San Diego County stands up to Tijuana pollution problem

San Diego has taken action. This week, the county Board of Supervisors approved a three-phase initiative to address Mexican sewage flowing into the Pacific Ocean, contaminating some of California’s most beautiful beaches.

This demonstrates the kind of leadership that is desperately needed.

For years, both state and federal governments have been sluggish in their responses. The Trump administration deserves recognition for signing an agreement with Mexico to enhance wastewater treatment facilities and redirect treated sewage.

After a summer where beachgoers were turned away and kids had to be bused north for clean water, local officials have decided to take decisive action.

As reported by the California Post, the county will first evaluate various sewage treatment systems, followed by the installation of facilities capable of treating Tijuana River water before it reaches the ocean.

San Diego County has a history of leading on water management, with a desalination plant in Carlsbad providing approximately 10% of the region’s water supply.

The county is taking necessary steps to safeguard the health and safety of its residents and protect the tourism sector from the effects of Tijuana’s sewage.

After all, this summer has been particularly harsh, with toxic gas flooding northward alongside polluted waters.

Hydrogen sulfide emits a stench reminiscent of rotten eggs, instantly provoking disgust and revulsion in anyone nearby.

No one will want to visit a San Diego beach community that smells like that.

San Diego County cannot tackle the entire issue alone; Mexico must also fulfill its commitments from the agreement made with President Donald Trump.

However, the county recognizes the necessity to act promptly.

With any luck, the fact that local leaders are investing in additional treatment facilities to combat Tijuana River pollution might encourage officials in Mexico and Washington to respond with greater urgency.

This, rather than “climate change,” is the environmental issue that Californians care about and can influence.

Regardless of views on climate change, emissions in China are surging so rapidly that California’s reductions are rendered ineffective.

But we can manage our water supply. San Diego County is doing just that.

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