DATE:
September 30, 2025
03
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RECEIVE UPDATE ON ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE TIJUANA RIVER SEWAGE (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Tijuana River Valley (TJRV) and surrounding South Bay communities continue to suffer from impacts from untreated sewage, urban runoff and toxic gases in the air, resulting in recurring contamination of ocean waters and nearby neighborhoods. This crisis has a particular impact on the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy of the cities and unincorporated communities of Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego, Bonita, East Otay Mesa, and Coronado.
Under the leadership of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board), the County of San Diego (County), in partnership with stakeholders across the region, as well as at State and federal levels, are collaborating on innovative strategies to address this crisis. Recognizing the significant impacts to the environment, economy, and property within San Diego County caused by persistent cross-border sewage contamination and sewage-impacted ocean waters, the Board first issued a Proclamation of Emergency on June 27, 2023 (16). The Board has since continued the local emergency every 60 days, with the most recent action on September 10, 2025 (1).
On June 24, 2025 (10), the Board adopted a five point plan that directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to evaluate a set of programmatic options, identify priorities based on core County functions and potential public health impact, and return on September 30, 2025, with strategic recommendations and an implementation roadmap.
Subsequent to the June action, on September 9, 2025 (17), the Board additionally directed the CAO to implement an epidemiological public health impact study in affected communities and an economic impact study to assess the full scope of losses caused by the sewage crisis, including impacts on small businesses, property values, and region...
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