The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a nine-month reduction in project timelines to address the decades-long Tijuana River Sewage Crisis affecting Southern California. The move aims to mitigate pollution impacting San Diego’s tourism, Navy SEAL training waters, and local communities.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted the decision as progress, stating, “Reducing timelines for existing infrastructure projects is a sign of great progress and demonstrates how both the United States and Mexico are faithfully upholding their agreed-upon responsibilities from July’s MOU.” The expedited plan focuses on resolving cross-border sewage issues between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, California.
The crisis stems from outdated wastewater infrastructure in Tijuana, which has struggled to keep pace with the city’s population growth—an 188% increase from 1990 to 2025. The EPA completed a 100-day review of projects, streamlining efforts to cut red tape. Key initiatives include rehabilitating Pump Station 1 and reconstructing the Tijuana River Gates, with completion targeted by December 31, 2027.
Zeldin emphasized collaboration between U.S. and Mexican officials, citing the July Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as critical to achieving results. “Through intensive collaboration, we were able to cut through red tape, identify efficiencies, and overcome bureaucratic hurdles,” he said. The EPA stated the accelerated timeline reflects its commitment to protecting American communities from cross-border pollution.
