SAN DIEGO — Tons of sewage and trash flooded into the South Bay and covered a sod farm in the Tijuana River Valley after January's storms.
"It was just completely full of trash. Big piles of trash, pallets, tires and plastic," said Daniella, a San Ysidro resident.
Long time South Bay resident John Gomez said he says he's fed up with the trash and pollution.
"Yeah I've been coming here since the 60s. I used to swim here, body surf and all that and it's always had that stench that smell and now it has gotten so bad," Gomez said.
January's storms sent more than 14.5 billion gallons of untreated raw sewage into California from Mexico. All of the trash and debris eventually ends up in our oceans.
Ten weeks after the flooding, trash covering the sod farm is being removed. The International Boundary and Water Commission is leading the efforts with support from the sod farmer. They plan to have crews out cleaning up over the next few weeks.
"The ball is rolling now. Hopefully they'll get it done and get it better anyway," Gomez said.
South Bay residents say it's a step in the right direction but want to see more done to help the Tijuana sewage crisis impacting the region.
"I believe the U.S. is doing their part but Mexico needs to step it up," said Patricia Gomez, a National City resident.
WATCH RELATED: Storm sends 14.5 billion gallons of raw sewage, trash into Tijuana River Valley
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