- South Bay communities overwhelmed by sewage odors from Tijuana River Valley.
- Lawmakers urge EPA to support air quality monitoring efforts.
- Residents file lawsuits against Veolia over sewage spills.
- New tests to assess pollution impact; health concerns rise.
October 24, 2024 — San Diego’s South Bay residents have been grappling with overwhelming sewage odors emanating from the Tijuana River Valley, a situation that has escalated into a public health concern. The foul smells have led to headaches, breathing difficulties, and sleepless nights. As the crisis intensifies, lawmakers, environmental agencies, and residents are taking action to address the ongoing pollution and its impact on the community.
Lawmakers Call for Federal Support.
In response to the worsening situation, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin, Juan Vargas, Sara Jacobs, and Scott Peters have called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) for continuous and robust air quality monitoring. “In the past year, researchers discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized and become airborne—unveiling an apparent threat not only to our water ecosystems but the air in our communities,” the lawmakers wrote
.
They emphasized the need for federal resources to establish a network of reference-grade monitoring equipment that can provide precise and real-time data. This initiative aims to equip public health officials with the information necessary to keep residents safe from exposure to harmful substances like hydrogen sulfide, detected in higher-than-normal amounts.
Residents Take Legal Action.
Frustrated by the lack of effective solutions, residents of Imperial Beach have filed class-action lawsuits against Veolia Water Operating Services and its parent company, Veolia North America. The lawsuits, filed in both federal and state courts, allege that Veolia’s negligence in operating the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant has directly led to the influx of untreated sewage, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals into the Tijuana River and Pacific Ocean.
“The residents of Imperial Beach have been suffering the consequences of polluted water for far too long,” said Brett Schreiber, a partner at law firm Singleton Schreiber, which represents the residents. “This is not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. Families here have been exposed to dangerous chemicals for years without adequate action from the responsible parties.”
Veolia’s Response.
Veolia North America has refuted the allegations, stating that the overwhelming cause of the odors and pollution is the excessive and uncontrolled sewage flows from Tijuana, much of which never even enters the treatment plant. “We are currently reviewing this complaint but can already state that these allegations are meritless,” said Adam Lisberg, Veolia’s senior vice president of communications, as reported by the Engineering News-Record. He added that the situation requires “stronger cross-border collaboration and holistic problem-solving at the local, state, and federal levels.”
New Efforts to Monitor Pollution.
Amid the legal battles, the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission has awarded a five-year, $1.9 million contract to EGC-AGEISS, a San Antonio-based environmental engineering joint venture. The firm will conduct extensive tests of water, sediment, and trash samples in the Tijuana River and adjacent canyons along the U.S.-Mexico border. The goal is to assess the effects of decades of transboundary raw sewage flows and develop a comprehensive data warehouse to plan future mitigation projects.
Health Concerns Rise.
The persistent odors and pollution have led to significant health concerns among residents. Hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs, has been detected at elevated levels. On September 8, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District warned that “compounds associated with these odors may cause adverse health effects. Residents near the affected areas who notice strong odors are advised to limit outdoor physical activity.”
In response to these concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun an investigation into the public health impacts of the Tijuana River Valley sewage pollution. This follows a request from the San Diego Congressional delegation, who have been actively seeking federal assistance to address the crisis.
Community Impact; Lawsuit Information.
The sewage crisis has affected residents’ health and the local economy. Beaches in communities like Imperial Beach have been closed for more than 1,000 consecutive days, devastating local tourism and businesses. Many residents have reported a wide range of health issues, including intestinal problems, debilitating headaches, and chronic respiratory conditions.
Some have resorted to using bottled water and air purifiers in their homes. “We believe Veolia Water West Operating Services isn’t doing enough to stop toxic sludge flows,” said Singleton Schreiber. The law firm encourages affected residents in the zip codes 91932, 91933, or 92154 to seek legal counsel, as they may be entitled to compensation.
~~~
Image:
Leave a Reply