The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) on May 16 said Mexico completed emergency repairs to a major sewage line that conveys wastewater in Tijuana.
In a May 15 post to X, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the unexpected leak and forced shut down of pump stations along the border resulted in millions of gallons of wastewater flowing into the Tijuana River.
The commission said several pump stations went offline and flow from the Tijuana sanitation system was sent to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The commission reports the facility treated the increase with no problems.
“No transboundary flows were reported, due in large part to the proactive actions of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make sure Mexico took all necessary steps to prevent sewage from leaking into the United States,” said the IBWC in a release about the repairs.
According to the EPA, Mexico began rehabilitating a major conduit – the Parallel Gravity Line – last November, and construction is expected to be completed in July, part of an agreement signed by Mexico and the United States last year.
On May 14 the commission told South San Diego residents to expect stronger odors in the Tijuana River Channel, beach closures and health risks if untreated or partially treated wastewater reaches U.S. waters.
As of May 17, the Silver Strand Shoreline remains closed while the Coronado shoreline is under advisory.
For updated beach quality information, visit: https://www.sdbeachinfo.com/#.
