Concerns are rising over the environmental impact of raw sewage flowing from Mexico into the Tijuana River, which threatens the health of local residents and U.S. military training. Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana has criticized Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for the ongoing issue, stating that the toxic waste poses serious risks to both public health and national security.
In a recent letter, Sheehy highlighted the alarming amount of untreated sewage being dumped into the river—up to 5 million gallons daily—which then flows into the United States. This situation has particularly affected U.S. Navy SEALs and Marine special forces who conduct training exercises in these waters. The senator pointed out that a Department of Defense report warned that without action, a significant portion of these training exercises could be canceled or relocated due to high levels of bacterial contamination.
Sheehy expressed his outrage, stating, "This continuous discharge is sickening thousands of Americans annually." He emphasized that the problem is worsening and called for immediate action from the Mexican government to stop the toxic flow.
Local leaders are echoing Sheehy’s concerns. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond described the situation as not just unpleasant but dangerous, noting that the sewage contains harmful substances like E. coli and arsenic. Residents have reported health issues, including skin infections and respiratory problems, with some pets also falling ill from exposure to the contaminated water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware of the crisis. Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to visit a treatment facility in San Diego to evaluate the situation. He has labeled it a long-standing human health crisis that requires urgent attention.
The ongoing sewage crisis not only poses a public health threat but also jeopardizes military readiness. As discussions continue, there is growing pressure on both the U.S. and Mexican governments to find a solution to this pressing issue.