Imperial Beach Calls for Federal Action on Tijuana Sewage Crisis

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Imperial Beach leaders are seeking federal support to address sewage contamination along the coastline.

News Summary

City leaders in Imperial Beach are urging the federal government to intensify efforts to address the Tijuana sewage crisis, which has plagued local water quality and public health for decades. The Imperial Beach City Council has passed a resolution requesting expedited federal funding for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to manage sewage flows into U.S. waters. Coronado leaders are considering their own response, emphasizing the urgency for collaborative action to resolve the public health crisis caused by untreated sewage dumping.

Imperial Beach – Leaders of the City of Imperial Beach are calling for the federal government to intensify its response to the ongoing Tijuana sewage crisis. This crisis has affected local water quality and public health for decades, prompting the Imperial Beach City Council to pass a resolution aimed at expediting necessary construction projects to address these pressing issues.

The resolution specifically requests that Congress fast-track the rehabilitation and expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP), a critical infrastructure project estimated at $600 million. This plant is overseen by the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) and is vital to managing the flow of sewage from Tijuana into U.S. waters.

In response to the Imperial Beach resolution, the Coronado City Council is also contemplating an update to its own resolution concerning the sewage issue. However, discussions indicate that Coronado may choose to adopt different language or actions in their version.

Federal Actions Requested

Among other requests, the Imperial Beach resolution advocates for potential punitive measures against Mexico, suggesting limitations on border crossings and the sale of potable water to Tijuana during public health emergencies declared by San Diego County. This is significant, as Tijuana relies heavily on the Colorado River for 90% of its drinking water, a dependency that underscores the importance of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. Unfortunately, Mexico has often failed to comply with its obligations under this treaty.

Furthermore, the resolution calls for the U.S. Congress to consider regulating or restricting the export of potable water to Tijuana during local health crises. It also underlines the need to accelerate a Tijuana River diversion project and criticizes plans for a 50 million gallons per day desalination plant in Playas de Rosarito unless Mexico fulfills its commitments to water recycling.

Local Perspectives and Responses

During discussions, Imperial Beach City Councilmember Mitch McKay emphasized the necessity of local and regional efforts to resolve the sewage issue while seeking federal support. Coronado Mayor John Duncan highlighted the significance of these resolutions in influencing decisions at local, state, and federal levels. However, there were dissenting opinions within the councils; Mayor Paloma Aguirre of Imperial Beach expressed concerns regarding the proposed language about border crossings. Additionally, Coronado Councilmember Carrie Downey raised questions about the appropriateness of local councils to suggest federal-level solutions, given the complexities of cross-border activities.

Coronado has acknowledged the issue by declaring a local emergency in response to untreated sewage flowing from Tijuana. However, this declaration is seen primarily as a symbolic gesture, as it offers no direct funding options. The potential implications of rising pollution levels have been linked to national security, particularly concerning Navy SEAL training operations in the area, a point raised by Coronado officials. As a response, Councilmember Kelly Purvis suggested including references to the safety of Navy SEAL training conditions in the Coronado resolution.

Ongoing Pollution and Broader Implications

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently met with San Diego leaders to discuss collaborative approaches to resolving the pollution crisis, underlining the urgency for a shared strategy among U.S. and Mexican authorities. Meanwhile, local leaders are working to compile projects that could effectively address the ongoing contamination issues.

The Transboundary Pollution Coalition for Advocacy and Healing has labeled the sewage contamination situation a public health crisis, stressing that immediate action is necessary. However, concerns remain that limiting cross-border activities could negatively affect the regional economy and local livelihoods.

Recent reports indicate that Tijuana has resumed the dumping of millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the Tijuana River, further exacerbating health concerns among residents in both Tijuana and Imperial Beach. Local leaders are hopeful that increased federal involvement will lead to sustainable solutions to this long-standing environmental issue.