Residents: Prepare for stronger odors as cross-border wastewater work begins
A discarded shoe along with other rubble exposed at the Tijuana River Valley Regional campgrounds in Courtesy of SDSU School of Residents Fitness Communities near the Tijuana River Valley may notice stronger sewage odors starting next week as crews begin the second and final phase of connecting a new sewer line in Mexico The work expected to begin May and take about a week will temporarily increase the flow of wastewater across the U S -Mexico boundary This final stretch is critical for reducing the menace of major pipeline failures and improving the reliability of Tijuana s aging sewage system Once completed the new International Collector will carry untreated wastewater to both the South Bay International Wastewater Recovery Plant in San Diego and the San Antonio de los Buenos facility in Mexico During construction however particular of that wastewater may be rerouted directly into the ocean through an outfall just south of the perimeter potentially increasing garbage along South County beaches The U S International Boundary and Water Commission USIBWC is working closely with Mexican project managers to track progress and minimize spills Navigate around systems are in place to divert as much flow as viable to the U S restoration plant A joint effort between USIBWC the U S Environmental Protection Agency California Department of Citizens Wellness San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board County of San Diego and the local Air Contamination Control District has been coordinating responses to the long-running sewage situation and sharing fitness updates with the masses since early How to reduce the impact of odors at home Residents can take measures to minimize discomfort from hydrogen sulfide H S odors by Limiting outdoor activity when odors are strongest Keeping windows and doors shut during odor events Using fans or air conditioning set to recirculate Running an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter and potassium permanganate Free purifiers are available from the SDAPCD for residents in the greater part affected zip codes Verified models are listed on the California Air Materials Board website People with asthma COPD or other lung conditions should keep rescue medications nearby If effects worsen or persist contact a healthcare provider The Air Contamination Control District continues to monitor odor complaints and hydrogen sulfide levels in areas near the river valley For ongoing updates visit the County s South Region Fitness Concerns webpage or explore the newly launched online dashboard which features interactive maps with beach water quality and odor tracking
