The Never-Ending Problem That Needs to Go Away

If you live in or in some other areas of the South Bay near the border, you know the problem. You see the signs about closed beaches and you smell the stink.

The sewage pollution from the broken or inadequate or not ever working sewage plants in Tijuana and at the border in the water and in the air has been going on for decades. It has forced residents to move and it has led to some small businesses to shutter over the years.

Local leaders have been screaming about it going way back to the 1980s. Federal officials have toured the area and have seen the problem, and while millions of dollars have been allocated at times, it seems like it’s not enough to solve the problem.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ vote this week to approve an action plan may turn out to be more symbolic than effective in ending the sewage problem.

But a tipping point may be coming. The ongoing sewage problem in the ocean from the beaches near the border to the beaches in front of the newly $550-million dollar renovated Hotel Del Coronado, remains a threat to tourism and the local economy.

And “action plan” is nice, but it has to lead to some action that actually changes things.

(Photo reporting partner 10News)