The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a reduction in construction timelines for infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the sewage crisis in the Tijuana River Valley. Following a 100-day review of existing Minute 328 projects, an additional nine months have been cut from the construction schedules. This review was conducted by a binational working group established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra.
The Trump Administration, along with Mexican partners, has reduced construction time by approximately 12 years across all related projects since the MOU's signing. Section 5 of the MOU required both nations to evaluate project schedules to ensure timely completion. The binational group, which includes leaders from the EPA and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), managed to cut six months off work on Tijuana River Gates and three months off Pump Station 1's rehabilitation schedule.
"The Trump Administration is doing everything in its power to urgently and permanently deliver the 100% solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis that the residents of Southern California have demanded for decades," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Reducing timelines for existing infrastructure projects is a sign of great progress."
U.S. IBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh said, "U.S. IBWC is proud to be part of President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s team implementing a 100% solution to permanently eliminate American exposure to Mexican sewage from the Tijuana River."
Senator Tim Sheehy emphasized that this development marks significant progress for national security as it affects areas where Navy SEALs train. Congressman Darrell Issa highlighted that this administration's actions are transforming long-standing issues into decisive solutions.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond noted that cutting through bureaucracy has brought real progress toward cleaner water and healthier communities in San Diego County. Mayor John Duncan of Coronado expressed gratitude for efforts focusing on resolving this issue impacting his city.
The MOU outlines three critical priorities: securing Mexico's financial commitments, accelerating project timelines, and adding necessary projects considering future population growth in the Tijuana River Valley. In August, an expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant was completed significantly ahead of schedule.
Further steps include releasing a joint public update and signing a new treaty "Minute" by 2025.
For more information, see [the full Memorandum of Understanding](https://www.epa.gov/).
Information from this article can be found here.
