10 Million Gallon Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Completed in Record Time, Years Ahead of Schedule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) announced a significant breakthrough today in addressing the long-standing Tijuana River sewage crisis. An expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in San Diego, originally projected to take two years, was completed in just 100 days.
This rapid expansion adds 10 million gallons per day (mgd) of treatment capacity to the facility, increasing its total from 25 mgd to 35 mgd. This 40% increase is a key component of the Trump Administration’s strategy to provide a permanent solution to the decades-old problem of cross-border sewage flow that has affected communities in the San Diego area.
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“The Trump Administration committed to delivering an urgent and permanent 100% solution to the millions of people afflicted by this crisis, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Just four months after I personally surveyed the environmental devastation… we’ve delivered this critical expansion years ahead of schedule.”
The expedited project is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Mexico City on July 24, 2025, by Administrator Zeldin. The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for a permanent resolution, with a focus on fast-tracking projects and ensuring accountability from both the U.S. and Mexico.
The agreement also includes Mexico’s commitment to fulfill a $93 million financial obligation for previously agreed-upon projects and to begin construction on two key projects by the end of the year.
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U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission Commissioner Chad McIntosh emphasized the collaborative effort. “Today’s achievement is a key part of a durable, comprehensive solution,” McIntosh said, acknowledging the partnership with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. “The President, EPA Administrator, Secretary of State Rubio, Ambassador Ron Johnson, and I are committed to finally ending this problem.”
Local officials praised the rapid action. Supervisor Jim Desmond called the completion proof that the crisis has become a top priority under the current administration. “In just 100 days we’ve seen action instead of excuses,” Desmond stated. Vista Mayor John Franklin added that the swift progress shows what is possible when federal, binational, and local leaders work together.
The Trump EPA is already exploring a further expansion of the SBIWTP to a total capacity of 50 mgd or more by December 31, 2027, to accommodate future growth and permanently end the crisis. This initial expansion is expected to significantly reduce wastewater flowing into the Tijuana River and mitigate the foul odors that have long impacted residents.
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