Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Secure CDC Investigation of Harmful Tijuana River Air Pollution

Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Secure CDC Investigation of Harmful Tijuana River Air Pollution

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will investigate the public health impacts of air pollution caused by the ongoing Tijuana River transboundary pollution crisis, following the lawmakers' request last year. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will conduct a public health assessment of hydrogen sulfide in the air around the Tijuana River and the surrounding communities.

The Members previously urged the CDC to conduct this critical public health study. Based on a preliminary review of environmental sampling data for chemical contaminants, ATSDR agreed to further examine the harms of exposure to hydrogen sulfide in the air and issue their evaluation findings in a written public report. They will also issue recommendations to combat related public health challenges if warranted.

"For too long, South Bay residents have been dealing with toxic sewage in the Tijuana River, raising serious concerns about health and safety. That's why our Congressional delegation brought in the CDC to investigate. Now, after completing initial research, the CDC has agreed that there is enough data to warrant a comprehensive public health assessment in south San Diego County," said Rep. Juan Vargas. "As a next step, the CDC will conduct a full study to determine whether exposure to measured levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air near the Tijuana River could be harmful to people's health. Our communities deserve answers, and this is a critical step forward. I'll keep pushing for the resources and information we need."

"For decades, hazardous toxic waste and raw sewage flows have polluted the air Southern California residents breathe and caused devastating public health impacts," said Sen. Alex Padilla. "The CDC's commitment to investigating the health impacts of hydrogen sulfide is an important step in addressing the public health and environmental crises that have plagued the Tijuana River Valley region for far too long. I'm glad the CDC is taking my concerns seriously, and I look forward to seeing their critical findings and recommendations in the report we requested."

"San Diegans - and particularly communities in the South Bay and servicemembers stationed in Coronado - have reported severe symptoms after prolonged exposure to toxic cross-border sewage," said Rep. Scott Peters. "I'm encouraged the CDC is conducting further research to better understand the full scope of the harm to public health from this crisis. I will continue to monitor the progress of this study and how to best protect our communities."

"For decades, San Diegans have been scared about the health impacts of living and working near the Tijuana River Valley because of the ongoing flow of sewage and pollution. That's why I'm so proud that the CDC is heeding our urgent calls to study whether the hydrogen sulfide in the air harms our public health. This concrete data will be crucial to make an even stronger case for more federal assistance and attention," said Rep. Sara Jacobs.

"I'm pleased to hear that the CDC will conduct a much-needed study on the public health effects of the harmful pollution from the Tijuana River Valley crisis," said Rep. Mike Levin. "These measures are long overdue. The residents of San Diego deserve to breathe clean air in a safe, healthy environment and have a right to know about potential health effects from the ongoing situation. I'm glad that the CDC is beginning to address this issue for our community."

The CDC will also continue to examine environmental sampling data to determine whether surface water, sediment, and biota results warrant further public health assessment activities.

The San Diego Congressional delegation has been focused on combating pollution in the Tijuana River Valley for years.

Recently, the San Diego Congressional delegation secured $250 million in the federal disaster relief package to clean up the Tijuana River. These funds build on the $400 million the Congressional delegation has previously secured for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) upgrade project. This project will double the wastewater treatment plant's capacity and combat cross-border pollution.

In October, the San Diego Congressional delegation urged the U.S. Small Business Administration to investigate how it can provide assistance to businesses impacted by pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.

The San Diego Congressional delegation also called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District as they work to monitor the air quality in communities impacted by Tijuana River Valley pollution.

Earlier this year, the San Diego Congressional delegation reiterated their call to the President to declare a federal state of emergency to help address the pollution.

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