Comprehensive Approach Needed to Solve Beach Closures

By Patricia W. McCoy

I have championed the protection and stewardship of our coastline for over 30 years. Clean and open beaches are crucial to businesses, residents and tourism alike. A comprehensive solution to the multiple sources of pollution requires a varied set of projects and a bi-national effort involving all levels of government. I will continue to fight for clean water and protection of our environment.

Cross-border pollution began in the 1940's when Tijuana's basic infrastructure could not keep pace with growth. Today, it is estimated that 30-40% of Tijuana does not have basic plumbing or sewer connections, and that number is growing.  Uncollected waste finds its way into dry creeks, canyons, and eventually into the Tijuana River. Broken pipes and system failures from Tijuana's aging system cause renegade spills that also find their way across the border.  This "urban runoff" has multiple sources.  While these flows seldom reach the Tijuana River in dry weather, even light rainfall can "flush" the watershed, causing major ocean pollution for days from the resulting runoff. 

A major threat will be the completion of several satellite treatment plants in Mexico, built with Japanese credit funds.  The current plans call for the plants to discharge the treated wastewater directly into the Tijuana River, creating constant flow.  This could be disastrous for us, so Imperial Beach has taken the lead to establish a policy maker's task force with numerous agencies at all levels of government to aggressively thwart this potential catastrophe. 

Another source of pollution is Mexico's treatment plant, six miles south of the border.  The half-treated sewage is discharged directly into the surf.  When ocean currents flow north, it pushes contaminated waters along our shoreline, causing beach closures.  The International Wastewater Treatment Plant also treats Mexican sewage, but in the U.S.  This plant discharges to an ocean outfall located 3 ½ miles off Imperial Beach, in 93 feet of water. The plant lacks secondary treatment, necessary to remove harmful bacteria, and is in constant violation of the Clean Water Act. Recent tracking by Scripps reveals discharges returning to shore under certain conditions, which may also close our beaches.

A permanent solution requires a comprehensive approach and a diverse set of sewage treatment projects to address the multiple sources of pollution. .  Our city has been at the forefront in developing and promoting such a plan.  This plan was submitted to the International Boundary & Water Commission for federal review in May 2006. 

Completing secondary treatment for sewage treated at the International Wastewater Treatment Plant is imperative.  Originally planned expansion of this plant could double its current capacity. Treatment in the U.S., unlike Mexico, is strictly regulated to assure it meets stringent standards to protect our health. Extending the U.S. outfall into deeper waters would prevent treated sewage from surfacing or returning to shore.  A deep-water Mexican outfall would assure that sewage would not surface and be pushed north into the U.S. and would also provide an outlet for raw sewage until Mexico can provide their own treatment capacity.

A critical element in the comprehensive plan is the development of new infrastructure to collect and convey sewage for treatment.  Border canyon interceptors and diversion structures must be sized and maintained properly to direct sewage for treatment. Trash diversion, industrial pre-treatment and low tech solutions for isolated colonias must also play a role. The Tijuana/Rosarito Water and Wastewater Master Plan, a bi-national effort, helped identify these shortfalls in the system.

Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan will require a bi-national effort involving all concerned agencies at all levels of government. It is not enough to simply rely on the Federal government. The proposed Bajagua project will not solve the problems.  Touted as a "comprehensive" solution at an estimated cost of $600M to $1B, it falls woefully short and may doom our chances of receiving funds to address these many other problems. This project was the result of earmark legislation that has held us hostage to any other solutions since 2000.

I have worked to establish relationships with the Mayor of Tijuana, the Mexican Consul General and other Mexican officials and understand the international differences that must be reconciled before projects move forward.  I will continue to apply my 30+ years of bi-national experience to effect a permanent solution.