Imperial Beach council adopts resolution pressing federal, state action on Tijuana River pollution

The Imperial Beach City Council on April 16 unanimously adopted Resolution 2025‑20 calling on federal and state officials to accelerate projects and funding to address the ongoing cross‑border sewage and pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Valley.

The resolution asks federal and state agencies to speed implementation of projects by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) and other partners, urges Congress to fully fund construction and ongoing operation and maintenance, opposes construction of a desalination plant in Rosarito absent conditions, and expresses support for Senate Bill 10 (SB 10). Council members amended the draft to add language authorizing the city to advocate for limited, targeted measures affecting commercial crossing activity, and to explicitly request state and federal emergency declarations and funding to accelerate work and ensure operation of Mexican wastewater infrastructure referenced in the resolution. Council Member McKay moved the item; the council voted to approve the substitute motion and final resolution.

Why it matters: Officials and residents said the pollution has health, economic and environmental impacts across the South Bay, affecting beach access, tourism and outdoor recreation. Public commenters and regional business organizations urged the council to balance environmental remedies with the region’s binational economy.

What the resolution says and what changed The proposed resolution lists steps the city wants prioritized, including faster design and construction by the IBWC for diversion and trash‑capture…