Attachment 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-48
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, ASSERTING
THE NECESSITY TO RESOLVE CROSS BORDER
WATER POLLUTION AND RESTORE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ACCESS TO
COASTAL WATERS
WHEREAS, the cross border flows of untreated wastewater from the Tijuana River and the inoperative San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant constitute an environmental catastrophe and through this pollution of ocean waters, adversely impacts the lives of residents and visitors in the South Bay region, including the City of Coronado; and WHEREAS, impaired water quality and the closure of South Bay beaches, and Coronado beaches carries far-reaching negative consequences, and it is imperative that this international problem be addressed swiftly to restore clean coastal waters for our environment and wildlife and provide safe access to our residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, contaminated flows are directed through treatment plants under the jurisdictions of the U.S. and Mexico federal governments which have failing and aging infrastructure. The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) operates the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP), and additional funding is needed to improve and expand the plant, along with improvements to the San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mexico and canyon collection systems on both sides of the border; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that the total costs for the necessary sewer infrastructure improvements could exceed $1 billion for projects in the United States and Mexico; and WHEREAS, the City of Coronado has been tirelessly advocating for wastewater treatment solutions and additional funding since 2016, working closely with other regional partners and Coronado’s state and federal delegation and obtaining the services of a Washington D.C.-based advocacy firm to amplify Coronado’s position and effectiveness; and WHEREAS, for several years, the City Council designated Councilmembers to advance advocacy and education work on the cross-border pollution and recently authorized a formal City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Cross Border Water Quality on April 2, 2023 and reauthorized the Committee on February 6, 2024; and
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, the City Council authorized a Councilmember representative to the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and advocated for the adoption of an NLC resolution in support of infrastructure projects to address transboundary water pollution, which is part of the NCL’s 2024 platform on behalf of cities nationwide; and
WHEREAS, a Coronado Councilmember was appointed to the IBWC Citizen’s Advisory Board to facilitate the exchange of information between the IBWC and members of the public, government agencies, and other interested stakeholders and ensure Coronado’s voice is strong in the dialogue; and
WHEREAS, Councilmembers and City staff remain active and engaged in tracking and advocating for positive outcomes, holding frequent and ongoing meetings and traveling to Mexico and Washington, D.C. to personally bring the urgent case for action to representatives from the U.S. Congress, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S State Department and Mexican government to advocate for additional funding of sewage infrastructure and exchange information on the status of previously appropriated projects; and WHEREAS, the City Council’s continued engagement with a variety of stakeholders and the collective efforts of the South Bay and San Diego area are delivering results such as the tranches of federal funding for IBWC water quality construction projects and demonstrable action in Mexico with its rehabilitation of the San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is slated for completion in September 2024 and will restore daily treatment to over 20 million gallons of wastewater; and
WHEREAS, the City is dedicated to clean beaches, clean water and a healthy environment for its residents and visitors and urges the fastest possible timeline for the completion of the U.S. and Mexican water quality construction projects as well as the ongoing prioritization by the U.S. Congress to fund construction projects and establish sufficient ongoing maintenance for the future;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the collective efforts of the local, state, federal and Mexican governments must be persistent in their drive for solutions and maintain water quality at the forefront of legislative priorities, and the City of Coronado will continue its focused attention through to the resolution of this crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Coronado as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true.
2. The City of Coronado finds that urgent action and additional funding is needed from the Attachment 1
Federal Government to immediately repair and augment the sewer infrastructure in the United States and Mexico to stop further cross border water pollution and protect the health of residents, wildlife, and the environment within South Bay and Baja California.
PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, at a regular meeting thereof this Twentieth day of August 2024 by the following vote to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
RICHARD BAILEY, Mayor of the
City of Coronado, California
ATTEST:
KELSEA HOLIAN, City Clerk of the
City of Coronado, California