EPA is on track to speed up construction projects aimed at ending a decades-long sewage pollution crisis along the Mexico-San Diego border, Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Thursday.
The U.S. and Mexico will complete two wastewater projects along the Tijuana River faster than anticipated, EPA said in a news release. They will replace deteriorating, leaking wastewater pipes six months ahead of schedule and rehabilitate a backup sewage pump station three months ahead of schedule.
The announcement comes three months after the U.S. and Mexico signed a new memorandum of understanding in which the U.S. agreed to release funding for both projects. Under the agreement, Mexico also agreed to seek millions in funds for two other critical projects to stop the flow of toxic wastewater into the U.S.
“Through intensive collaboration, we were able to cut through red tape, identify efficiencies and overcome bureaucratic hurdles,” Zeldin said in the news release. “While substantial construction work lies ahead, this represents a crucial step in our commitment to protect American communities from cross-border pollution.”
