CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
March 4, 2025 {{section.number}}d
RESOLUTION TO DECLARE A LOCAL EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF CORONADO DUE TO
IMPACTS FROM CROSS-BORDER WATER POLLUTION
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Resolution to Declare a Local Emergency due to cross-border water pollution.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Tijuana’s regional wastewater infrastructure is decades old, has inadequate capacity to treat and convey wastewater and suffers from repeated breaks and system failures. These failures lead to spillage and wastewater discharge into the Tijuana River, its tributaries and outfall into the Pacific Ocean, polluting the ocean waters off Imperial Beach, Coronado and beyond. The impacts of this pollution to the region are profound, and growing as Tijuana’s population expands.
The South Bay area, including the City of Coronado, has seen increasing levels of water pollution and beach closures from cross-border water pollution. These conditions threaten the health and safety of residents and visitors, our local ecosystems and the economic vitality of the region.
At its February 4, 2025 meeting, the City Council directed staff to prepare and present a Resolution Declaring a Local Emergency due to pervasive impacts from cross-border water pollution.
ANALYSIS:
While the City is encouraged with the current focus and investment in wastewater infrastructure solutions in Mexico and the United States, it is imperative that advocacy continues to address and solve this problem immediately, and adequately plan for the future. A regional coalition of the cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, San Diego, San Diego County and the Port District are heavily engaged in maintaining attention on this issue and supporting the dedication of needed Federal and State resources.
Adoption of the attached resolution will declare a Local Emergency in the City of Coronado due to cross-border water pollution. The necessity to continue the declaration will be considered every sixty days.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may choose not to adopt the emergency declaration.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
Note applicable.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2025-06
Submitted By: City Manager’s Office / Tina Friend