In a move signaling the growing concern over environmental hazards and public health, San Diego County Chairwoman Nora Vargas has called upon the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to address the persistent sewage crisis beleaguering the Tijuana River Valley. Citing the dire situation and its impact on local families, Vargas underscored the need for immediate action. "Our children deserve clean water to drink and safe places to play, and we owe it to them to address this crisis immediately", she expressed in a statement.
Further emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, Vargas has sought the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to delve into the potential link between pollution and rising health problems in the community, particularly gastrointestinal issues and asthma. The county's Public Health Officer, Wilma Wooten, requested state aid to bring in the CDC, pointing out that, "You are aware of numerous concerns raised by South Bay Urgent Care physicians and elected officials about increased gastrointestinal illnesses, and now asthma illness, caused by regional exposure to sewage content in the South Bay region of San Diego County," as documented in a letter obtained by NBC San Diego.
The gravity of the pollution has not only affected the environmental landscape but has also translated into a dire public health emergency. With beaches being closed for over 800 consecutive days due to contamination, the narrative is no less than striking. In response, Vargas' office notes via NBC San Diego that she has been propelling efforts forward, including declaring the pollution a public health crisis and advocating for emergency declarations, a reflection of her commitment "to addressing the biggest environmental and social justice crisis of our lifetime."
In her recent outreach to Congress, Vargas requested an additional $200 million in funds for the IBWC construction account for the fiscal year 2025, aiming to fuel further interventions to clean up the cross-border pollution. This follows the federal government's announcement last year that it would allocate $310 million towards the Tijuana River Valley's wastewater treatment expansion efforts and the county procuring $10 million from the state Coastal Conservancy in 2021 to mitigate trash and sediment movement in the area. Furthermore, as a preventive measure, the implementation of air monitors has been initiated in South County to keep track of pollutants. At the same time, Vargas has plans to enable access to air filters and purifiers for homes, according to her office.
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