IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (KGTV) — Sewage flow across the U.S.-Mexico border may temporarily increase in the Tijuana River Valley as part of a sewer line-repair project in Mexico starting this week.
In a news release issued Friday, the county Air Pollution Control District announced the project could also increase pollution at South County beaches, as untreated wastewater is diverted south of the border. The county warning residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and run their air purifiers.
“How does that feel?l Living right here on the beach, and being told, 'Don't go outside. Don't go in the water?'”
“It feels terrible. I mean, our very safety and security is at risk because we can’t seem to fix some sewage,” said Marvel Harrison, who lives in Imperial Beach.
Now in its second and final phase, the project is expected to start Tuesday and take roughly one week to complete, APCD officials said. The county says the smell of sewage could worsen during that time period.
“Laughable, worse than what? You guys have already contaminated us,” said Dorian Edge, who lives in Imperial Beach.
“We’ve heard every kind of excuse possible. 'It’s deferred maintenance. We have to divert the flow. We have to change the pipelines.' Yes, it’s happened many times,” Harrison said.
The existing line moves untreated wastewater to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in the U.S., and the San Antonio de los Buenos Plant in Mexico, according to the APCD.
"The completion of this line is critical for preventing potential catastrophic failures and increasing the reliability of Tijuana's wastewater infrastructure," the APCD stated.
The International Boundary and Water Commission will stay in touch with construction and project managers in Mexico, monitor progress and share updates, according to the ACPD.
The IBWC "has been working extensively with Mexico to mitigate wastewater spills as much as possible and have coordinated bypass lines to pump as much wastewater as possible" to the South Bay plant, according to the county.
The IBWC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state Department of Public Health, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, the APCD and county government have collaborated since last year on sewage treatment issues.
The APCD monitors odor complaints and hydrogen sulfide levels for communities located near the Tijuana River Valley. A representative says people with chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should have their rescue medications readily available. Residents should seek medical care if they experience persistent or worsening symptoms caused by strong odors, officials added.
The APCD offers free purifiers for residents who qualify.
