San Diego supervisors approve studies and request $50M to address Tijuana River sewage crisis
San Diego County supervisors on Sept. 9, 2025 unanimously approved studies and actions to document public health, economic and environmental harms from persistent Tijuana River sewage pollution and formally requested $50 million in state funding for mitigation.
- Board action: Launch epidemiological and economic studies to document health, business and environmental impacts.
- Funding request: The Board formally asked the state for $50 million for targeted mitigation in the Tijuana River Valley.
- Immediate work: Reallocated $270,000 from park/Gateway funds to mitigate a major toxic gas hotspot near Saturn Boulevard.
What the board approved
The vote directs county staff to begin a step-by-step effort to document how ongoing cross-border sewage harms people, businesses and the environment. Supervisors emphasized the need for data that can drive action and funding.
The county will start an epidemiological health impact study to examine chronic effects tied to sewage exposure, with particular attention to risks from hydrogen sulfide and related compounds detected near homes and schools in South County neighborhoods such as areas near Saturn Boulevard. Reporting and background are available from The Coronado News, KPBS and I-News San Diego.
Economic study: quantifying losses
An economic impact study will measure losses tied to beach closures, foul odors, declining property values and harm to local tourism and small businesses. County leaders say a strong economic case will help secure state and federal aid and justify targeted local measures. See coverage by Voice of San Diego, The Coronado News and KPBS.
Toxic gas mitigation and infrastructure work
The Board directed engineering and mitigation planning to limit aerosolization and the spread of harmful gases over residential areas. Satellite and field studies have identified pockets where hydrogen sulfide and foul odors spike, posing acute and potential chronic health risks.
To accelerate action, the county reallocated $270,000 that had been set aside for a park and a “Gateway to the Californias” project to immediate mitigation at the largest known toxic gas hotspot, a site where residents and schoolchildren have reported persistent odors and symptoms (KPBS).
Funding push and federal coordination
“The studies will strengthen county arguments for more federal and state help,” said Supervisor Paloma Aguirre.
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who is leading the plan, said the studies will bolster the county’s requests for federal and state assistance. The Board formally asked state leaders to allocate $50 million for projects in the Tijuana River Valley aimed at pollution mitigation and public health protection (The Coronado News, I-News San Diego).
County leaders noted prior federal investments — including about $650 million for upgrades at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant — reduced some risks but failed to stop contaminated flows that bypass treatment. The Board seeks a new wave of targeted support to address untreated wastewater and industrial discharges that reach beaches, wetlands and neighborhoods (Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer news release).
Legislative alignment
The Board’s action comes as state and federal lawmakers consider measures to broaden regional authority to tackle cross-border pollution. The county voiced support for State Senate Bill 10 (Padilla) and House Resolution 1948 (Peters), which would give local agencies more tools and funding to respond to border sewage problems (Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer release).
Environmental justice framing
County officials framed the effort as an environmental justice priority, stressing that South County communities, children and low-income neighborhoods have borne disproportionate pollution and health burdens for decades. The studies aim to document disparities with science and economics to build a stronger case for long-term remedies (The Coronado News, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer release, Voice of San Diego).
Why hydrogen sulfide matters
Hydrogen sulfide — the gas that smells like rotten eggs at low doses — can cause headaches, nausea and irritation and may pose greater risks at higher or repeated exposures. Elevated hydrogen sulfide levels have been documented near homes and schools in affected neighborhoods, prompting the Board to prioritize a health study and gas mitigation work (KPBS, I-News San Diego).
Broader strategy and next steps
Officials said the studies are the first stage in a longer, multi-agency process requiring state, federal and binational cooperation. The county will use new health and economic data to press for the $50 million state request and to bolster federal grant bids and binational projects. Staff will return to the Board with timelines, scopes and budgets for each study and infrastructure plan (The Coronado News, KPBS, I-News San Diego).
Implications for the Inland Empire
- Economic impact: Beach closures and pollution warnings can deter Inland Empire residents, lowering revenue for businesses that rely on coastal visitors (The Coronado News, KPBS, Voice of San Diego).
- Political consequences: Inland Empire lawmakers may face pressure to coordinate and back state funding requests like the $50 million ask and legislation such as SB 10 (Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer release).
- Social and cultural effects: Reduced coastal access and persistent odors may change where Inland Empire families spend leisure time and raise equity concerns about who bears environmental harm (KPBS, I-News San Diego).
Sources
Reporting compiled from: The Coronado News; KPBS; I-News San Diego; Voice of San Diego; and Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer news releases.
