US and Mexico Edge Closer to Resolving San Diego Sewage Crisis

A potential breakthrough in the decades-long sewage crisis plaguing the waters off the coast of San Diego is on the horizon, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Lee Zeldin. Zeldin announced that the EPA has presented Mexico with a comprehensive proposal aimed at permanently resolving the issue of raw sewage flowing into the U.S. from across the border.

Zeldin shared the update on X, stating that the proposal represents a "100% solution" to the crisis. Technical teams from both countries are scheduled to meet to discuss the details and hopefully reach an urgent agreement. The situation has become increasingly critical due to the rapid population growth in Tijuana and outdated wastewater infrastructure.

The sewage water not only threatens San Diego’s substantial tourism industry and the health of local residents but also poses a significant national security risk. The polluted waters are used for training exercises by U.S. Navy SEALs, raising serious concerns about the health and readiness of these elite forces.

Zeldin visited San Diego last month to discuss the issue with his Mexican counterparts. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for a comprehensive plan to address both the immediate contamination and the underlying infrastructure problems.

The U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, headquartered in San Diego, is responsible for the rigorous six-month Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training program conducted at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. A recent report from the Department of Defense’s inspector general revealed a concerning number of acute gastrointestinal illnesses among SEAL candidates. Between January 2019 and May 2023, the Naval Special Warfare Center reported 1,168 such cases attributed to the contaminated water.

Navy SEAL veterans have expressed their concerns, characterizing the contaminated water as a national security crisis. Jeff Gum, a Navy SEAL veteran who was sickened by the water during his training in 2008, highlighted the significant impact on the SEAL teams stationed in San Diego.

Zeldin stated that the talks with Mexico focused on updating infrastructure and water management facilities. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the problem and drafting a comprehensive list of projects necessary to permanently resolve the crisis on both sides of the border.

Zeldin cautioned that simply cleaning up the existing contamination would be a temporary solution. He stressed the need to stop the flow of sewage into the U.S. and for Mexico to take responsibility for cleaning up the contamination it has caused. He urged Mexico to commit to both preventing future sewage flows and addressing the existing pollution.

Zeldin addressed the sewage problem in March, expressing his concerns about the large amounts of raw sewage being dumped into the Tijuana River and seeping into the U.S. He demanded that Mexico honor its commitments to control the pollution and sewage.

Local leaders have also been vocal about the severity of the sewage crisis. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre sent a letter to Zeldin in March, describing the situation as one of "America’s most horrendous environmental and public health disasters." She stated that billions of gallons of raw sewage have polluted the Pacific Ocean since 2023.

Aguirre’s letter highlighted the health problems faced by residents due to the polluted air and the illnesses experienced by workers, including Navy SEALs, who are exposed to waterborne and aerosolized diseases. She also noted the economic impact of the crisis on tourism, maritime industry jobs, and local property values.

San Diego is a major tourist destination, attracting approximately 32 million visitors in 2024. The sewage crisis threatens this vital sector of the local economy.

During his visit to San Diego, Zeldin expressed his determination to resolve the issue, acknowledging that Californians have run out of patience. He made it clear that the U.S. cannot continue to tolerate the ongoing contamination and that a solution must be found urgently.

Zeldin emphasized the good faith efforts on both the U.S. and Mexican sides and the new Mexican president’s commitment to fully resolving the situation. He stressed that there is a limited opportunity to address the crisis and that both countries must work together to find a lasting solution.