The United States and Mexico are making progress in addressing a long-standing sewage issue that spills into the waters near San Diego, according to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin. He announced this week that the EPA has communicated with Mexico on implementing a “100% solution” to permanently resolve the flow of sewage that has plagued border communities for decades. Next steps will involve technology teams from both nations working out details for an emergency agreement.
Zeldin recently visited San Diego, where he initiated discussions with Mexican officials to tackle the ongoing problem, which has worsened due to outdated wastewater systems, exacerbated by Tijuana’s rising population. The sewage poses risks not only to the local tourism industry and residents but also affects waters used for U.S. Navy training, raising concerns over national security.
San Diego is home to the Navy Special Warfare Command, where Navy Seal candidates undergo rigorous training at the Navy Amphibious Base in Coronado. A report from the Department of Defense indicated that there were over a thousand instances of gastrointestinal illness among seal candidates between January 2019 and May 2023, all linked to contaminated water.
A veteran who spoke with Fox News emphasized the urgency of the situation, labeling it a national security crisis. Jeff Gum, a Navy Seal veteran, highlighted the gravity of poor water quality affecting training, which could impact various teams across the nation.
Zeldin also stressed the need for Mexico to enhance its infrastructure and water management systems to ensure a sustainable solution. He pointed out that if only existing pollution is cleaned up without addressing the root causes, it will only provide a temporary respite.
In March, Zeldin informed of the alarming state of pollution, noting that untreated sewage from the Tijuana River is reaching the U.S. He described the situation as a significant environmental and public health challenge, evidenced by reports from local leaders. Imperial Beach’s mayor had previously warned that since 2023, more than 31 billion gallons of raw sewage and contaminated runoff had infiltrated U.S. waters.
With discussions ongoing, Zeldin expressed the frustration of Californians who have been enduring this crisis for years without a resolution in sight. He underscored that patience has worn thin, and both countries must commit to an effective plan to tackle the sewage problem once and for all.
