CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
May 6, 2025 {{section.number}}e
QUARTERLY CROSS-BORDER WATER POLLUTION UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on recent activities and updates regarding cross-border water pollution.
BACKGROUND:
Following a history of City of Coronado advocacy since 2016, in 2023, the City Council authorized the formation of an ad hoc City Council subcommittee on Cross-Border Water Pollution. This subcommittee was reauthorized in 2024, and again in March 2025 as the Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee, to continue the City’s strong policy and funding advocacy, information sharing and coordination. Mayor Duncan and Councilmember Fleming currently serve on the Council subcommittee.
In addition, Councilmember Downey continues on the National League of Cities (NLC) Energy, Environment and National Resources Committee, advocating to keep cross-border water pollution on the national advocacy platform. She is newly joined by Councilmember Fleming as a City representative to the NLC. Councilmember Steward serves as the San Diego County representative on the Cal Cities Coastal Cities Group, advocating for ocean water quality and coastal issues affecting the entire San Diego coastline.
The City’s collective focus is to advance essential improvements to the International Boundary & Water Commission’s (IBWC) International Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mexico’s San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Plant (SAB Plant) and related infrastructure to stop the pollution of the Tijuana River Valley and coastal areas.
This report provides an opportunity for quarterly updates on activities and discussion of next steps.
ANALYSIS:
1. Status of U.S. EPA / IBWC and Mexico Wastewater Infrastructure Projects The IBWC issued a Fact Sheet on April 22, 2025 (attached) that details progress on a number of IBWC infrastructure projects. In addition, Mexico’s SAB Plant is reportedly up and operational, treating approximately 18 million gallons per day. However, Tijuana River wastewater flows are intermittently occurring, including a recent peak of 37 million gallons per day on April 30, as Mexico makes repairs to major collector systems and temporarily diverts wastewater to the river.
2. IBWC Funding Status
The IBWC’s funding status has markedly improved with $653 million appropriated for construction projects. While additional funds will be needed to complete the full suite of IBWC projects, the current phase of construction is supported with available funds. The IBWC’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget was finalized in late March 2025 with $78 million appropriated for construction projects.
This is less than the proposed $156 million but greater than historic levels of construction funding.
The following table provides a snapshot of funding across the past three years.
International Boundary and Water Commission Funding History Fiscal Year Salaries Construction
Additional IBWC Construction
Appropriations for SBIWTP
Rehabilitation and Expansion over
FY23 Baseline
USMCA (2020) $ 300,000,000
FY23 $ 57,935,000 $ 53,030,000 $ -
FY24 $ 64,800,000 $ 156,050,000 $ 103,020,000
2024 CR Relief
Funding $ 250,000,000
FY25 $ 64,800,000 $ 78,000,000 $ -
$ 653,020,000
3. Advocacy Efforts
Coronado officials maintained a very active advocacy presence, conducting 7 advocacy trips in just over 12 months, holding over 60 meetings in total.
Most recently, Councilmembers Downey and Fleming attended the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC. While there, they met with six Congressional offices to discuss cross-border pollution. Mayor Duncan joined the San Diego Chamber of Commerce delegation to Washington, DC in April and met with several offices. Last week, the new Environmental Projection Agency (EPA) Administrator traveled to the San Diego region to specifically meet regarding cross-border water pollution, with Mayor Duncan participating in roundtable discussions.
4. Resolution and Declaration of Local Emergency
At its April 15, 2025 meeting, the Coronado City Council unanimously continued the Local Emergency Declaration (attached). In addition, the City Council adopted a resolution on September 4, 2025 expressing the urgency to resolve cross-border water pollution.
In April 2025, the City of Imperial Beach adopted a resolution “Prioritizing Enhanced Federal and State Actions to Mitigate the Ongoing Health and Economic Impacts from the Cross Border Pollution Crisis in the Tijuana River Valley”. The Coronado City Council has been requested to consider adopting the same or similar resolution. The resolution is attached for review.
The City Council and staff may provide additional updates for discussion of progress and next steps.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may provide alternate direction.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. IBWC April 2025 Activities Fact Sheet
2. Resolution 2025-19 “Resolution Declaring a Local Emergency Relating to Impacts from Cross-Border Water Pollution”
3. Resolution 2024-48 “Resolution Asserting the Necessity and Urgency to Resolve Cross Border Water Pollution and Restore Environmental Quality and Access to Coastal Waters”
4. City of Imperial Beach Resolution 2025-020
Submitted By: City Manager's Office / T. Friend