Governor Newsom visits the South Bay sewage treatment plant

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the South Bay Monday to get a first-hand look at sewage treatment plants on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and see the impact of ongoing work. Tijuana sewage crisis.

Raw sewage flowed into the region from the Tijuana River, closing South Bay beaches and raising concerns about long-term health risks residents who live there.

Currently, facilities on both sides of the border are being modernized. According to governorshipthis will reduce wastewater flows by up to 90%.

“The Tijuana River sewage crisis has affected our communities for far too long,” Newsom said. “Thanks to our partnership with international, federal and local partners, we are making real progress. But our work is far from over — we need serious, ongoing action to protect public health and restore the environment.”

San Diego County even invested hundreds of thousands of dollars buy more than 400 air purifiers for residents affected by the sewage crisis to help mitigate odors and reduce potential health risks.

Newsom said he is working with Biden-Harris administration officials on further efforts to restore the treatment facilities.

FOX 5/KUSI’s Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

For breaking news, weather, sports and video streaming, watch FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.