The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission said Friday afternoon that it’s tracking Hurricane Hilary and its possible effect of excess sewage coming from Tijuana into the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and surrounding area.
The boundary commission said it has spoken with their Mexican counterparts to make them aware of their emergency preparations and will coordinate with them throughout this weather event.
Their concern is increased rainfall this weekend from Hurricane Hillary could cause a surge in sewage flow into the Tijuana River and the plant, which on average treats at least 25 million gallons of sewage daily from Mexico.
The Coronado News in an investigation earlier this year found that large amounts of rain has historically overwhelmed the treatment plant on the U.S.-Mexico border. That has resulted in raw sewage flowing upwards to Imperial Beach and Coronado, shuttering beach access and potentially making beachgoers ill.
Flood control plan
The commission said it will be closely monitoring the flow in the Tijuana River Flood Control Project and will be ready to implement a flood control plan and assist local and Mexican officials if needed.
Residents who live near the river should stay alert for emergency announcements.
Increase in trash flow
Preparation is happening for a possible increase in trash flow into the screens at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant headworks, the point where untreated water enters the facility, officials said Friday.
While the plant has an automatic trash removal machine, personnel will be standing by to manually remove excess debris, if necessary, to ensure incoming water does not back up.
In the event excess water enters the plant and creates the potential for overflow, personnel will temporarily divert water from the primary treatment tanks to the South Bay Ocean Outfall, where the partially treated water will be released 3.5 miles into the Pacific Ocean, officials said.
