Council Calls for Federal Solution to Local Environmental Emergency

Sign above a ditch reading Danger: Raw Sewage

The San Diego City Council’s latest resolution calls for federal intervention in the ongoing Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis.

At a Glance

San Diego City Council seeks national emergency declaration for Tijuana sewage crisis
Resolution aims to secure full EPA funding for infrastructure solutions
Over 200 billion gallons of toxic waste have polluted the region since 2018
Health risks include high levels of toxic gases spreading from the river

San Diego City Council’s Resolution

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to declare a national emergency over the long-standing sewage pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. The measure, which passed with a 7-0 vote, calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fully fund an infrastructure project aimed at mitigating the severe contamination that has plagued the region for over thirty years.

According to Councilwoman Vivian Moreno, the pollution has reached critical levels, posing various public health threats. Significant quantities of noxious gases have been detected, creating unsafe living conditions for local residents. Despite multiple local and state emergency declarations, substantial federal action has been lacking, fueling frustration among the community.

Recently, researchers discovered high levels of toxic gases in south San Diego due to sewage pollution in the Tijuana River. I'm reiterating my call for a federal state of emergency – our communities cannot wait. We need action now. More: pic.twitter.com/MFf4tPs6NZ

— Rep. Juan Vargas (@RepJuanVargas) September 9, 2024

Scientific Findings and Health Concerns

Since October 2018, over 200 billion gallons of toxic waste have entered the U.S. through the Tijuana River Valley, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. Recent research has shown that polluted water from the Tijuana River can transfer harmful bacteria, viruses, and gases into the air, adding another layer of public health risks. Toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide have been found spreading in nearby communities.

“Hydrogen sulfide levels would have to be much higher (50 parts per million or more) to expect widespread health impacts,” atmospheric chemist Kim Prather stated, while maintaining that current safety levels are nonetheless inadequate for broader community exposure.

To counter these dangers, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has taken action to provide more air purifiers for South Bay residents. Nonetheless, conflicting reports from scientists and health officials leave the public uncertain about the severity of the health risks posed by the polluted air.

Standing with @vivianmorenoSD and Mayor @paloma4ib today, urging the federal government to declare a national emergency in our #TijuanaRiverValley. We need immediate action to protect public health, our environment, and our economy from the ongoing pollution crisis. #ForAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/qJgGLPyfp2

— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) October 1, 2024

State and Federal Legislative Actions

The gravity of the Tijuana River Valley contamination has triggered various legislative moves. U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Juan Vargas have introduced a bill intended to centralize infrastructure project efforts under the EPA to expedite the cleanup process. They stress the federal government’s essential role in addressing the issue.

“It should be an outrage to all of us that in 2024, raw sewage and toxic waste is shutting down public beaches, polluting the air, and threatening the health of our families and readiness of our military and border personnel,” Padilla stated. He emphasized the need for federal, state, local, and tribal leaders to coordinate effectively under the EPA’s leadership to resolve the crisis.

Additionally, the California Legislature has approved Assembly Joint Resolution 12 (AJR 12), urging President Biden and Congress to declare the sewage crisis a national emergency. The resolution seeks ongoing federal funding for a wastewater treatment plant in San Ysidro and the comprehensive plan to capture and treat sewage-polluted water from Tijuana.