News Summary

The Coronado City Council has declared a local emergency to address the ongoing sewage crisis from Tijuana. This declaration, made on March 4, aims to highlight urgent pollution issues impacting health, local businesses, and tourism. Critics question its effectiveness, while the city seeks to draw attention to the need for state and federal support. Local military and educational institutions are also affected, showcasing the widespread ramifications of this ongoing environmental and health crisis.

Coronado City Council Takes Action Amid Tijuana Sewage Crisis

In a bold move, the Coronado City Council has declared a local emergency to tackle the ongoing sewage crisis stemming from Tijuana. This significant announcement came on March 4, highlighting the pressing challenge that has been affecting many residents and local businesses. The council’s declaration, which aims to draw more attention to the issue, is set to be reviewed every 60 days, ensuring that it’s not just a one-off decision.

Recognizing the Problem

The council unanimously acknowledged the severe pollution from Tijuana as a pressing emergency. However, not everyone is on board with this declaration. Critics have expressed skepticism, arguing that it serves more as a symbolic gesture rather than an actionable solution to the sewage management system responsible for the crisis. They claim that real solutions are needed, not just declarations.

Concerns Over Economic Impact

One of the biggest concerns raised during the discussions was the potential negative impact on local businesses and the economy. With the council voting 4-1 in favor of the emergency declaration, Council Member Mark Fleming was the lone voice of opposition. He warned that this emergency declaration might deter tourists, a crucial source of revenue for local establishments, potentially harming their livelihoods. Todd Little, the executive director of Discover Coronado, voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the dire need for a balance between addressing the crisis and supporting the local economy.

Aiming for Greater Urgency

The primary goal of the declaration is to elevate the urgency of the sewage crisis to both state and federal leaders. Efforts are underway to expand and rehabilitate the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, but it has faced ongoing maintenance issues exacerbated by budget constraints. Over the past decade, around $4 million has been invested in efforts to improve this facility, yet challenges persist.

Hope on the Horizon

Interestingly, the new San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mexico is nearly complete and boasts a capacity of 18 million gallons per day. However, its operational status has faced delays, casting doubt on its projected completion date of April 2025. Despite this uncertainty, council members like Amy Steward emphasized the importance of collective action among the jurisdictions impacted by this crisis.

Previous Actions and Community Impact

It’s worth noting that the cities of Imperial Beach and the Port of San Diego have previously declared local emergencies regarding the same issue, highlighting the widespread impact this crisis has across the border region. Residents of Coronado have voiced their frustrations, particularly concerning health impacts related to air and water quality, as unsafe water conditions have led to the closure of local beaches, including the Silver Strand shoreline since late January.

Military and Educational Impacts

The local military community has also felt the effects, with Navy SEALs experiencing contaminated conditions during training. Moreover, the Coronado Unified School District is taking legal action against the operator of the South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, citing exposure to sewage-related contaminants as a factor contributing to frequent student illnesses. This lawsuit underscores the far-reaching effects of the sewage crisis, extending beyond just economic concerns to serious health implications.

Looking Forward

As the situation continues to unfold, the Coronado City Council plans to keep the emergency declaration at the forefront of their discussions every couple of months. This ongoing dialogue reflects the community’s desire to find a sustainable solution to an issue that affects not just water quality but the very fabric of local life. With the stakes high and the community’s well-being on the line, the hope is that collaborative efforts will lead to real change and improvements in sewage management.