SEWAGE PONDS TO PROCEED IN TIJUANA RIVER VALLEY
Bilbray Announces That EPA Has Signed Environmental Documents
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Representative Brian Bilbray (R-CA) announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed the "Record of Decision" (ROD) for secondary sewage treatment ponds in the Tijuana River Valley at the "Hofer" sight. The ROD is the environmental certification necessary to proceed with plans to treat 25 million gallons per day (mgd) of
primary treated sewage from the International Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP)."This is another step towards finally solving the decades long problem of Tijuana sewage flowing across the border, through sensitive environmental areas and polluting our beaches in South County," Bilbray said. "Unfortunately, the ponds may be seriously overcapacity from the day they come on line. Decisions will have to be made quickly on how and where to treat an additional 25 to 50 mgd of untreated sewage. The residents of Imperial Beach and South San Diego have enough of Tijuana's sewage treatment facilities in their backyard. Any additional treatment facilities beyond these ponds should be constructed in Mexico."
Bilbray worked with EPA and IBWC on alternatives to treat this 25 mgd and other additional sewage in Mexico. In a December 1, 1999 letter, Mexico indicated its preference to proceed with 25 mgd of secondary treatment in the Tijuana River Valley and then pursue options for the treatment of the additional sewage coming from the IWTP.
"It's neither a complete solution nor the best solution for our communities, but as always, we'll do what we can, where we can, when we can," concluded Bilbray.
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