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Board approves $2.5M pipe extension aimed at reducing hydrogen sulfide at Saturn Boulevard Tijuana River hot spot
Summary
The supervisors approved deployment of a $2.5 million pipe extension to reduce aerosolized hydrogen sulfide and other pollutants at the Saturn Boulevard hot spot in the Tijuana River Valley, citing an approved Coastal Commission permit and expedited permitting work with the Navy.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on June 24 approved a $2.5 million allocation from county reserves to extend a pipe at Saturn Boulevard intended to reduce the aerosolization of hydrogen sulfide and other pollutants from transboundary sewage flows in the Tijuana River Valley.
Supervisor comments and staff updates noted that the county coordinated with the Coastal Commission and the Navy to speed permitting; staff estimate the pipe extension will be installed by the same time next year and modeled to lower hydrogen sulfide emissions at the hotspot. The board described the pipe extension as a near‑term mitigant while longer‑term structural solutions — such as a box culvert/bridge or river diversion measures — remain necessary.
Why it matters: Residents in the Tijuana River Valley and environmental groups have sought faster local action to reduce a chronic pollution source that local public‑health officials and scientists have linked to odor and respiratory complaints. The board framed the investment as a targeted step to reduce exposures and expedite remediation while pursuing multi‑agency, long‑term fixes.
Public reaction and next steps: Callers and residents expressed relief about the funding decision and urged continued pressure for comprehensive solutions. County staff said a key Coastal Commission permit had been approved earlier in June and that the collective effort had reduced the project timeline by six to eight months.
What to watch: Implementation and monitoring: the board asked staff to report on installation progress and predicted emission reductions, and to continue regional collaboration to secure long‑term solutions and state/federal support.
