Imperial Beach, California faces an urgent environmental crisis as coastal waters are contaminated, leading to seaside closures. San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation issue a 60-day notice to sue the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) for Clean Water Act violations linked to toxic sewage discharge from the Tijuana River Valley. Urging nearly $1 billion in U.S. funding for a solution, Philip Musegaas, Executive Director of Coastkeeper, warns of a lawsuit if the IBWC doesn't act promptly, emphasizing the need to protect Imperial Beach from severe public health and environmental risks.
Original article written by: Esmeralda Perez
The coastal region of Imperial Beach, California, is facing a severe environmental crisis due to the contamination of its waters with high levels of sewage and hazardous chemicals. The source of this pollution is identified as the flow of sewage-contaminated water from the Tijuana River Valley, prompting the closure of the seaside to the public. This long-standing issue has prompted two environmental groups, San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, to take legal action by sending a 60-day notice and intent to sue to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the federal agency responsible for managing the U.S-Mexico border on the U.S. side.
Despite previous efforts using various approaches, such as voluntary initiatives, congressional engagement, and collaboration with the IBWC, the environmental groups claim that no effective solutions have been implemented. The notice to sue specifically addresses the IBWC's violations of the Clean Water Act. The allegations include the discharge of hazardous chemicals from a treatment plant near the border and the failure to submit self-monitoring reports. The groups argue that the IBWC has allowed the dumping of toxic sewage and waste into the Pacific Ocean and the Tijuana River for years.
Philip Musegaas, Executive Director of Coastkeeper, stresses the urgent need for nearly $1 billion in funding on the U.S. side to permanently address ongoing pollution, citing a past $300 million settlement for the South Bay sewage treatment plant. He calls for federal accountability to clean up the environmental mess, emphasizing that sewage discharges not only violate the Clean Water Act but also pose a significant public health and environmental crisis for Imperial Beach residents. With a clear ultimatum, Musegaas warns that legal action, in the form of a lawsuit, will be taken by San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation if the International Boundary and Water Commission fails to address the violations within 60 days. In conclusion, swift action is essential to protect the environment and public health in Imperial Beach.