CORONADO, Calif. — San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer Thursday submitted a request to the Environmental Protection Agency to look into the Tijuana River Valley for a possible Superfund designation.
Friday's news followed a supervisor vote earlier this month delaying the proposal to seek the designation, a 1980 law which lets the EPA clean up contaminated areas -- such as the infamous Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York.
Lawson-Remer decided to act independently, gathering hundreds of signatures on a petition addressed to EPA Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman.
"We submitted our request to the Environmental Protection Agency for them to investigate the Tijuana River Valley for harmful toxins in the soil, sediment and groundwater," Lawson-Remer said. "Protecting our beaches, coastlines and the health of our residents have been among my top priorities.
Some local leaders have joined her push, including Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre; Marcus Bush, National City Council member; National City Mayor Ron Morrison; and Jack Shu, chairman of the San Diego Air Pollution Control District.
However, others have been reticent to enter into what would likely be a lengthy process with no guarantee of benefit at the other end. Nora Vargas, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said all options were on the table, but she needed feedback from the community first.
"The declaration of a Superfund site isn't a "silver bullet" that will solve all of our issues overnight, and in fact, can pose many problems of its own, she said. "For starters, many communities surrounding these Superfund sites have experienced dramatically declining property values.
"It can also create long periods of uncertainty for local residents and businesses, including potential relocation. These are all valid concerns that we must take into consideration. And I will make sure that our community voices are heard throughout this process."
Over the past few years, concerns have grown about pollution in the Tijuana River Valley near the U.S.-Mexico border -- including sewage spills, contaminated beaches and noxious odors. A broken wastewater treatment plant in Baja California is considered the main cause.
"The time for half-measures and excuses is over. Our communities have endured decades of toxic exposure, and every day we delay puts more lives at risk," said Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre. "We demand swift, decisive action - everything in our power must be done to secure the resources, protections, and justice our residents deserve.
"The EPA must act now to designate the Tijuana River Valley as a Superfund site. Our South Bay communities have a right to breathe clean air, drink safe water, and live without fear of contamination. We owe it to every family, every child, and every resident who's been forced to live with this toxic pollution for far too long."
In a statement earlier this month, Vargas said the county "cannot afford to delay" coordinated efforts between the U.S. Congressional delegation and local cities in connection with fixing wastewater treatment facilities. She said she was not opposed to seeking the designation.
Supervisor Jim Desmond said he appreciated more time for the county on how to move forward following the 3-2 vote deciding to delay the EPA petition.
In a statement after the vote, Montgomery Steppe said making the Tijuana River Valley a Superfund site would simply give the county "another tool to combat the decadeslong environmental injustice."
"I do not support the motion to delay the decision for another 90 days, but I look forward to exploring the additional options the county can take," Montgomery Steppe said.