we are at risk. The transnational sewage crisis has now become a capital emergency. It affects young and old, our Mexican brothers and sisters, and our fellow Americans. Our water is contaminated by feces and industrial waste. The air we breathe contains toxic gases. It’s a living hell.
What could be more disgusting than sewage? talk. We’ve been talking about this problem for decades, but no real, guaranteed solution has yet been implemented. Important requirements such as reuse, reuse, and enforcement are blocked. Without these, no plan will succeed, no matter how much money you spend.
The sewer crisis is a symptom of a larger, interconnected problem. The real cause is massive and unchecked economic growth accompanied by a rapidly increasing population and recklessness on the part of governments on both sides. Commercial operations are thriving while environmental concerns are subdued. Our government and local water agencies continue to pump billions of gallons of fresh water into Mexico, only for it to come back as sewage. This is a problem of our own making. It’s time we own up to our responsibility and admit that claiming we have no role in the pollution problem is like selling bullets to cartels and denying guilt when people get shot. is coming.
The time for talking is over. Today, patience is no longer a virtue. That’s a vice. Bold action is needed.
The Governor and President must take immediate emergency steps to reduce the amount of fresh water pumped into Tijuana. Until Mexico builds the infrastructure to handle the flow and stop the pollution, a one-to-one standard should be implemented, reducing the amount of fresh water going south by one gallon for every gallon of wastewater coming north. This sends a clear message that the days of unchecked pollution are over, and will ultimately address pressing health crises as they occur.
Imperial Beach City Council members Jack Fischer and Mitch McKay, and Coronado’s John Duncan, have finally proposed an innovative solution that combines cross-border commerce with environmental responsibility. The Fisher/McKay/Duncan plan calls for a portion of the tolls paid by commercial trucks crossing the border to be used to conduct environmental cleanup efforts. This is an important first step to ensure those profiting from cross-border commerce reduce their environmental impact.
Where environmental protection is lacking, creative border closures should also be used to apply pressure. History shows this works. In the 1960s, the San Diego County public health director at the time threatened to quarantine the border unless Mexico provided financial resources to deal with pollution that would close the coast. When the Tijuana government was unable to pay cash, Tijuana’s business community raised the money in one week. You can use this same template in new and creative ways.
Finally, and most importantly, environmental agreements must include enforcement mechanisms with real consequences. Existing proposals to create a “defense” system without mandatory provisions would simply create a $1 billion “environmental Maginot Line” that would be surrounded every time it rains. Without minimum standards, any agreement will fail. As with the 1985 Mexico City Agreement, Mexico’s “new” treatment facilities will fail in less than a year. The lack of mandatory provisions left the United States with no option to ensure accountability.
Failure is not an option at this point. Economically, politically and socially, the risks are too high for both sides of the border. Complete reclamation with strong enforcement provisions tied to cross-border commerce will ensure that all parties remain committed to solving this crisis. Good business depends on a healthy environment, and now is the time for government officials to show courage in strengthening that connection.
The time to act is now. This crisis is more than just an environmental disaster. It’s a civil rights crisis. What’s most important? It’s a solvable problem. When we hold commercial and government interests accountable, we can protect the health of our communities and ensure a sustainable future on both sides of our borders. With bold and courageous action, we can chart a blueprint for a healthier future. Future generations deserve nothing less.
Bilbray served in the House of Representatives representing the San Diego area from 1995 to 2001 and from 2006 to 2013. He is a former member of the California Air Resources Board and served as mayor of Imperial Beach from 1978 to 1985. He lives in Imperial Beach.
