her work-from-home situation. 

“Especially those that work from home, like myself, we’re unable to concentrate on anything because our windows are rattling with sound throughout the day, during the work day and into the evening,” Smart said.

Another neighbor, David Little, explained, “This thing is destroying our lives. We can’t sleep, we can’t think.”

The noise comes from two sources at the facility. In addition to sounds from the main filter restoration project, a temporary HVAC unit at the Alvarado Lab produces constant noise around the clock, according to neighbors.

Regarding the lab noise, according to the city spokesperson, the unit is turned off from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily to minimize impacts. Final repairs to the permanent HVAC unit are expected to begin next month.

The spokesperson added that decibel readings have been taken and are within acceptable limits.

As for the filter restoration project, “Noise mitigation has been a priority throughout the project. Following an investigation, the contractor relocated equipment away from the property line and installed sound blankets, which continue to be adjusted as needed to minimize noise impacts.” 

Little, who previously communicated with plant officials about the issue, said he was informed he could no longer be contacted by the plant after speaking to CBS 8. 

“I think that we’re tired of being bullied and ignored, and I think that these people here are ready to file a class action lawsuit,” said Little.

La Mesa Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares acknowledged the situation, saying, “The AWP project is very important, and it’s very important to the entire community, but the lack of communication has been what’s most concerning to me.”