San Diego Posts Warnings for Tijuana River Valley Pollution Hot Spots

San Diego County and City officials have installed new warning signs at several locations along the Tijuana River Valley, including Saturn Boulevard and Dairy Mart Road, to alert the public about the health risks posed by high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas from ongoing cross-border sewage pollution. Since 2018, over 200 billion gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater have flowed from Mexico into the Tijuana River, causing persistent environmental damage, beach closures, and health concerns such as headaches and nausea reported by local residents. The signs, which include QR codes linking to county websites, provide information on symptoms, safety measures, and access to free air purifiers. Despite county assessments indicating no immediate health risk, Centers for Disease Control surveys have documented lingering health issues in the community believed to be tied to the pollution. In response to the crisis, Democratic Congressional leaders have introduced legislation to designate the Environmental Protection Agency as the lead agency addressing the pollution, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has engaged with Mexican environmental officials to expedite stormwater management efforts. The warnings serve as a tangible acknowledgment of the ongoing environmental and public health challenges faced by residents living near the transboundary Tijuana River pollution.