Lawmakers demand federal emergency declaration in response to toxic gases from Mexican river
Members of Congress are raising concerns about elevated levels of noxious gas coming from the Tijuana River, posing a health risk to residents of San Diego.
California lawmakers at the federal level are urging for a state of emergency declaration along the southern border to address the increasing levels of toxic gases emanating from the Tijuana River due to pollution in Mexico.
The letter states that recent data indicates “alarming levels of noxious gas are emanating from the Tijuana River,” with researchers warning that prolonged exposure can be harmful to human health.
They noted that millions of gallons of untreated sewage, garbage, and industrial waste flow into the Tijuana River from Mexico daily, pointing to Mexico’s dysfunctional San Antonio de los Buenos Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Recent data has unequivocally shown that these fumes pose an immediate and serious risk to the health and safety of South San Diego residents, necessitating additional support from the community,” the legislators expressed in their letter.
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“Recent studies have identified the airborne spread of toxins from the Tijuana River, showing that the sewage not only poses risks to beach visitors but also to local residents,” they added.
The representatives further revealed that the contamination has rendered San Diego’s beaches the most polluted in the nation, leading to their closure for more than 1,000 consecutive days.
It was also reported that the Navy had to suspend certain in-water training activities in the area to shield their personnel from exposure to toxins.
“New data collected recently underscores the urgency of the situation,” stated the lawmakers.
“Research on the environmental impacts of community health has confirmed unhealthy levels of hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) near the Tijuana River Valley.” HCN has been utilized in chemical warfare, and hydrogen sulfide, commonly associated with the pungent odor of rotten eggs. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of either gas can result in nausea, headaches, neurological problems, and in severe cases, fatality.
The California representatives are appealing for the declaration of a State of Emergency to coordinate a comprehensive government response and secure additional federal support.
“A federal emergency declaration would enable South San Diego residents to access air purifiers and testing equipment crucial for safeguarding against this imminent danger,” the legislators explained.
“Following the State of Emergency declared by President Obama to tackle the lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided residents with essential water filters and monitoring technology.”
