EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a significant agreement between the United States and Mexico aimed at resolving the long-standing Tijuana River sewage crisis, which has troubled San Diego-area residents for decades. The deal, signed this week, includes new funding for critical infrastructure projects, with both countries working together to secure a 100% solution by 2025. The U.S. has agreed to release EPA Border Water Infrastructure Program funding to complete the rehabilitation of Pump Station 1 and the Tijuana River collection pipes, while Mexico has committed to fund and begin construction on two priority projects this year.
These projects, including the diversion of treated effluent from two wastewater treatment plants and the rehabilitation of the Parallel Gravity Line, will help reduce the flow of untreated raw sewage into the Tijuana River, which has been a major source of pollution for the region. The EPA highlighted that this deal includes additional projects to account for future population growth and operation and maintenance costs, ensuring a sustainable and long-term solution to the issue. The agreement is seen as a major environmental and public health achievement, providing relief to countless residents in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Zeldin emphasized the collaborative effort between the U.S. and Mexican governments, noting that the deal was the result of months of discussions, including his visit to San Diego in April. He praised President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexican officials for their cooperation, saying the agreement represents a ‘huge win’ for millions of people affected by the crisis. While the deal includes immediate actions, the long-term planning aims to ensure that the solution remains effective as the region grows and evolves. This collaborative approach is viewed as a critical step in protecting the environment and public health along the U.S.-Mexico border.