Declare a Federal Emergency for the Tijuana River Pollution Crisis

Every year, billions of gallons of toxic pollution cross the U.S./Mexico border through the Tijuana Watershed bringing untreated sewage, industrial waste, and huge amounts of trash to beaches across south San Diego County and northern Baja California. These flows make beaches unsafe for public use, impair habitat and open space, and lead to multiple illnesses. The southernmost beach in San Diego has been closed for over 1200 consecutive days and counting.  The results are detrimental to local economies and pose an enormous public health hazard on both sides of the border.  The pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color, making this an environmental justice issue.  

Surfrider has long been advocating for solutions to the pollution at the San Diego/Tijuana region though the San Diego Chapter's Clean Border Water Now campaign.

Now we are seeking a federal emergency declaration that would not only prioritize this issue at the federal level but also allow access to the additional funding, resources, and interagency coordination required to fully fund and immediately implement the vetted Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution (CIS) - a binational project that would significantly reduce beach closures by 95% during the summer months and toxic transboundary flows by 75% year-round. 

We are hopeful that a federal emergency declaration would swiftly advance clean water protections in the San Diego/Tijuana region for the enjoyment and health of all people.  This includes a river diversion project to address harmful air pollution resulting from aerosolized water contamination in the main channel of the Tijuana River that is causing detrimental health impacts to nearby residential communities and schools. 

Visit the Clean Border Water Now page on the Surfrider Foundation San Diego's website to learn more information about the transboundary pollution crisis.