In a significant development for San Diego’s South Bay region, an expansion to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is set to be fast-tracked for completion within 100 days, as announced by governmental authorities on Wednesday.
This news comes from the United States International Boundary and Water Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, who publicly declared their joint commitment to expediting the project, which was initially planned to take two years.
The expansion aims to increase the plant’s capacity from processing 25 million to 35 million gallons of water per day.
According to the joint statement, this strategy will bring immediate relief by reducing polluted river flows and addressing the unpleasant odors that have long plagued residents of the area.
The USIBWC and EPA’s dedication to accelerating infrastructure improvements reflects their resolve to tackle cross-border environmental challenges.
“This expansion is a major milestone,” the agencies stated, noting that they remain committed to achieving a comprehensive solution to the sewage problems originating from Mexico that have affected the San Diego area for decades.
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre expressed her gratitude towards both agencies for their swift action regarding the expansion.
“This is welcome relief for South County.
I’m grateful to the EPA and USIBWC for answering our community’s call and fast-tracking these overdue sewage treatment upgrades,” Aguirre commented, highlighting her campaign for the vacant San Diego County District 1 Supervisorial seat.
“This is the most substantive promise for action we’ve seen to date from the federal government, but we’ve still got a long way to go.
Still, today is a good day — and proof that when South County speaks up and pushes hard, we get things done.”
Last week, Aguirre had joined local community members in advocating for increased funding and action from county leaders to address the ongoing Tijuana River sewage crisis.
In her advocacy efforts, Aguirre presented a five-point
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