Overview: Tijuana Sewage Crisis
U.S. Rep, Scott Peters is the first member of Congress to publicly state that Navy SEALs in Coronado have been forced to train in human feces because of the sewage crisis.
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, who represents Coronado, took to the House floor on Jan. 11 to demand that President Biden’s request of $310 million to fix and expand the dilapidated South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant be included in any upcoming spending deal.
Peters emphasized the health effects of the crisis, stating: “Air quality monitors that were recently installed in the region have confirmed what residents have felt for years — unhealthy levels of pollution are present not only in the ocean, but sewage that washes up on land, dries up and sends dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide into the air around people’s homes.”
He continued by remarking on the national security implications of this crisis.
Coronado, in my district, is home to the Naval Special Warfare Command where Navy SEALs train in waters polluted with human feces.”
-U.S. Rep. Scott Peters.
“Coronado, in my district, is home to the Naval Special Warfare Command where Navy SEALs train in waters polluted with human feces,” he said.
Demand comes after News investigation
The Coronado News for all of 2023 investigated a nearly century-long legacy of broken promises by U.S. and Mexican officials that have resulted in millions of gallons of raw sewage flowing regularly into the Pacific Ocean from Tijuana, Mexico.
The newspaper found that the environmental crisis not only pollutes the water and shutters beaches in southern San Diego County, but it also affects sea life and causes health problems to residents, tourists, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Navy SEALs.
Navy officials have repeatedly declined to comment on the sewage crisis and its influence on SEALs and national security.
Peters, however, is the first member of Congress to publicly state that Navy SEALs in Coronado have been forced to train in human feces because of the sewage crisis. He also recognized The Coronado News in November for uncovering that sewage-infested waters have sickened surfers and swimmers.
“I am proud to represent these brave warfighters, but ashamed we have not done more to protect their health. Everyone expects this type of training to be tough and uncomfortable, but it should not pose potential long-term health problems,” he said.
U.S. and Mexico need to stop sewage flows
He concluded by emphasizing the United States’ and Mexico’s binational responsibility to stop the flows:
“We know that Mexico must also do its part. Much of their infrastructure has also fallen into disrepair. The good news is that Mexico is bound by a treaty we signed in San Diego in 2022 to spend nearly $150 million to fix their pipes and treatment plant.
That’s on top of the $2 million plus that Mexico pays the U.S. annually to treat these contaminated waters. Mexico, to its credit, has made great strides in the last year on its side of the border. They have repaired and replaced key infrastructure like sewage pipes that redirect the contaminated water.
And just today they are breaking ground on replacing the wastewater treatment plant on their side of the border. We should be embarrassed – embarrassed – that Mexico is acting with more urgency than we are.”
Watch Peters’ full remarks below, from YouTube.
