The State of Baja’s work to Mitigate Pollution Impacting the Tijuana River Valley
Join us at our next International Business Affairs Forum taking place via zoom, which will feature a conversation with Secretary Luis Salomon Faz Apodaca, appointed by State of Baja Governor Bonilla to lead Baja’s recently established Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection Agency (SEPROA). We will also hear from Undersecretary Rigoberto Laborin, formerly Director of Tijuana’s Public Utilities Commission (CESPT), and Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. Secretary Faz Apodaca will provide an overview of SEPROA’s efforts to address transboundary water pollution impacting our binational region and their work to ensure water supply and service across the state.
The Chamber has focused its efforts on advocating for funding for infrastructure projects and for binational coordination via a workplan to address the pollution. United by the international border, San Diego shares a watershed with Tijuana. As a result, any sewage flows from Tijuana’s tightly packed neighborhoods that are not captured and sent for treatment risk ending up downstream on the beaches of southern San Diego County. Rain places additional pressure on Tijuana’s subterranean network of sewage pipes, many of which are in need of replacement and maintenance. For over 30 years, our region has experienced an increased discharge of trash, sediment, chemicals, and wastewater that pose serious health hazards to local communities. Transboundary flows have additionally caused beach closures in the South Bay for years. The southern end of Imperial Beach, for example, has been closed for a total of four years out of the past 11.
SEPROA’s priorities include addressing Baja’s water needs and advancing efforts to clean the Tijuana River channel. Upon the creation of the agency, SEPROA immediately announced a 60-day plan to remove an estimate of 300,000 cubic meters of sediment and solid waste along the Tijuana River channel. The agency also began the rehabilitation and maintenance of Baja’s water infrastructure. These upgrades are estimated to reduce the volume of northbound transboundary flows during the dry season by 70%.
About the International Business Affairs Forums
Through the International Business Affairs Forums, the Chamber provides business leaders with the essential knowledge and resources needed to thrive within the binational marketplace. Attendees also have the opportunity to build and strengthen new relationships, exchange ideas, and debate policies that are relevant to the Cali-Baja business community. Meetings are held monthly, at the San Diego Regional Chamber office or in Tijuana.
Registration is open to Chamber members only. If you are not a Chamber member, please contact Joshua Peters, Membership Benefits Coordinator, at jpeters@sdchamber.org to discuss membership opportunities and attending as a guest.
Event Details
Date: October 21, 2020
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Location:
Zoom
Contact Details:
Kenia Zamarripa
Phone: 619-544-1316
Email: kzamarripa@sdchamber.org
REGISTER
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