California’s elected leaders are celebrating a major milestone in the fight against pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has announced that it has awarded the contract for a project to expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, a crucial step in addressing the toxic waste and raw sewage that has been flowing into Southern California for far too long.
The project, which is set to receive over $400 million in federal funding secured by the Congressional delegation, will involve repairing and expanding the plant to double its capacity. This expansion will help prevent up to 90% of untreated wastewater from reaching the coast, leading to cleaner and safer water for the communities in the region.
Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, expressed his support for the project, stating, “Today’s announcement for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is a step in the right direction in beginning to seriously address toxic waste and raw sewage flowing from the Tijuana River.” He emphasized the urgent need to address the health and environmental hazards created by this pollution, which has had a detrimental impact on air and water quality in Southern California.
In March, the San Diego Congressional delegation secured over $156 million in funding for critical repairs to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. This funding, combined with the $300 million secured in 2019 to expand the plant’s capacity, reflects a significant investment in combating pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
Rep. Juan Vargas, a Democrat from San Diego, praised the IBWC’s decision to move forward with the project, stating, “Our communities can’t wait. I’m glad to see the IBWC take this important step, which will allow them to put the more than $400 million my colleagues and I secured for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to work for repairs and upgrades.” He highlighted the importance of doubling the plant’s capacity and ensuring that untreated wastewater is kept from reaching the coast.
The project to expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant has been a collaborative effort between the Congressional delegation, the IBWC, and other stakeholders. In 2022, the delegation passed legislation to clear the path for the IBWC to use the funds to address harmful pollutants in the Tijuana River Valley, signaling a commitment to addressing the environmental challenges faced by the region.
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The Impact of Pollution on Public Health
The pollution in the Tijuana River Valley has had far-reaching consequences for public health in the region. Residents have reported increases in illnesses and other symptoms that have been linked to contaminants in the water, soil, and air from the sewage flowing into the area. In response to these concerns, the elected officials called on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the public health impacts of the Tijuana River sewage pollution.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, a Democrat from San Diego, expressed her excitement about the progress being made to address the Tijuana River Valley crisis. She stated, “This announcement has been a long time coming — and I’m so excited to see the $400 million that our congressional delegation secured result in big, meaningful progress to end the Tijuana River Valley crisis.” Rep. Jacobs emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor the progress of the IBWC construction and collaborating with Mexican counterparts to ensure the safety of communities on both sides of the border.
The CDC’s agreement to conduct an investigation into the public health impacts of the Tijuana River sewage pollution marks a significant step forward in understanding the risks posed by the contamination in the region. By gathering data and conducting research, the CDC will be able to provide valuable insights into the link between pollution and public health outcomes, informing future efforts to mitigate the impact of pollution on communities in the Tijuana River Valley.
The collaboration between elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders underscores the importance of addressing environmental challenges through a multifaceted approach. By working together to secure funding, pass legislation, and conduct research, stakeholders are taking proactive steps to combat pollution and protect public health in the Tijuana River Valley.