Toxic Gasses From Mexico River Prompt Lawmakers to Call for Federal Emergency

Members of Congress say there are alarming levels of noxious gas emanating from the Tijuana River, endangering the health of San Diego residents.

Raw sewage flows along the Tijuana river located between the primary and secondary borders next to Tijuana, Mexico, in San Diego on June 27, 2024. Mike Bake/Reuters

Federal lawmakers in California are calling for a state of emergency declaration along the southern border to help deal with growing levels of toxic gasses coming from the Tijuana River caused by pollution in Mexico.

A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology, found sewage-associated bacteria in the Tijuana River were reaching dangerous levels.