If enacted, the bill would facilitate the construction of infrastructure aimed at improving the water quality of the Tijuana River, which has faced significant pollution challenges. The structures' management and operation would be expected to be taken over by the International Boundary and Water Commission, regulated in compliance with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board's guidelines. This regulatory framework is designed to maintain the integrity of California's water resources while addressing cross-border environmental concerns.
Senate Bill 1438, introduced by Senator Hueso, focuses on addressing water quality issues related to the Tijuana River. The bill intends to propose the development of instream or offline structures that would temporarily or permanently intercept and divert sewage, solid waste, and sediment from the Tijuana River's main channel and tributary canyons. This initiative aligns with the existing frameworks outlined in the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, which governs water quality management in California.
There may be points of contention regarding the implementation and funding of these structures, particularly concerning long-term maintenance and operational costs. Stakeholders may raise questions about the adequacy of existing protocols under the Porter-Cologne Act in managing cross-border water quality issues. Additionally, the bill could evoke discussions around the efficacy and feasibility of employing engineering solutions to handle ongoing pollution issues, particularly given historical environmental challenges faced by the Tijuana River.