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-Editorial
California, federal, and international officials convened near the southern border to inaugurate a state-funded pilot project aimed at reducing pollution in the Tijuana River. The project, part of a broader $35 million initiative by the Newsom Administration to address sewage and debris issues in the river, is being managed by the nonprofit Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) with oversight from the State Water Resources Control Board.
The $4.7 million effort focuses on the deployment of floating trash booms made partially from recycled materials. These booms are designed to intercept debris such as tires, washing machines, and other waste that flow from Mexico into the Tijuana River, where they clog the waterway and exacerbate water quality issues. The booms were first deployed on November 14, marking the beginning of a two-year pilot that will span two consecutive storm seasons.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously toured both sides of the border to observe cleanup efforts, described the project as part of a “comprehensive approach” to support Tijuana River Valley communities. “This project to stop trash from clogging the river is part of an all-of-the-above approach we’re taking to help protect Tijuana River valley communities,” Newsom said in a statement.
While Mexico bears primary responsibility for preventing waste from entering the river, U.S. federal and state agencies play a supporting role by providing equipment, maintenance, and resources. The effort includes the use of canyon collectors, which capture objects before they reach the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This pilot project comes amid broader efforts to address the decades-long Tijuana River pollution crisis. In collaboration with the Biden Administration and California’s congressional delegation, Newsom helped secure $453 million in federal funding for upgrades to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. The improvements aim to reduce the flow of untreated sewage into California’s coastal waters.
The state has committed significant resources toward cleanup and community protection in the Tijuana River Valley. Since 2019, California has allocated $35 million to support various projects aimed at addressing pollution and environmental restoration. Key initiatives include $1 million for Tijuana River Valley Recovery Team efforts, $9 million for the maintenance of sediment and trash basins in Goat Canyon, and $4.7 million for the ongoing trash boom pilot project. Additional investments include $14.25 million for improvements to Smuggler’s Gulch, $3.3 million for habitat and hydrology restoration, and $3 million to develop a model for forecasting pathogen presence in San Diego’s coastal and tidal waters.
In addition to these efforts, San Diego County recently announced a $2.7 million plan to purchase and distribute air purifiers to local residents, with reimbursement provided by the state. Officials aim to reduce health risks associated with airborne contaminants linked to pollution from the Tijuana River.
