The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is holding its quarterly meeting Thursday at the Tijuana Estuary.
Reports from a bi-national investigation done by the IBWC on the major sewage spill back in February will headline the meeting.
The spill sent 28 million gallons of sewage into the Tijuana River and into U.S. waters after a sewage pipe collapsed in Tijuana. Beaches were closed from Imperial Beach to Coronado.
The report will include recommendations to prevent future sewage spills in Tijuana effecting San Diego.
“We’re definitely working on it. It’s going to take both countries," Lori Kuczmanski, public affairs officer of IBWC, said. "Equipment is needed to address emergency situations and they have been asked to have appropriate equipment for emergency situations, of which, they have already purchased one pump. So, we feel that is progress toward future spills.”
Another recommendation in the report will be for improved communication between Mexico and the United States, which the IBWC says this has improved already. The IBWC is also having Mexico look at their current infrastructure.
“We have asked Mexico to analyze all of their infrastructure and provide an update on aging infrastructure,” Kuczmanski said.
Local
A small group protested outside of the South Bay Water Reclamation Plant this morning ahead of tonight's meeting. The group believes our local leaders need to do more to prevent a sewage spill from happening again.
“It’s damaging our natural wildlife in the area," Imperial Beach resident Sandy Brillhart said. "It’s a health hazard to children or anyone who uses the beaches. It’s damaging our local economy. It’s impeding Navy SEAL training. It’s affecting Border Patrol. It’s really a national threat and the response has been underwhelming and appalling."
The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tijuana Estuary meeting room.
