South County Report: A New Front in the Sewage Battle

For decades, the Tijuana River has been a symbol of cross-border sewage pollution in South San Diego County. Now, the river's reputation as an environmental disaster has taken on a new economic dimension. Business owners in Imperial Beach are calling it an economic Grim Reaper, as they grapple with the consequences of years of unchecked sewage discharges in one of the county's most densely populated regions.

This week, a group of local business owners met with top-ranking officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to share their struggles. The meeting was initiated by Imperial Beach Mayor Mitch McKay, who sought to bring attention to the economic toll the sewage issue is taking on the community.

During the meeting, business owners recounted their experiences with vanishing tourists, lost customers, and decimated revenues. Mike Hess, owner of Mike Hess Brewing, a San Diego brewing company with a location in Imperial Beach, highlighted the reputational damage the area has suffered across the country. "People are not coming to town. That's our problem," he said.

The federal officials, including Deputy Administrator William Briggs and two local representatives from the SBA's San Diego field office, listened intently to the concerns raised by the business owners. It was a stark reminder of the impact the environmental crisis has had on the local economy.

The officials did not come bearing promises, but they assured the business owners that they would convey their concerns to officials in Washington, D.C. They hoped to return with proposals from a federal administration more focused on corporate needs than environmental issues. "I'm here to listen to the concerns and come back with solutions," Briggs said.

This spotlight on businesses marks a new phase in South County's ongoing battle with one of America's worst environmental problems. For years, activists have focused on the environmental and public health consequences of the Tijuana River's year-round flow of untreated sewage. Now, the community is turning its attention to the economic repercussions, as businesses struggle to survive in an area marred by a toxic river.

The meeting between the SBA officials and business owners underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the sewage crisis. While environmental efforts have been made in the past, it is clear that the economic impact on local communities must also be addressed. The hope is that this newfound awareness will lead to more effective solutions that protect both the environment and the livelihoods of those living and working in South San Diego County.