California ConstructionNews staff writer
Gov. Gavin Newsom says in a statement that President Joe Biden has signed a federal funding bill providing $250 million to fully repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, a critical facility near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego. This funding aims to address the long-standing sewage crisis affecting coastal communities in California, particularly in Imperial Beach and the surrounding areas.
The Tijuana River has been the source of ongoing cross-border sewage pollution, causing major environmental and public health issues for decades. Untreated sewage from the river has flowed into California’s coastal waters, leading to beach closures for more than 1,000 consecutive days and adversely impacting local economies, ecosystems, and public safety. This crisis has also affected military training operations and the livelihoods of thousands of residents.
Newsom, alongside California’s congressional delegation and the Biden administration, has worked for years to secure the necessary funding and hold federal agencies accountable for expedited action. The new $250 million allocation is part of a broader effort, with a total of $703 million in federal funding now dedicated to upgrading the South Bay treatment plant. The upgrades will significantly reduce untreated sewage discharges into the Pacific Ocean, helping to restore clean beaches and improve public health in the region.
“This investment marks a turning point in addressing the decades-long sewage crisis that has harmed our communities and our environment,” Newsom said. “We are delivering the resources needed to protect public health, restore our beaches, and give residents the clean air and water they deserve.”
In addition to the new funding, federal authorities have committed to accelerating the timeline for necessary infrastructure repairs. These repairs include replacing pumps, cleaning sedimentation tanks, and rehabilitating mechanical parts at the wastewater treatment plant. California state officials, including the San Diego Water Board, have been actively enforcing timelines to ensure that these upgrades are completed swiftly.
The state has also worked to address the broader impacts of the sewage crisis. In October, the County of San Diego announced plans to purchase and distribute $2.7 million worth of air purifiers to local residents, with funding reimbursed by the state. California has already allocated $35 million in state funding since 2019 for various pollution cleanup projects in the Tijuana River Valley, including habitat restoration, trash removal, and pathogen forecasting.
Newsom has emphasized the need for continued cooperation between federal and Mexican authorities to resolve the crisis. During recent visits to Mexico, he discussed the importance of repairing wastewater treatment facilities in Baja California to prevent further sewage discharges into the Tijuana River. The governor has also met with top White House officials, including Senior Advisor John Podesta, to advocate for additional federal support.
The partnership between California, the federal government, and Mexico represents a comprehensive approach to resolving this long-standing environmental and public health issue. With the additional funding and expedited efforts, California is taking critical steps toward mitigating cross-border pollution and ensuring the health and safety of its coastal communities.
To protect residents from the health risks associated with sewage contamination, state and local health officials have been closely monitoring air and water quality. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California has deployed resources to assess public health conditions and provide necessary support for local communities. The state has also been working with the local air district to implement mitigation strategies to reduce health risks from pollution.
With this new federal funding and a concerted effort from all levels of government, California is poised to make significant progress in resolving the Tijuana River sewage crisis and restoring the environmental health of the region.
