Federal lawmakers in California are calling for a state of emergency declaration along the southern border to help deal with growing levels of toxic gasses coming from the Tijuana River caused by pollution in Mexico.
A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology, found sewage-associated bacteria in the Tijuana River were reaching dangerous levels.
California House Reps. Juan Vargas, Sara Jacobs, Mike Levin, and Scott Peters said in a Sept. 9 letter, addressed to President Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, that the situation has worsened in the last few years.
The letter claims new data shows “alarming levels of noxious gas are emanating from the Tijuana River,” with researchers reporting that prolonged exposure is hazardous to human health.
Millions of gallons of untreated sewage, trash, and industrial waste flow daily from Mexico into the Tijuana River, they said, noting Mexico’s broken San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Recent data has made it clear that these fumes are causing an immediate and serious threat to the health and safety of residents of South San Diego, and our community needs additional support,” the lawmakers said in the letter.
“Last year, researchers published new data about the airborne transmission of toxins from the Tijuana River, making it clear that the sewage posed a threat not just to beachgoers but to people living nearby.”
The representatives added that the flows have made San Diego’s beaches the most polluted in the country, forcing them to be closed down for over 1,000 consecutive days.
The Navy also reportedly had to halt some in-water training sessions in the area to prevent their personnels’ exposure to toxins.
“New data collected this month has made it clearer than ever that this is an emergency,” the lawmakers said.
“Researchers who are studying the environmental impacts on community health have confirmed that communities near the Tijuana River Valley have unhealthy levels of hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).” HCN has been used in chemical warfare, and less prominently. hydrogen sulfide which is the gas released by rotten eggs. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of either gas can lead to nausea, headaches, nervous system issues, and, in extreme cases, death.
The California representatives are asking for a State of Emergency to be declared to establish a multi-level government response to address the matter and open avenues for additional federal funding.
“A federal emergency declaration would help residents of South San Diego get access to the air purifiers and testing equipment that they need to protect themselves against this imminent threat,” the lawmakers said.
“After President Obama declared a State of Emergency to address the lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was able to provide residents with much-needed water filters and water monitoring technology.”
