EPA, Mexico meet over Tijuana sewage crisis
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joins in a discussion on the US-Mexico sewage crisis in Tijuana and recent developments in addressing the issue.
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A new agreement between the United States and Mexico to tackle the Tijuana River sewage crisis has been declared a significant victory for residents in the San Diego area, as announced by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin this week.
The memorandum of understanding was signed recently, with the EPA highlighting the detrimental effects of untreated raw sewage flowing into Southern California from Mexico, causing pollution in the Tijuana River Valley, leading to beach closures, environmental damage, economic loss, and health issues on both sides of the border.
“The Trump Administration is pleased to achieve this significant environmental and national security win for the residents of San Diego, who have endured the flow of raw sewage into their communities for far too long,” Zeldin stated.
The EPA emphasized that this agreement fulfills key priorities of the Trump Administration, including expediting critical infrastructure projects already in progress.
As part of the agreement, the United States will release EPA Border Water Infrastructure Program funding to complete the rehabilitation of Pump Station 1 and Tijuana River collection pipes, in exchange for Mexico’s commitment to fund and initiate construction on two priority projects this year. This includes diverting treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants and rehabilitating the Parallel Gravity Line.
Mexico has agreed to seek internal funding to begin construction on the diversion project, which will divert 10 million gallons per day of treated effluent entering the Tijuana River, as well as the rehabilitation of the Parallel Gravity Line, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2025.
Additionally, Mexico will address future population growth in Tijuana and cover operation and maintenance costs through various projects on the Mexican side.
The agreement was reached following Zeldin’s visit to San Diego in April to engage with affected individuals and communities. Zeldin expressed his commitment to finding a comprehensive solution to the sewage crisis, and praised the collaborative efforts of both governments in finalizing a lasting resolution to the issue.
This agreement is designed to be sustainable and long-term, taking into account factors such as population growth and maintenance costs. Zeldin extended his gratitude to Mexican officials for their partnership in addressing the Tijuana River Valley cleanup.
In a recent development, a new study has found that regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that staying active and exercising regularly can have a positive impact on overall health and immune function.
Researchers analyzed data from over 48,400 adults in the United States who had tested positive for COVID-19. They found that those who consistently met the recommended guidelines for physical activity were less likely to be hospitalized, admitted to the intensive care unit, or die from the virus.
The recommended guidelines for physical activity include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling. The study found that individuals who met or exceeded these guidelines had a significantly lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes compared to those who were inactive.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between exercise and COVID-19 outcomes, the findings suggest that staying active may play a role in reducing the severity of the disease. Experts recommend incorporating regular exercise into daily routines to help improve overall health and potentially lower the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
