Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tijuana River Pollution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County expands response to Tijuana River sewage crisis and directs staff to explore litigation and federal advocacy
Summary
After a lengthy briefing, the Board unanimously accepted recommendations to expand mobilization on the Tijuana River sewage crisis, including CDC and ATSDR surveys, enhanced monitoring, and a staff report within 90 days on potential legal options and federal funding pathways.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 accepted a multiagency update and directed staff to continue expanded mobilization to address sewage and pollution flowing from the Tijuana River Valley. The unanimous vote approved staff recommendations that include ongoing public‑health surveillance, expanded air and beach monitoring, community outreach, and exploration of legal options to hold potentially responsible parties accountable.
County public health leaders described a sequence of actions: routine and expanded water quality and hydrogen sulfide monitoring, distribution of air purifiers in affected communities, a CDC‑led CASPER household assessment and an ATSDR chemical exposure (ACE) survey, and development of a public health risk dashboard in partnership with local universities.
Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez and interim public health officer Dr. Ankita Kadakia summarized surveillance work, noting door‑to‑door household assessments and that CDC and ATSDR provided preliminary and ongoing analysis. Staff said they had requested inclusion of Tijuana River Valley priorities in federal legislation titled the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act of 2024 to prioritize EPA and US Army Corps assistance for the watershed.
The board also asked county counsel to return within 90 days with options to pursue affirmative legal actions or to join existing litigation against potential responsible parties; staff repeatedly referenced coordination with local, state, and federal partners and with task force members. Public comment included both support for litigation and requests to prioritize direct infrastructure repairs and binational engagement. Representatives from Veolia (the company operating the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant under contract to the IBWC) asked the board to visit the plant and cautioned that the plant operator has been constrained by dilapidated infrastructure and lack of federal investment.
Why it matters: The Tijuana River sewage crisis has produced recurrent cross‑border pollution events that affect South Bay residents, beaches, and public health. The board's action signals intensified county efforts combining surveillance, community protection measures, federal advocacy, and potential legal strategies to accelerate remediation and funding.
What’s next: County staff will continue household and occupational exposure surveys, expand public communications and data dashboards, distribute air purifiers, pursue enhanced sampling and sampling access, and return with a legal options report within 90 days.
