EPA Signs Agreement to Address Tijuana River Sewage Crisis

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Mexico City aimed at tackling the Tijuana River sewage crisis, a significant environmental issue that poses health risks to people in Southern California.

EPA administrator Zeldin emphasized that this crisis stems from waste flowing in from Mexico, affecting the San Diego area for decades. He mentioned that the agreement outlines a “100% solution” through a three-pronged approach, which involves investments from Mexico, rapid deployment of infrastructure improvements, and new resource contracts.

“We didn’t want to be here for the last time. We wanted to make substantial progress for the residents in Southern California,” Zeldin noted. He added that the agreement is not merely a 2025 fix but part of a broader vision for 2030 and beyond.

“Now in Mexico City, we have signed a detailed memorandum with Mexico, achieving a permanent solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis,” Zeldin tweeted.

Since October 2023, approximately 31 billion gallons of untreated sewage have contaminated the Tijuana River and subsequently the Pacific Ocean. Many San Diego beaches have faced closures due to health concerns, as reported by San Diego Coastkeeper.

The strategy to resolve this issue permanently includes a mandated investment from Mexico totaling $93 million to address the crisis. This also involves setting up processes to expedite the evaluation of necessary infrastructure improvements.

“The follow-through must be total. It needs to be faster. It needs to be urgent,” Zeldin stressed, highlighting the importance of commitment to the implementation of this plan.

During an earlier visit in April, Zeldin assessed the extent of the damage caused by the sewage pollution, which has even impacted personnel training at local military facilities, with reports of health issues among Navy SEAL recruits due to exposure to contaminated water.

Excited about the progress made, Zeldin remarked on how crucial this initiative is for the Southern California community and the Trump administration.