Tijuana, September 4.- Binational pollution from wastewater in the Tijuana River can be resolved, but it is complex, as noted by Manuel Morales, secretary in Mexico of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
"It is possible to solve it, but even more significant investments are required, but I believe we have the mechanisms and agreements," the secretary stated during a panel on water issues at Cetys University.
Earlier this week, San Diego County extended its beach closures due to Tijuana River pollution miles north to the entire Coronado coast, adding to Imperial Beach and Tijuana Slough, which were already closed to the public.
The situation is worsened by the release of toxic gases emanating from the South Bay sewage system, resulting from this problem, which exposes people to health risks.
Morales acknowledges that pollution of the Tijuana River has existed "since the city began to grow"—although he did not specify exactly when.
It also highlights the coordinated efforts among multiple institutions, such as the National Water Commission, the Tijuana State Public Services Commission, the Secretariat for Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection, and the state government.
Among the notable projects, Morales mentioned the rehabilitation of the CILA pumping station, located near the Tijuana River and the international border, which "is responsible for removing estuary flows from the river and incorporating them into the sanitation system."
The modernization of the San Antonio de Los Buenos plant, carried out by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with Conagua, Seproa, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), represents another step forward. According to Morales, this infrastructure "has the potential for expansion in the future."
