Golden State Today

California, federal, and international representatives have launched a state-funded pilot project aimed at cleaning up the Tijuana River. This initiative is part of a $35 million investment directed by the Newsom Administration to address the ongoing sewage crisis affecting the river.

The State Water Resources Control Board has allocated $4.7 million for this project, which features floating trash booms made partially from recycled materials. The nonprofit Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) oversees this effort. The project's goal is to intercept debris such as tires and washing machines that flow from Mexico into the Tijuana River, contributing to water quality issues.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated, "California is working with our local and federal partners to address the ongoing Tijuana River crisis. This project to stop trash from clogging the river is part of an all-of-the-above approach we’re taking to help protect Tijuana River valley communities."

The pilot will operate over two consecutive storm seasons and began with deploying plastic-and-steel encased booms on November 14. A ribbon-cutting event marked the next phase: capturing and removing objects blocking untreated wastewater from entering treatment facilities.

Although Mexico holds primary responsibility for preventing trash-laden wastewater from flowing into the Tijuana River Valley, U.S. federal and state agencies provide equipment, maintenance, and resources to manage discharges through canyon collectors designed to intercept debris before it reaches the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Earlier this year, Governor Newsom visited both sides of the border to assess rehabilitation efforts. Working with California’s congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris Administration, he helped secure $453 million in federal funding for upgrades to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. These upgrades aim to significantly reduce untreated sewage flow into California's coastal waters.

In addition to cleanup efforts, recent state investments include plans announced earlier this month for purchasing air purifiers worth $2.7 million for local residents—reimbursed by the state—as well as allocations since 2019 totaling $35 million towards pollution control in the Tijuana River Valley:

- $1 million for Tijuana River Valley Recovery Team projects.

- $9 million for operating Goat Canyon sediment and trash basins.

- $4.7 million for RCAC’s Trash Boom pilot project.

- $14.25 million for Smuggler’s Gulch Improvement Project.

- $3.3 million for Habitat and Hydrology Restoration Project.

- $3 million towards developing a model forecasting pathogen presence in San Diego coastal waters.