The Tijuana River’s contamination poses dire public health emergency on the US-Mexico border, particularly impacting South San Diego County. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre warns of a ‘ticking time bomb,’ stressing urgent intervention amid significant health risks.
The river, impaired under the US Clean Water Act, has seen an alarming influx of 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and urban runoff over five years, shutting down Imperial Beach for a staggering 805 days. Yet, the crisis extends beyond the coast, affecting inland communities.
Health Crisis at the Border
A recent San Diego State University report labels the contamination a “public health crisis,” revealing untreated sewage laden with human and livestock diseases, antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and banned industrial chemicals.
Elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, and a range of dangerous viruses and bacteria have been found in soil and water samples, posing significant risks to residents, including children, seniors, and military personnel.
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Tijuana River Pollution Puts San Diego at Risk
Lead author Paula Stigler Granados emphasizes urgent action to mitigate immediate and long-term health threats, stressing the critical need for infrastructure investment to curb pollution and safeguard public health. Heavy rains and flooding exacerbate the challenge, leading to a surge in gastrointestinal illnesses among residents.
Doctors Kimberly and Matt Dickson of South Bay Urgent Care report a sharp rise in patient illnesses linked to sewage-laden floodwaters contaminating streets and homes. Despite approved funds for wastewater treatment plant expansion, bureaucratic hurdles impede progress.
Mayor Aguirre and state officials push for additional federal assistance, recognizing the formidable challenges posed by bureaucratic inertia and geographical distance.
The International Boundary and Water Commission has announced a comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion project for the wastewater treatment plant, yet tangible solutions must be swiftly implemented to avert further harm to public health and mitigate long-term consequences.
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