Congresswoman Susan Davis Praises Passage of Sewage Bill       

Washington, DC

October 7, 2004

Congresswoman Susan Davis hailed the passage of legislation that advances the establishment of a wastewater-treatment facility to address the longtime problem of sewage flowing from Mexico through the Tijuana Estuary to San Diego.

“This bill paves the way for an ultimate solution to the long-standing problem of sewage outfall that pollutes the Tijuana River Valley Estuary and our region’s precious beaches,” said Davis, an original co-sponsor of the bill.

Tijuana River Valley Estuary & Beach Sewage Cleanup Act Amendments (HR 4794) authorizes the funding of contracting fees to be paid to the private operator of the facility. Under current law, a total of $156 million was authorized for the fees through FY 2005.

The area most impacted by the sewage offers its residents and visitors an exceptional coastal experience situated between the Tijuana Estuary natural wetlands and bird habitat and the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, the metropolitan area of Tijuana and San Diego has grown well beyond the existing capacity to provide for the current sewage volume and allow a healthy and safe environment for the population along the border.

Legislation enacted in 2000 provided the framework for improving the existing South Bay International.

Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was constructed by the International Boundary and Water Commission. However, the plant was not able to provide the secondary sewage treatment standard as required by law.

Davis joined with the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Duncan Hunter, and the rest of the San Diego Congressional delegation in supporting HR 4794.