Lawsuit Filed by Coronado School District Against Wastewater Operator

Community members advocating for better management of wastewater treatment in Coronado.

News Summary

The Coronado Unified School District has filed a lawsuit against Veolia Water North America-West, alleging health risks from untreated sewage discharges into the Pacific Ocean. The district claims over 500 illegal discharges since 2018 have caused health issues for students and staff, prompting the need for damages to cover medical costs. Community health concerns are escalating, as the district serves around 2,700 students and ongoing issues have led to beach closures and advisories. The plant operator disputes responsibility, blaming infrastructure issues in Tijuana.

Coronado, California – Lawsuit Filed Against Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) has initiated legal proceedings against Veolia Water North America-West, the operator of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, citing serious health concerns due to untreated sewage discharges into the Pacific Ocean. The lawsuit claims that this situation has jeopardized the health of students and staff at the district’s schools.

CUSD asserts that the discharge of untreated sewage has led to significant health issues among its community members, including symptoms such as headaches, respiratory problems, dizziness, nausea, and stinging eyes. Reports indicate some students have become ill on a daily basis due to exposure to these pollutants.

The legal action seeks damages to cover medical treatment and monitoring costs for those affected by these health issues. In its complaint, the district highlights that there have been over 500 incidents of illegal sewage discharge attributed to the plant since 2018. These incidents have resulted in more than one billion gallons of raw sewage entering the Tijuana River and surrounding waterways in Southern California.

Health Impact on Community

This lawsuit brings to light the urgent community health concerns as residents face ongoing challenges related to sewage contamination. The CUSD serves approximately 2,700 students and has expressed deep concern over the potential long-term health impacts stemming from the sewage crisis. Recent beach closures and advisories urging families to keep children indoors due to elevated toxic exposures have further aggravated these concerns.

James Frantz of the Frantz Law Group, representing CUSD, described the treatment plant’s operational approach as negligent and reckless. The district’s stance reflects an extensive pattern of environmental violations that compromise public health and safety.

Defendant’s Position on Crisis

In response to the lawsuit, Veolia has stated that it is not responsible for the raw sewage that originates from Tijuana, Mexico. The company highlights that the ongoing untreated sewage crisis is primarily due to insufficient infrastructure in Tijuana rather than any shortcomings on their part.

Plant Capacity and Future Enhancements

The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is designed to treat a maximum of 25 million gallons of sewage per day. Plans are in place to double the plant’s capacity, with funding allocated by Congress aimed at enhancements that would better manage sewage treatment and mitigate future incidents.

Community Engagement and Activism

The community response has included the formation of the Stop The Sewage Club, a student-led initiative aimed at advocating for solutions to the persistent sewage discharge issues. This group gained recognition as the 2024/2025 Student Club of the Year by the CUSD Board, indicating significant community involvement and dedication to tackling the sewage crisis.

CUSD trustees conveyed a commitment to civil collaboration and addressing the health and environmental challenges facing their community. Amidst ongoing concerns and legal proceedings, they reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff.