In a bid to tackle the persistent odors and pollution that have plagued South Bay beaches for years, San Diego County is escalating its efforts regarding the Tijuana River sewage crisis. They’ve enlisted a Washington, D.C.-based law firm to seek federal assistance.
County officials have inked a contract of up to $637,200 over five years with Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) to advocate for action against cross-border contamination, as documented in county records.
Untreated wastewater continues to spill over from Mexico, resulting in polluted beaches and health advisories, particularly affecting communities like Imperial Beach. Under this agreement, BBK aims to encourage Congress and federal authorities to secure funding and infrastructure improvements to stop the sewage from entering rivers and, ultimately, the Pacific Ocean.
This crisis is severe, characterized by an estimated 100 billion gallons of waste flowing over the past five years, which has led to the closure of local beaches for a staggering 1,393 consecutive days.
Tom Sandy, a resident of Imperial Beach, shared his experiences, saying, “On the worst days, you get a headache, feel lightheaded, and even nauseous. It can really affect your appetite and sleep.”
“We’re seeing strong collaboration among local, state, and federal partners who recognize the critical need for long-term solutions to the Tijuana River crisis,” remarked Anna Schwab, a partner and director of government affairs at BBK. “Our goal is to make sure this issue stays a priority for federal stakeholders, ensuring the government has the necessary funding and support for effective, lasting solutions.”
