Overview

• Researchers published new findings in Science Advances showing ocean spray off Imperial Beach carries benzoylecgonine, methamphetamine and octinoxate from Tijuana River pollution.
• Benzoylecgonine levels spiked in coastal water after rainfall and became airborne during choppy seas, indicating toxins reach South Bay air.
• Senator Booker and Representative Vargas toured the Tijuana River estuary with Mayor Paloma Aguirre to demand stronger federal action on daily sewage discharges.
• Officials report that South County residents have suffered respiratory issues, insomnia and headaches amid more than 700 consecutive days of beach closures.
• Study authors say technical solutions exist but political and policy barriers must be overcome to improve wastewater treatment and cross-border collaboration.