To: Edward Drusina, Commissioner of International Boundary and Water Commission
IBWC: Save San Diego's Beaches from Sewage
We are urging the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to take action and stop sewage flowing from Mexico into San Diego's beaches and contaminating our waters.
Why is this important?
Dear Commissioner Edward Drusina,
Over the last 30 years, there has been an ongoing environmental crisis on the border of San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. Millions of gallons of sewage consistently spill into the ocean and remain unchecked by both United States and Mexican authorities. The problem reached its peak a year ago, when in February 2017 an estimated 28-256 million gallons of raw sewage spilled from the Tijuana River into the Pacific Ocean, as stated in the International Boundary and Water Commission reports.
The constant threat of spills is affecting the Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, Coronado and San Diego beach communities. Southern California relies on its beaches as an economic driver and having beaches closed hundreds of days out of the year has a negative impact on the entire region. For those who decide to venture into the polluted ocean, they are constantly plagued by ear, skin and respiratory infections.
Not only do the sewage spills affect our beaches and tourist attractions, but they also put out national security at risk. Due to the Tijuana River’s closeness to the United States/Mexico Border, United States Border Patrol agents are impacted while on duty. Agents’ health is at risk, and day after day they are coming down with unknown skin and respiratory infections caused by their proximity and exposure to these spills. According to Christopher Harris, a union representative for National Border Patrol Council’s Local 1613, at least 83 agents reported sewage-related illnesses.
We urge you to honor your role stated Article 3 of the Treaty of February 3, 1944, which enables the International Boundary and Water Commission “to give preferential attention to the solution of all border sanitation problems.” The constant runoff of raw sewage from the Tijuana River into San Diego would qualify as a border sanitation problem, and it is up to you to address this and hold your Mexican counterpart, Roberto Fernando Salmón Castelo, director general of the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas, accountable.
The current inaction on the part of the International Boundary and Water Commission is unacceptable. The entire Southern California region is suffering because of this environmental and health crisis.
Honor your word. Enforce Article 3.