The United States and Mexico have signed a new binational agreement known as Minute 333, establishing a detailed plan to address the toxic sewage crisis that has polluted the Tijuana River Valley and repeatedly closed beaches in Imperial Beach and Coronado.
The pact outlines major wastewater infrastructure projects in Tijuana, enhanced monitoring and new accountability measures to ensure Mexico operates and maintains its sewer systems.
EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi said the agreement marks progress but not an immediate solution to the longstanding public health and environmental emergency.
“This human health and ecological crisis will not end solely with the swipe of a pen,” Fotouhi said.
Under Minute 333, Mexico will, by December 2028, build the Tecolote-La Gloria Wastewater Treatment Plan, which will be able to process 3 million gallons per day. Mexico will also construct a new sediment basin in Matadero Canyon — near Smuggler’s Gulch along the border — before the 2026-27 rainy season to capture polluted runoff. In addition, Mexico will develop a Tijuana Water Infrastructure Master Plan within six months.
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