US-Mexico Deal Nears to End San Diego Sewage Crisis Threatening Tourism and Navy SEALs

The United States and Mexico are nearing a historic agreement to resolve a decades-long sewage crisis that has plagued San Diego’s coastline, threatening its tourism industry and the health of residents and Navy SEAL trainees. EPA chief Lee Zeldin announced a proposed '100% solution' to halt the flow of raw sewage from Tijuana into U.S. waters, with technical teams from both nations set to finalize details soon.

The crisis, fueled by Tijuana’s outdated wastewater infrastructure and booming population, has polluted the Pacific Ocean with over 31 billion gallons of sewage since 2023, according to local leaders. This environmental disaster has sickened residents, forced homeowners to monitor air quality, and disrupted San Diego’s $12 billion tourism economy. Worse, it has compromised the training of Navy SEALs at Coronado, with over 1,100 candidates reporting illnesses from contaminated waters between 2019 and 2023.

Zeldin’s plan emphasizes modernizing infrastructure on both sides of the border to stop the sewage flow and clean up existing contamination. During a recent San Diego visit, he stressed the urgency of a permanent fix, warning that temporary measures would only offer fleeting relief. Mexico’s new leadership has signaled a strong commitment to resolving the issue, raising hopes for a breakthrough.

Local voices, including Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, have called the situation one of America’s worst environmental disasters. The crisis not only endangers public health but also poses a national security risk by undermining military readiness. With patience wearing thin, this deal could mark a turning point for San Diego’s beleaguered coastline.