San Diego Continues State of Emergency Due to Pollution and Sewage
In a unanimous decision, the Board of Supervisors in San Diego voted on September 13 to extend the state of emergency caused by pollution and sewage flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas and Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer introduced a proclamation on June 27, urging Governor Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden to issue similar declarations. The goal is to “suspend red tape that may hinder response efforts, and expedite access to federal resources for San Diego County.”
Additionally, the supervisors directed the chief administrative officer to provide a report within 120 days on the economic impacts resulting from the transboundary pollution and seek available federal and state funding.
Representing districts with coastal regions, Ms. Lawson-Remer and Ms. Vargas highlighted the devastating impact of the Tijuana River on San Diego County’s coastlines and beaches. They cited extensive documentation by the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, which revealed that over 100 billion gallons of toxic effluent have entered the United States through the Tijuana River since 2018.
Furthermore, they expressed concern over 35 billion gallons of polluted water crossing the international border from a broken sewage treatment plant in Punta Bandera since December 28, 2022. This pollution significantly affects the San Diego coastline during the summer.
One of the consequences of the poor water quality is the closure of Imperial Beach’s south side for over 550 consecutive days. Ms. Vargas and Ms. Lawson-Remer emphasized that while the county has invested in improving stormwater infrastructure, only half of the $300 million in federal funds will be allocated to upgrading and maintaining existing facilities, rather than expanding a wastewater treatment plant.
According to regulations, local governing bodies must review the need for continuing an emergency declaration every 60 days.
How has the pollution and sewage problem impacted San Diego’s tourism industry and local businesses?
Ttp://www.theepochtimes.com/us/mexico/cross-border-sewage-spills-are-sickening-californians-and-threaten-its-water_5518739″>Cross-Border Sewage Spills Are Sickening Californians and Threaten Its Water
9/10/2023
This declaration of a state of emergency comes as no surprise, considering the ongoing pollution and sewage issues San Diego has been facing for years. The flow of contaminated water from the Tijuana River has consistently affected the health and safety of residents and visitors alike.
The Tijuana River runs along the U.S.-Mexico border, and due to inadequate infrastructure and poor waste management systems in Tijuana, sewage often spills into the river. This contaminated water then reaches the beaches of San Diego, posing a significant risk to public health and the environment.
The pollution and sewage problem has not only affected the pristine coastline and marine life but has also resulted in the closure of beaches and recreational areas due to high levels of bacteria and pollutants in the water. This has had a detrimental impact on San Diego’s tourism industry and local businesses that rely on beachgoers and visitors.
The extension of the state of emergency indicates the urgency and seriousness of the situation. By declaring a state of emergency, the Board of Supervisors aims to bring attention to the issue and mobilize resources to address it effectively. The proclamation also emphasizes the need for cooperation and support from both the state and federal governments in combating the pollution and sewage problem.
One of the key objectives of the state of emergency is to expedite access to federal resources. This is crucial in terms of funding and support for infrastructure improvements, such as upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and implementing stronger pollution control measures. The report requested by the supervisors on the economic impacts will provide valuable data to support funding requests and further highlight the financial toll the pollution problem is taking on San Diego County.
Efforts to mitigate the pollution and sewage issue have been ongoing for years, with initiatives such as the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program and the International Boundary and Water Commission’s Clean Water Act Section 123 program. These programs aim to improve wastewater treatment capabilities and monitor water quality along the border region. However, the state of emergency declaration underscores the need for increased collaboration and expedited action to address the severity of the situation.
San Diego’s state of emergency due to pollution and sewage should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved. The health and well-being of residents, as well as the environmental integrity of the region, are at stake. It is imperative for both the U.S. and Mexican governments to prioritize this issue and allocate the necessary resources to implement sustainable solutions.
This ongoing pollution and sewage problem is not only a local concern but also a matter of cross-border environmental responsibility. The U.S. and Mexico must work together to find long-term solutions and prevent further damage to public health and the ecosystem. The extension of the state of emergency is a step in the right direction, but it is essential to translate this declaration into concrete actions that will bring about lasting change.
San Diego’s picturesque coastline and vibrant marine life are part of its unique identity and a significant source of economic prosperity. By effectively addressing the pollution and sewage issue, San Diego can preserve its natural beauty, protect public health, and ensure the sustainability of its tourism industry for generations to come.
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