Zeldin takes on Mexican ‘sewage crisis’ flowing into US waters where America’s elite SEALs train

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Lee Zeldin is set to visit San Diego next week to address a pressing issue of Mexican sewage flowing into waters off the California coast. Zeldin will be meeting with Navy SEALs and local leaders to discuss the impact of this sewage problem on the environment and public health.

The EPA administrator will be heading to San Diego on Tuesday, where he will witness firsthand the reported sewage flowing from Tijuana into American waters where Navy SEALs conduct their training. This visit is part of Zeldin’s commitment to ensuring every American has access to clean air, land, and water.

Zeldin first addressed the sewage issue in March, expressing his concern over Mexico’s dumping of raw sewage into the Tijuana River, which then seeps into the U.S. He stressed that Mexico must honor its commitments to control this pollution and sewage. Local leaders, including Imperial Beach’s Mayor Paloma Aguirre, have been raising alarm about the significant environmental and public health consequences of this sewage problem.

Mayor Aguirre sent a letter to Zeldin in March, detailing how billions of gallons of raw sewage, polluted stormwater, and trash have flowed across the border into the Pacific Ocean since 2023 alone. The sewage crisis has had a profound impact on residents, causing illnesses due to polluted air, sickness among workers, including Navy SEALs, and economic repercussions affecting tourism, maritime industry jobs, and property values.

In response to the crisis, Mayor Aguirre called on Zeldin to authorize a new review of the Lower Tijuana River Valley’s sewage issue for Superfund designation. This designation would provide additional resources and support to address the contamination and its effects on the surrounding communities.

The EPA chief’s upcoming visit to San Diego is a crucial step in addressing this pressing environmental issue. By meeting with Navy SEALs, touring the affected areas, and engaging with local stakeholders, Zeldin aims to find solutions to mitigate the impact of the Mexican sewage flowing into U.S. waters. This proactive approach demonstrates the EPA’s commitment to protecting the environment and public health.

As Zeldin prepares to tackle this challenge head-on, his visit to San Diego next week will be a significant opportunity to address the sewage problem and work towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all Americans.