San Diego supervisors forward emergency declaration and health surveys on Tijuana River pollution to state and federal agencies
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted to send county health and community surveys and economic analyses on transboundary sewage pollution from the Tijuana River to state and federal agencies, following public testimony about health and quality-of-life impacts in South Bay communities.
Supervisor Geary led the Board of Supervisors in expanding a local emergency proclamation on transboundary sewage pollution from the Tijuana River, asking staff to forward county survey results and academic reports to state and federal officials.
Geary said the county’s Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey of nearly 2,100 respondents found widespread new or worsening physical symptoms and that a CASPER household survey likewise showed strong community concern about air and water quality. "Sixty-four percent reported at least one new or worsening physical health symptom," Supervisor Geary said during the discussion, and he urged the board to include ACE and CASPER summaries in materials sent to higher levels of government.
The motion directed staff to forward a summary of the ACE results and a full report, a summary of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) results, the county’s 2023 economic-impact study on transboundary pollution, and several cited academic publications to the state and for potential forwarding to federal agencies. Vice Chair Tara Lawson Reamer seconded the amendment. After public comment, the board approved the motion.
Why it matters: Residents of South Bay communities and other coastal areas have repeatedly reported odors, respiratory symptoms, and concerns about tap water and outdoor activity. Supervisors emphasized that survey results show both physical and mental-health impacts and significant disruption to everyday life, and they framed the transmission of local evidence as a step to secure state and federal attention and resources.
Supporting details and public comment: Geary reviewed ACE and CASPER findings in the meeting record and argued the scientific literature shows the situation is a public-health emergency. Public speakers at the hearing included Imperial Beach and South Bay residents, community advocates, a county employee and union representative, and academics. Laurie Saldana, a former state assembly member and UC San Diego research fellow, urged more recent toxicity measurements and requested industrial-waste reporting from Tijuana to better understand contamination sources. Rudy Hernandez, a resident and county employee, asked the board to consider frontline workers in planning and communication.
Board response and next steps: Supervisors framed the transmission of the surveys and studies as a request that state and federal authorities review the county’s evidence and, where appropriate, coordinate or assist with remediation. The board noted previously awarded funds for wastewater infrastructure and signaled interest in more immediate monitoring tools, such as handheld air pollution monitors, raised by callers.
Vote and procedural note: The board approved the motion to forward the listed documents and studies. The action record in the public transcript records the motion, the second, and the vote as passing; the transcript records the motion as passing "unanimously, with all supervisors being present and voting aye." The motion text and relevant documents will be included with the county transmittal to state and federal agencies.
Ending: Supervisors said the county will continue local monitoring and advocacy while seeking state and federal engagement; the board then moved to other agenda items.
