CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
March 18, 2025 {{section.number}}h
AUTHORIZATION OF CITY COUNCIL AD HOC OCEAN WATER QUALITY SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Council ad hoc Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee and confirm Council membership.
BACKGROUND:
In April 2023, following a history of Councilmember advocacy regarding ocean water quality concerns, the City Council authorized the formation of an ad hoc City Council subcommittee on Cross-Border Water Pollution. Then-Mayor Bailey and then-Councilmember Duncan were confirmed as members. The subcommittee worked with City staff and the City’s federal advocate to implement a strategy to urge essential improvements to the International Boundary & Water Commission’s (IBWC) International Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Mexico’s San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant (SAB Plant) and other wastewater infrastructure polluting the Tijuana River Valley and coastal areas.
In March 2024, the City Council authorized an ad hoc subcommittee on Cross-Border Water Quality to maintain the concerted focus on correcting the wastewater infrastructure failings and stopping the discharge of wastewater from the Tijuana River Valley and Mexico. Members Bailey and Duncan were appointed.
In December 2024, as part of the City Council transition following the November 2024 General Election, Mayor Duncan and Councilmember Fleming were appointed to the remainder of the ad hoc Committee’s term, to April 1, 2025.
In addition, other Councilmembers (Councilmember Heinze, now Downey) have continued strong advocacy on the National League of Cities (NLC) Energy, Environment and National Resources Committee to keep cross-border water pollution on NLC’s national advocacy platform.
ANALYSIS:
In 2024, collective efforts brought a new high of Congressional and regional attention, federal appropriations and construction progress on wastewater systems at the U.S.-Mexico Border.
The subcommittee’s major efforts included:
• Ongoing advocacy with Coronado’s federal delegation, particularly Congressman Peters and other Congressional offices nationwide to urge expedited infrastructure construction, appropriation of federal funding, and accountability for Mexico’s share of the construction; • Engagement, monitoring and advocacy with the IBWC via the IBWC Citizen Forum and direct meetings with the IBWC Commissioner;
• Participation on U.S. Senate and Congressional working groups to monitor, coordinate and support administrative and fiscal measures to assist the completion of wastewater infrastructure projects;
• Partnership cultivation across the San Diego region, with a variety of stakeholders; and • Presented quarterly updates to the City Council and community for greater information sharing and coordination.
On February 4, 2025, the City Council received a year-in-review update from the City’s federal team, BB&K, the ad hoc subcommittee members and Councilmember Downey on advocacy activities. The update shared the results of Coronado’s strategic bipartisan, bicameral, Executive, Congressional, regional and military coalition building.
In 2024, the IBWC broke ground on the International Wastewater Treatment Plant’s expansion.
Mexico made substantial and rapid progress on the SAB Plant, which is slated to be operational this spring. Congress appropriated an additional $353 million for the International Wastewater Treatment Plant from two funding vehicles, the FY 2024 Appropriations legislation and the endof-year Continuing Resolution.
Coronado officials conducted five advocacy trips in 12 months, holding over 50 meetings in total.
Coronado supported a raft of federal legislation that would provide funding and ease barriers for the IBWC to access other funding sources.
While these gains are encouraging, the City remains committed in its tireless advocacy to finally resolve ocean water pollution from cross-border sources. This issue remains a top priority for the City of Coronado, as affirmed in the recent adoption of the annual Legislative Guidelines.
The Council authorized the Cross-Border Water Quality Subcommittee for one year, to April 1, 2025. Staff recommends that the Council discuss the formation of an ad hoc subcommittee and provide direction on membership, name and scope, as appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the subcommittee encompasses travel expenses, which are covered under existing FY 2024-25 budgeted funds.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could provide alternate direction.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Submitted By: City Manager's Office / Tina Friend