The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, has announced significant reductions in the construction timelines for projects aimed at resolving the long-standing sewage crisis in the Tijuana River area, which has impacted San Diego for decades. These changes, which involve a 100-day review of all related projects, have shaved off approximately 12 years from the total construction timeline, including nine additional months from two key projects. This progress has been facilitated through intensive collaboration with Mexico, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July. The MOU has allowed Mexico to designate millions of dollars in unused funds to the projects, while also hashing out a reduced timeline for the completion of the remaining Minute 328 initiatives. According to the EPA, all projects under this agreement must be completed by December 31, 2027.
The crisis, which has plagued the region for decades, is attributed to outdated wastewater infrastructure that has been pushed to its limits by the rapid population growth in Tijuana. Since 1990, Tijuana’s population has grown by approximately 188%, placing significant strain on its sewage systems. This has resulted in significant contamination of San Diego’s beaches and waterways, with severe consequences for public health, including acute gastrointestinal illnesses reported among Navy SEAL trainees at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. The crisis has also affected San Diego’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on the surrounding coastline. In response, the EPA has taken a firm stance, emphasizing that a permanent solution is crucial to address these long-standing issues. Zeldin has stated that the administration’s efforts are a direct response to the demands of residents and leaders who have called for urgent action.
The EPA’s announcement highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. The Minute 328 agreement, signed in 2022, had initially outlined 17 sanitation infrastructure projects to combat the sewage crisis. However, the Trump administration determined that this agreement did not go far enough, prompting a full review of the projects. The resulting MOU in July included not only accelerated timelines but also a plan for further infrastructure expansion to accommodate Tijuana’s growing population. Zeldin expressed confidence that the reduced timelines represent a significant step in ensuring the safety of American communities from cross-border pollution. While the work ahead is substantial, the EPA is optimistic that the progress made through this collaboration will lead to a lasting solution to the crisis.