News Summary

In response to environmental concerns at the California-Mexico border, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin calls for immediate action from Mexico to stop the influx of sewage into the Pacific Ocean. During an Earth Day visit, Zeldin emphasized the urgent need for change, highlighting the impact on public health and Navy operations. With over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage flowing since 2018, collaborative efforts are crucial for addressing this ongoing crisis as community leaders push for swift solutions.

Tijuana Sewage Crisis Sparks Urgent Response from EPA Administrator

In a significant move to tackle the growing environmental concerns at the California-Mexico border, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is demanding that Mexico take immediate action to stop the alarming flow of billions of gallons of sewage and toxic waste from Tijuana into the Pacific Ocean.

During an Earth Day visit to the border on April 22, 2025, Zeldin expressed a strong message about the pressing need for change. The issue has led to recurring closures of beaches and has posed serious health risks for Navy SEALs who have unwittingly trained in the polluted waters. Zeldin toured a sewage treatment facility in San Diego County and even took a flight over the Tijuana River, which has become the epicenter of this environmental crisis.

Immediate Action on an Ongoing Problem

To address this long-standing issue, the EPA plans to provide Mexico with a comprehensive “to-do list” of required projects aimed at curbing the sewage flow. Although Zeldin did not indicate any potential punitive measures from the Trump administration if no action is taken, the urgency of the situation was clear. The sewage problem has been recognized as a major priority for the Trump administration, although discussions about tariffs were sidelined during the visit.

On the Mexican side, Alicia Bárcena, the Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, stated that Mexico is also committed to solving this pressing issue and expressed a wish for a collaborative partnership with the U.S. The Tijuana River, which stretches for approximately 120 miles, crosses into Southern California, flowing onto Navy-owned land and subsequently into the Pacific Ocean.

Billions of Gallons of Raw Sewage

Since 2018, over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage—laced with industrial chemicals and waste—have flowed into the United States from Tijuana. This pollution has not only affected beach-goers but also local residents, including schoolchildren and Border Patrol agents, facing health concerns from airborne bacteria arising from the waste.

The Navy has recorded a staggering 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness among its SEAL trainees due to the contaminated waters from 2019 to 2023. Over the last four years, California beaches near the border have frequently faced closures due to this ongoing sewage crisis.

Funding and Solutions

Since 2020, over $653 million has been dedicated to addressing the sewage spill issue, but delays from the Mexican government have hampered progress. Zeldin expressed optimism that Mexico’s new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October, will expedite an effective response. However, he emphasized the critical need for swift action from Mexico, underscoring that Californians should not be left to suffer the consequences of prolonged sewage contamination.

During his visit, Zeldin inspected the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has the capacity to process 25 million gallons of sewage each day. Mexico is reportedly working on crucial upgrades to its wastewater treatment facilities, including the recent resumption of full operations at the San Antonio de los Buenos plant—which should help minimize pollution.

Planned Projects and Community Discussions

In addition to upgrading treatment facilities, other upcoming projects include the construction of floodgates in Tijuana to collect trash and a proposal to divert an impressive 10 million gallons of sewage away from the sensitive shorelines.

Community leaders, local lawmakers from San Diego, and Navy officials engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing sewage crisis and the potential solutions that could arise from the collaborative efforts of both nations. Local political representatives are putting together detailed lists of necessary projects to effectively halt the flow of sewage, highlighting their commitment to ensuring public health and safety.

A Public Health Emergency

Environmental advocacy organizations have categorized the Tijuana sewage crisis as a public health emergency, and they are urging immediate, actionable solutions from authorities on both sides of the border. The national security ramifications of this crisis, particularly regarding Navy operational readiness, have not gone unnoticed. With public patience dwindling, the urgent need for effective action to combat contaminated waters has never been clearer.

Tijuana Sewage Crisis Sparks Urgent Response from EPA

News Summary