San Diego County has issued health alerts following the rupture of a 42-inch sewage pipeline originating at a pumping plant in Tijuana. The spill has caused a rise in hydrogen sulfide levels in communities near the Tijuana River Valley.
Millions of gallons of untreated wastewater have poured into the valley as a result of the break, which has also overwhelmed a treatment plant in the South Bay region. In response, the County Public Health Office is advising residents and workers in the affected area to take precautions against exposure to toxic gases released during the crisis and to monitor local air quality.
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U.S. Pressures Mexico to Repair Pipeline Failure
The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) confirmed that the pipeline failure, located at the Tijuana Parallel Gravity, was due to a mechanical breakdown, though the exact causes remain unknown.
The commission added that it is pressing Mexican authorities to complete repairs as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, crews on the U.S. side are working to reduce flow levels in the canyon collectors.
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Hydrogen Sulfide Levels Rise
The sewage spill has led to a significant increase in hydrogen sulfide levels in neighborhoods adjacent to the Tijuana River Valley. Residents living north of the rupture point have complained of persistent foul odors, which have forced them to keep their windows shut. Many also report suffering from headaches, watery eyes, and difficulty sleeping.
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Mexico Says Repairs Have Been Completed
On the Mexican side, authorities announced that repairs to the damaged pipeline were finished on Wednesday.
Mónica Vega, director general of the Tijuana State Commission of Public Services (CESPT), alongside USIBWC Commissioner Charles McIntosh, oversaw the completion of the work, which has allowed the pipeline to resume operation. Officials continue to monitor the recovery of the infrastructure as part of broader sanitation efforts in the border region.
With reporting from Fox 5 San Diego
