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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado Proposes Pipeline to Address Sewage Crisis
Coronado’s Northern Beaches Reopen After Sewage Crisis
Coronado Beaches Closed Due to Sewage Contamination
Coronado High School Students Advocate for Beach Protection
Imperial Beach Calls for Federal Action on Tijuana Sewage Crisis
Imperial Beach Leaders Demand Federal Action on Sewage Crisis
Coronado Beaches Reopen After Sewage Scare: A Sunny Comeback!
San Diego Faces Urgent Sewage Crisis Amid EPA Demands
Coronado School District Takes Legal Action Against Veolia
Coronado Unified School District Takes a Stand Against Sewage Crisis
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Sewage
- KTSM
- Google Search: Coronado Unified School District
- Coronado Times
- Google Scholar: Coronado sewage lawsuit
- Coronado News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wastewater Treatment
- KSWB Articles
- Google News: Coronado Sewage Crisis
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
