San Diego Chamber Unveils Binational Roadmap to Tackle Tijuana River Pollution Crisis
San Diego, CA – March 12, 2026 – The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce released a comprehensive, binational report on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, outlining a five-pillar strategy to address the decades-long Tijuana River contamination crisis. The report, commissioned by the Prebys Foundation, aims to move the region from discussion to action, focusing on clear, verifiable, and actionable steps to end transboundary pollution.
The Scope of the Problem
The Tijuana River contamination has plagued South San Diego County communities for decades, posing significant public health and environmental risks. The report frames an accounting of past failures as a necessary foundation for a new, effective plan.
Five Pillars for a Solution
The roadmap centers around five key pillars designed to eliminate dry-weather transboundary sewage flows, restore coastal water quality, and establish accountable, sustainable wastewater management in the region. These pillars include:
- Reliable Infrastructure Funding and Rehabilitation: This includes completing all Minute 328 projects, modernizing and expanding the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, and updating Tijuana’s “Gran Visión” plan.
- Reliable and Modernized Operations and Maintenance: Securing predictable funding for operations and maintenance, creating a binational technical committee, and incentivizing Mexico to prevent transboundary river flows are key components.
- Strengthened Governance and Accountability: Establishing a two-tier oversight structure, utilizing the binational technical committee to track project progress, and ensuring transparency are crucial.
Key Stakeholders Weigh In
The report release was accompanied by a press conference at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve in Imperial Beach, CA. Speakers emphasized the urgency of the situation and the require for sustained collaboration.
“For too long, the Tijuana River contamination crisis has been addressed in fragments. What has been missing is a comprehensive, binational roadmap that connects the problem to clear, coordinated action,” said Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Howard, Chamber Board Chair and President and CEO of Sharp HealthCare, added, “No community should have to live with the health risks caused by ongoing sewage contamination. Addressing the Tijuana River crisis is critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring the long-term well-being of our region.”
Dr. Emily Young, Vice President of Programs at the Prebys Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts: “The sewage crisis in the Tijuana River Valley has threatened the health and well-being of children and families for far too long. Prebys Foundation is supporting research and local organizations raising awareness and advocating for solutions. Lasting progress will require governments, philanthropy, and community leaders on both sides of the border working together to advance enduring solutions.”
Courtney Baltiyskyy, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy at the YMCA of San Diego County & Tijuana River Coalition Facilitator, stated, “As a growing community-based coalition convening more than sixty organizations…we recognize the importance of the five-pillar plan. With understanding of this research across communities, tangible solutions, and sustainable funding, we can consistently make progress to fix the infrastructure problems, heal communities impacted, and prevent further harm.”
Looking Ahead
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce hopes this report will serve as an actionable guide to continue momentum toward protecting public health, strengthening the regional economy, and restoring the environmental health of the San Diego-Tijuana region. The report acknowledges past challenges and aims to provide a clear path forward through sustained binational cooperation.
For media inquiries: Hayley Marting, hmarting@sdchamber.org, 559-514-1649