In San Diego, the sun shines bright, but not all is well along the border with Mexico. A smelly crisis has plagued the area for decades, and it’s not just an unpleasant odor—it’s a real threat to public health and the environment. Enter EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who recently took a stand against this environmental disaster during a visit to the Tijuana River Valley. Zeldin’s mission? To rally support and put an end to the sewage crisis that has been flowing like an unhappy river for years.
The Tijuana River Valley has become infamous for something more than its scenic views. This area has seen over 100 billion gallons of raw sewage spill from Tijuana into the river, and it’s flowing straight into the Pacific Ocean. Included in this foul mix is not just water but also fecal matter, trash, and various types of environmental waste. Local residents, swimmers, and even surfers have borne the brunt of the situation, facing nasty health issues from stomach viruses to skin rashes. Meanwhile, Navy Seals training in these waters have reported serious health concerns, including hepatitis and even cancer. It’s no surprise that the local economy is feeling the crunch, too.
When Zeldin stepped foot in San Diego County, he didn’t sugarcoat anything. His mission was clear: this situation can no longer be tolerated. He toured the local wastewater treatment plant and held a news conference to outline his plan for tackling the crisis. Zeldin emphasized the need for cooperation with Mexico, insisting that they cannot view the pollution as merely a U.S. problem. He mentioned that it’s time for Mexico to fulfill its commitments, including a hefty $88 million that remains from a promise made in 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. has already shelled out a whopping $653 million for improvements.
The EPA Administrator made it clear that he and his Mexican counterparts are ready to tackle this issue head-on. He’s pushing for U.S. officials to be allowed to inspect sewage treatment plants on the Mexican side of the border. This cooperation is crucial, as the problem does not recognize political boundaries. Zeldin holds fast to the belief that by working together, significant infrastructure upgrades could finally put an end to the contamination that has plagued both sides.
While Zeldin could not provide specific timelines, he did express optimism that recent discussions in San Diego might speed up progress. It’s like a race against the clock, with the health of residents, the safety of military training, and the local economy riding on the shoulders of cooperation across the border. As Zeldin wrapped up his visit, he left with the hope that this time things would move forward, not just sit in a bureaucratic pickle jar.
In the end, San Diego’s battle against sewage from Tijuana is about more than just cleaning up the river. It’s a fight for public health, marine life, and economic well-being in the region. With Zeldin’s commitment to action, there’s a glimmer of hope that the tides may soon turn for the better. After all, a cleaner river benefits everyone—now that’s something both sides can agree on.
