San Diego County approves plan to treat Tijuana River sewage

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a multi-phase plan to address the ongoing sewage crisis in the Tijuana River. In a 4-1 vote, supervisors authorized $1.8 million to design a local system to capture and treat contaminated water on the U.S. side of the border before it reaches coastal communities and beaches.

The initiative aims to mitigate decades of pollution that have caused beach closures and health risks in areas such as Imperial Beach and Coronado. To fund the massive infrastructure required, officials are looking toward potential revenue from the ‘Protect San Diego County Health and Safety Act,’ a proposed half-cent sales tax that voters will decide on in November. If passed, the tax could provide approximately $80 million annually, which could support $700 million to $1 billion in bonds to build necessary treatment facilities.

Additionally, the board unanimously approved $4 million to repair deteriorating underground pipes under Saturn Boulevard, a known hotspot where pollution can become aerosolized. Supervisor Joel Anderson cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the county should not act alone and should instead form a coalition with other affected cities to manage the costs and implementation.