Communities near the Tijuana River Valley may notice stronger sewage odors starting next week, as crews begin the second and final phase of connecting a new sewer line in Mexico.
The work, expected to begin May 13 and take about a week, will temporarily increase the flow of wastewater across the U.S.-Mexico border. This final stretch is critical for reducing the risk of major pipeline failures and improving the reliability of Tijuana’s aging sewage system.
Once completed, the new International Collector will carry untreated wastewater to both the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego and the San Antonio de los Buenos facility in Mexico. During construction, however, some of that wastewater may be rerouted directly into the ocean through an outfall just south of the border, potentially increasing pollution along South County beaches…