Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would review a suite of water infrastructure projects that, pending final selection, would address transborder water pollution near San Diego County.
In 2020, Congress appropriated $300 million for infrastructure to address transborder pollution through the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) implementing legislation. While the overall cost of a comprehensive solution to pollution exceeds the approved amount, EPA plans to implement a phased approach in the design and construction of the various infrastructure projects.
“In order to protect public health and vital ecosystems in this vibrant area, we need a bold solution to the transboundary water pollution challenge,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “We’re announcing our intent to pursue a holistic water infrastructure strategy to address multiple facets of this challenge and make real progress for the future of the San Diego region.”
“The projects considered in the EPA plan for the sanitation of the Tijuana River basin will significantly improve the quality of water in this river and on the beaches of both countries. CONAGUA, in accordance with the budget allocated to it, will provide its support for the completion of sanitation projects on the Mexican side that contribute to the fulfillment of that objective.” said Dr. Humberto Marengo Mogollón, head of the General Technical Subdirectorate in CONAGUA.
EPA is initiating an environmental review of the following projects, which were selected for their potential to stem transborder pollution and improve water quality:
- Expanding the existing South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP) owned and operated by the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC);
- Diverting and treating Tijuana River water at a new facility adjacent to the existing ITP;
- Conveying canyon flows to the expanded ITP;
- Repairing portions of the collection system in Mexico to prevent sewage leaks;
- Beneficially reusing treated wastewater instead of discharging it into the Tijuana River;
- Installing a river trash boom; and
- Constructing a new San Antonio de los Buenos Treatment Plant in Tijuana.
As EPA completes its assessment of infrastructure options, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review will move forward to reduce potential negative environmental impacts from the projects that make up the comprehensive solution. This legally mandated review is needed before design and construction can begin.
“The San Diego region has been plagued by cross-border pollution for decades, posing a significant risk to human health and resulting in beach closures and degraded wildlife habitats,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I appreciate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s work throughout the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement process, which has further demonstrated the need for long-term, comprehensive investments. That’s why this announcement today is welcome news that will move us even closer to solving this public health and environmental crisis.”
EPA has stated that it will continue to engage the public and stakeholders during the review process and will work with its counterparts in Mexico to ensure binational support for the comprehensive solution.
